Official documentation
Keyboard settings on Mac
Apple (Mac User Guide, macOS 27), 2026
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- Apple's reference for every option in the Keyboard pane of System Settings, including what the fn or Globe key does when pressed and the Dictation options (languages, microphone source, shortcut, auto-punctuation).
- How much weight it carries
- Primary documentation for macOS 27. Describes the options, not how well they work.
Facts taken from this source
- In Keyboard settings, the Start Dictation option for the fn key starts Dictation when you press the key twice, and Apple says you may first be asked to enable Dictation.
“Start Dictation: Starts dictation when you press the key twice (you may be asked to enable dictation first).” (Press fn key to)
- In Keyboard settings, the fn key option can be set to Start Dictation, which starts dictation when you press the key twice.
“Starts dictation when you press the key twice” (Press fn key to or Press key to)
- In Keyboard settings on a Mac, the option for what the fn or Globe key does can be set to Start Dictation, which starts dictation when you press that key twice.
“Choose what happens when you press the key on the keyboard ... Start Dictation: Starts dictation when you press the key twice (you may be asked to enable dictation first).” (Press fn key to, or Press Globe key to)
- In Keyboard settings, the 'Press fn key to' option, which sets what the fn or Globe key does, has four choices: Change Input Source, Show Emoji & Symbols, Start Dictation and Do Nothing. Start Dictation starts Dictation when you press the key twice.
“Start Dictation: Starts dictation when you press the key twice (you may be asked to enable dictation first). Do Nothing: Nothing happens.” (Keyboard settings table, row 'Press fn key to or Press key to')
Pages that rest on this source
- Where is the dictation key on a Mac keyboard?Question
- Why is the dictation shortcut not working on my Mac?Question
- Dictation for RSI and Carpal Tunnel: Type Less by VoiceGuide
- How to Use Dictation on a MacGuide
- Voice Typing in Google Docs, Word and Every Other AppTopic
- How to Turn On Voice Typing on Every DeviceGuide
- Mac Dictation Shortcut: Keys and Custom HotkeysGuide
- Why Mac Dictation Is Not Working, and How to Fix ItGuide
- How do you turn off voice typing?Question
- What is the Dictate shortcut in Word on a Mac?Question
- What is the shortcut for voice typing?Question
- How do you change the dictation shortcut on a Mac?Question
- How do you turn off dictation on a Mac?Question
- Globe key (Fn key)Glossary