How to Change Keyboard Settings on Mac: Complete Guide 2026

Introduction

Knowing how to change keyboard settings on a Mac lets you do far more than just fix a sticky key. You can remap modifier keys, create custom shortcuts for any app, switch between languages, set up automatic text replacements, and even display a virtual keyboard on screen. Apple puts all of these controls in one place—but they’re spread across a few different menus, so it helps to know exactly where to go.

This guide shows you exactly how to change keyboard settings on a Mac, covering the eight most important tweaks every user should know. For a deeper dive on creating your own shortcuts, see our custom keyboard shortcuts on Mac guide . If you want to add or switch between languages, our input source and language switching guide has step‑by‑step instructions.

How to Change Keyboard Settings on a Mac: The Complete Walkthrough

1. Access the Keyboard Settings Hub

Open System Settings from the Apple menu () and click Keyboard in the sidebar. This is the central hub for all keyboard settings, including key repeat, modifier keys, and text replacements.

If you’re using an external keyboard, a separate tab for that keyboard may appear when it’s connected, allowing you to set its own modifier keys and repeat behavior independently from the built‑in keyboard.

2. Adjust Key Repeat and Delay Until Repeat

If you find that keys repeat too slowly or too quickly, you can adjust both settings:

Key Repeat rate: Controls how fast a character repeats when you hold down a key. Drag the slider from Slow to Fast.
Delay Until Repeat: Controls how long you must hold a key before it starts repeating. Drag from Short to Long.

Test the setting by holding down a key in any text field. If you prefer no repeating at all (useful for accessibility), drag both sliders all the way to the left.

3. Remap Modifier Keys

Do you use a Windows keyboard with your Mac, or do you simply want Caps Lock to act as Control? You can remap modifier keys:

In System Settings > Keyboard, click Keyboard Shortcuts (or on newer macOS versions, click Modifier Keys button—if not visible, it’s now in Keyboard Shortcuts > Modifier Keys).
Select your keyboard from the dropdown (internal or external).
For each modifier (Caps Lock, Control, Option, Command), choose what you want it to do.
Click Done.

A common remap: change Caps Lock to Control, which is popular among programmers. Or swap Command and Option if you’re coming from a Windows background and want familiar shortcuts.

4. Customize Keyboard Shortcuts

macOS lets you assign your own keyboard shortcuts to menu items in any app, or create global system shortcuts.

In System Settings > Keyboard, click Keyboard Shortcuts.
Browse categories on the left: Launchpad & Dock, Mission Control, Screenshots, etc.
To add a custom shortcut for a specific app, click App Shortcuts, then the + button.
Choose the app (or All Applications), type the exact menu command name, and press your desired key combination.
Click Add.

For a full walkthrough with examples, see our custom keyboard shortcuts on Mac guide .

5. Change Input Source (Language)

If you type in multiple languages, you can add new keyboard layouts.

In System Settings > Keyboard, click Text Input (or Input Sources on older macOS).
Click Edit, then the + button to add a new language.
Choose the layout (e.g., French, Spanish, Japanese, Dvorak).
Enable Show Input menu in menu bar to see a flag icon for quick switching.
To switch between input sources, click the flag icon in the menu bar and select the language, or use the default shortcut Control + Space (or Globe key on newer Macs).

For details on switching and managing multiple layouts, see our input source and language switching guide .

6. Turn on Text Replacements

You can set up abbreviations that automatically expand into full phrases. For example, typing “omw” could become “On my way!”

In System Settings > Keyboard, click Text Replacements.
Click the + button.
Enter the Replace text (e.g., “@@”) and the With text (e.g., your email address).
Click Add.

These work globally in most Apple apps and many third‑party ones. They sync via iCloud across your Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

7. Enable the Keyboard Viewer

If you need to see special characters, accents, or emoji, or if a physical key is broken, the on‑screen Keyboard Viewer helps.

In System Settings > Keyboard, click Edit next to Input Sources.
Toggle on Show Input menu in menu bar.
Click the flag/input menu in the menu bar and select Show Keyboard Viewer.

A virtual keyboard appears on screen, reflecting your current layout. Press physical keys and watch them light up. To insert special characters, hold down modifier keys (Option, Shift) to see accents and symbols.

8. Use Siri & Dictation

Keyboard settings also cover dictation. In System Settings > Keyboard, click Dictation and toggle it on. Once enabled, press the microphone key (if available) or use the shortcut (default: press Control twice) to start dictating. This is handy for hands‑free typing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my modifier keys reset after restart?
Check if you have a second keyboard connected. Each keyboard saves its own modifier mappings. If you swap keyboards, you may need to reconfigure.

Can I create a shortcut that works in all apps?
Yes. In Keyboard Shortcuts > App Shortcuts, select All Applications when adding a shortcut.

How do I reset keyboard settings to default?
There’s no single reset button. You can manually revert each setting: remove custom shortcuts, restore modifier keys to original, and delete text replacements.

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