Here's a breakdown of how to do it using the built-in settings and some popular third-party apps.
Creating Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
This is the most common way to customize your keyboard and is especially useful for creating shortcuts for menu commands that don't have them by default.
1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
2. Click on Keyboard in the sidebar.
3. Click on Keyboard Shortcuts....
4. In the left-hand panel, select App Shortcuts.
5. Click the + button.
6. A new window will appear:
Application: Choose a specific app from the pop-up menu or select "All Applications" to create a universal shortcut.
Menu Title: Type the exact name of the menu command you want to create a shortcut for. It must be an exact match, including any punctuation (e.g., "Export as PDF..."). For sub-menus, use "->". For example, "File->Export as PDF...".
Keyboard Shortcut: Click in this field and press the key combination you want to use.
Click Done.
The new shortcut will be active immediately after you close the settings window.
Changing Keyboard Layouts
You can switch between different keyboard layouts to support various languages or typing styles (like Dvorak or Colemak).
1. Open System Settings.
2. Click on Keyboard.
3. Click on the Edit... button next to Input Sources.
4. Click the + button to add a new layout. You can search for a language or a specific layout like "Dvorak" or "Colemak".
5. Once added, you can switch between layouts using the Input menu icon in the menu bar or a keyboard shortcut (you can set one in the Keyboard Shortcuts settings).
Using Third-Party Software
For advanced customization beyond what macOS offers, there are several powerful third-party applications:
Keyboard Maestro: A comprehensive automation tool that lets you create powerful macros and custom shortcuts. You can tie multiple actions together with a single keystroke.
BetterTouchTool: While known for customizing trackpad and mouse gestures, it also provides extensive options for creating and remapping keyboard shortcuts and commands.
Karabiner-Elements: A highly popular and free tool that allows you to remap any key on your keyboard. It's especially useful for remapping function keys, creating complex key-based rules, and managing multiple keyboard profiles.
Remapping Modifier Keys
If you use a third-party keyboard (like a Windows keyboard) or just prefer a different layout, you can change the function of the modifier keys (Control, Option, Command, and Caps Lock).
1. Open System Settings.
2. Click on Keyboard.
3. Click on Keyboard Shortcuts....
4. In the left-hand panel, select Modifier Keys.
5. From the drop-down menu, select the keyboard you want to customize.
6. Use the pop-up menus to reassign the functions of the Caps Lock, Control, Option, and Command keys.
