Official documentation
How to use the function keys on your Mac (Apple Support)
Apple Inc., Apple Support, n.d.
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- Apple's support article on the top row of keys on an Apple keyboard. It explains that the row can control built-in Mac features, shows Dictation among the example symbols, and says how to use the keys as standard function keys with the Fn or Globe key.
- How much weight it carries
- The official Apple article. It shows an example keyboard and says that not all keyboards carry the same symbols, so it does not promise which key position Dictation uses on every model.
Facts taken from this source
- On an Apple keyboard, holding the Fn or Globe key while you press a top-row key performs the action assigned to the F key instead of the symbol's feature.
“Press and hold the Function (Fn)/Globe key while pressing a function key.” (How to use the function keys on your Mac, Use the keys as standard function keys)
- Apple's function-key guide shows Dictation among the symbols on the top row of an Apple keyboard, next to display brightness, Mission Control and Spotlight, and says not all keyboards have the same symbols.
“Not all keyboards have symbols for the same functions, but the example pictured here shows symbols for controlling display brightness , Mission Control , Spotlight , and Dictation” (Top row of function keys)
- Apple's function-key guide shows Dictation among the symbols on the top row of an Apple keyboard, and says not all keyboards have symbols for the same functions.
“Not all keyboards have symbols for the same functions, but the example pictured here shows symbols for controlling display brightness” (How to use the function keys on your Mac, Use the keys to control features)
- 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.
“Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys” (Change the default behavior of the keys)
Pages that rest on this source
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- What is the Dictate shortcut in Word on a Mac?Question
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