Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

@mid9commander
Created November 9, 2010 15:56
Show Gist options
  • Save mid9commander/669273 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Save mid9commander/669273 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
fn key mode in ubuntu for MBP
Change Function Key behavior
This section of the document describe how to change the behavior of 'fn' key to better match what user expect. (See #201711, #162083)
Here a description of each behavior :
0 = disabled : Disable the 'fn' key. Pressing 'fn'+'F8' will behave like you only press 'F8'
1 = fkeyslast : Function keys are used as last key. Pressing 'F8' key will act as a special key. Pressing 'fn'+'F8' will behave like a F8.
2 = fkeysfirst : Function keys are used as first key. Pressing 'F8' key will behave like a F8. Pressing 'fn'+'F8' will act as special key (play/pause).
Ubuntu 9.04 and Newer
Temporarily
This section describe how to change the behavior of 'fn' with immediate effect (Restarting will reset the configuration). Execute the following commands to change the fnmode parameters. See section above for a description of available value.
$ sudo bash
# echo 2 > /sys/module/hid_apple/parameters/fnmode
# exit
Permanently
This section describe how to change the behavior of 'fn' permanently. There is many way to proceed with this modification. Each sub section describe one way to permanently change the configuration.
With .conf file (Recommended)
1. Edit or create the file /etc/modprobe.d/hid_apple.conf, e.g.:
sudo gedit /etc/modprobe.d/hid_apple.conf
2. Add this line to the previously open file.
options hid_apple fnmode=2
3. Save the file and execute the following command to notify hid_apple module to reload it's configuration.
sudo update-initramfs -u
4. Reboot
Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment