Fact · Dictation on Mac
On macOS Ventura or later, you can make the top-row keys work as standard function keys without pressing Fn, by choosing Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys under Function Keys in Keyboard settings.
Checked against its source on October 17, 2026
In the source's own words
“Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys”
How to use the function keys on your Mac (Apple Support), Apple Inc., Apple Support, n.d., Change the default behavior of the keys.
Open the original- What it measures
- Apple's steps begin with the Apple menu, then System Settings, then Keyboard, then Keyboard Shortcuts, then Function Keys. Earlier macOS versions use a different path, which Apple also lists on the page.
- What it does not show
- Apple says standard function keys work differently depending on the app and on the keyboard shortcuts you have set up. Change the setting back to return to the default behavior.