By default, the Mac assigns the Function keys on your keyboard (also called the F Keys) such as – F1, *F2, F3 and so on – to special features. For example, F1 decreases the brightness of your screen, F12 increases your Mac’s volume, F4 displays Launchpad and so on.

If you have applications that use these F keys as shortcuts, then you will need to press the Fn key in combination with the F key to launch the shortcut. Now if these applications are a regular part of your workflow and you end up using the Fn + F key shortcuts more often than the special F key functions, then you might want the F keys to behave as standard function keys.

To reverse the behavior of the F keys, open the Keyboard pane of System Preferences, click the Keyboard tab and then uncheck the box next to Use all F1, F2, etc. Keys as standard function keys. You can now use F key shortcuts with your applications without needing to press the Fn key. Of course, if you wish to perform the default functions printed on the F keys such as dimming/increasing the brightness of your screen or increasing/decreasing your Mac’s volume, you will need to press the Fn key in conjunction with the F key.

To Use the F Keys as Standard Function Keys

1. Select  from the menu.
2. Click System Preferences.
3. Under the Hardware area, click the Keyboard icon.
4. Click the Keyboard tab.
5. Uncheck the box next to Use all F1, F2, etc. Keys as standard function keys

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