A free, powerful and stable keyboard customizer app for macOS

Karabiner Elements

Karabiner Elements

  -  30.8 MB  -  Freeware
Karabiner is a highly effective macOS system utility app that can help users of all knowledge levels to remap their keyboard, adjust the delay until repeat time interval, create customized keyboard layouts that are perfect for typing in multiple languages, setup any imaginable personalized keyboard shortcuts and more. With just a few minutes of setting up new keyboard behaviors, you can optimize your workflow, increase your productivity and enable you to more easily access your favorite apps or perform specific keyboard macros.
 
To achieve this broad range of functions, the app comes with the expansive Customization tools, aimed to both enable users to create simple keyboard shortcut presets, and also fine-tune the exact behavior of their keyboard.

Prior to the app version 9.3.0, Karabiner Elements app was known as “KeyRemap4MacBook. All versions of the tool are optimized for use on all Mac products, including Macbook, iMac, Mac mini and Mac Pro.

Installation and Use

Karabiner Elements is a lightweight application, but it packs a wide array of functions that can change the basic functioning of your MacOS desktop or laptop. Be aware that after installing it you also need to add it to the list of the applications that can take control over your Mac. You can do so by opening your System Preferences and adding it to the list of apps in Security & Privacy tab.
 
After this is done, the app will appear in your status bar with a small icon that describes currently loaded profile. Clicking on profile name will open a drop-down menu with the list of the currently available profiles, shortcut to the Preferences screen, app updater and the shortcut to the EventViewer service that can help you check if the various shortcut settings are actually effective inside your specific applications. Profiles can be switched either via status bar menu or with the custom keyboard shortcuts. In the Preferences window, you can create new Profiles in the MenuBar tab, and set up the exact keymapping rules, key repeat timing, and status messages. It is important to note that search for specific keybindings can be accelerated using the built-in search tool inside the Change Key tab. Novices can edit customization offerings presented by the app, but seasoned users have full freedom to create and manage their own private.xmp file holding all their keyboard customization options.

Features and Highlights
  • Remap your keyboard with ease.
  • Create specific key press repeat time intervals.
  • Manage multiple shortcut profiles.
  • Available for the entire Mac family of devices
  • Compatible with MacOS 10 and newer (Intel only)
  • 100% Free!


  • Karabiner Elements 15.3 Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    Karabiner Elements 15.3 Screenshot 1
  • Karabiner Elements 15.3 Screenshot 2
  • Karabiner Elements 15.3 Screenshot 3
  • Karabiner Elements 15.3 Screenshot 4
  • Karabiner Elements 15.3 Screenshot 5

What's new in this version:

Fixed:
- Fixed the behavior when setting the function keys to act as regular f1...f12 keys instead of media controls

New Features:
Added the following variables for variable_if, variable_unless:
- system.scroll_direction_is_natural
- system.use_fkeys_as_standard_function_keys

Improved:
- The key names in the Function Keys settings became clearer when "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys" is enabled.