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Mac OS X: How to Swap Control, Caps Lock, Option, Command Keys

Xah Lee, 2007-12, 2011-06

This page gives some tips on how to swap the Command key with Option key on Mac OS X. (or switching any modifier keys)

Mac OS X

“Keyboard & Mouse” control panel under System Preference in Mac OS X 10.4.x .

Starting with Mac OS X version 10.4, you can switch modifier keys to any other. This is done in “System Preferences”, “Keyboard ＆ Mouse”.

You can also do it with IntelliType. It is a software that is bundled with Microsoft Keyboards. Highly recommended.

• Microsoft IntelliType Hacks
• Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 (review)

Mac OS X 10.3 or Before

If you are using older version of OS X, you might look at the following software:

• “uControl” @ Source gnufoo.org
• “fKeys” @ Source www.kodachi.com
• “DoubleCommand” @ Source doublecommand.sourceforge.net
• “QuicKeys” @ Source startly.com

Windows and Linux

For Windows, you can use AutoHotkey, but requires some coding. See: AutoHotkey Basics.

Or, use my software: How to Swap Caps Lock, Alt, Control Keys on Windows.

For Linux users, GNOME and KDE both provides GUI for switching to the Dvorak Layout and swapping modifier keys.