DoubleCommand a free OS X Preference Pane that allows you to remap (some of) the keys on your keyboard. It’s particularly useful if you’re using a Windows keyboard with your Mac.
From their feature list page:
Enter key acts as a Command key Enter key acts as a Control key Enter key acts as an Option key Enter key acts as an fn key (partial support, cursor keys only) Command key acts as an Option key Command key acts as a Control key Option key acts as a Command key Control key acts as a Command key Swaps Control key and Option key Capslock key acts as a Control key fn key acts as a Control key Swaps numpad . with numpad shift+. Shift + Delete acts as a Forward Delete Disable Command and Option PC style Home and End keys Backslash (\) acts as a Forward Delete Swap function key behavior on new ‘Books Disable Capslock Enter key acts as Forward Delete Caps lock acts as delete
Though you can alter the behavior of some of the Modifier Keys (listed below) from the Keyboard & Mouse section of the System Preferences, DoubleCommand offers far more options.
Apple Modifier Keys
is the Command (or Apple) key located next to the space bar on both sides on most Mac keyboards.
is the Option (or Alt) key located next to the Command keys on both sides on most Mac keyboards (only on the left side of MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards)
is the Control key located next to the Option keys on both sides on most Mac keyboards (only on the left side of MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards)
is the Shift key located above the Control key on both sides on most Mac keyboards (above the Control key and arrow keys on MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards)
To make changes with DoubleCommand, download and install the program, then locate it in the Other section of your System Preferences.
From here you can alter numerous keys.
Any entry that has an asterisk (*) next to it means there’s a tip you’ll want to review before setting that option. Hover your mouse above that entry to see the tooltip.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
KeyRemap4MacBook is much more versatile (especially for those switching from Windows) and apparently works on all OS X machines, not just MacBooks (I use it on a Mac Mini). The program can be found at http://www.pqrs.org/tekezo/macosx/keyremap4macbook/ and there is a review on this site: http://www.crabappleforest.com/2008/04/keyboard-hacks-part-2/ (scroll down).
I will emphasize what the above review states: “NEVER INSTALL BOTH DOUBLECOMMAND AND KEYREMAP4MACBOOK ON THE SAME SYSTEM!!! These two pieces of software both try to use the same “hooks” into the system and if you install both, neither will work, and more than likely your keyboard will stop working.” I know that DoubleCommand gets all the press, but KeyRemap4MacBook has many more possible key mappings and has worked flawlessly for me.
@Jack -
Thanks for bringing keyremap4macbook to my attention. It looks very promising.
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