How to change modifier keys on a Mac: swap Command and Control, remap Caps Lock

Make Caps Lock a Control key, swap Command and Control for a Windows habit, or fix a Windows keyboard. The built in Modifier Keys setting, per keyboard.

Guide · Updated 22 October 2026

How do I change modifier keys on a Mac?

  1. Open System Settings, Keyboard, then Keyboard Shortcuts….
  2. Click Modifier Keys.
  3. Under Select keyboard, choose the keyboard to change, if you have more than one.
  4. For each key, choose what it should do: Caps Lock, Control, Option, Command, Escape, the globe key, or No Action.

Changes apply at once. Click Restore Defaults to undo them.

What are the most useful changes?

ChangeWhy
Caps Lock to ControlControl under your little finger, for Control shortcuts and window keys
Caps Lock to EscapeEscape without stretching, popular with Vim users
Swap Command and ControlCopy and paste where a Windows hand expects them
On a Windows keyboard, swap Option and CommandPuts Command next to the space bar, as on a Mac keyboard

Does the change affect every keyboard?

No. Each keyboard has its own setting, chosen under Select keyboard. You can swap keys on a Windows keyboard and leave the MacBook's own keyboard alone.

Can I turn Caps Lock into a hyper key?

Not with this setting, which maps one key to one other key. A hyper key needs an extra app. See the hyper key.

What each symbol means: Mac keyboard symbols. Holding several keys is hard? Sticky Keys lets you press them one at a time.

Checked on 22 October 2026 on a MacBook Air (M1) running macOS 27.0.1: Modifier Keys, Select keyboard and the key choices were read from System Settings, Keyboard.

Questions

How do I swap Command and Control on a Mac?

In System Settings, Keyboard, Keyboard Shortcuts, Modifier Keys, set Control to Command and Command to Control.

Can I make Caps Lock a Control key on Mac?

Yes, in Modifier Keys, set Caps Lock to Control.

Does remapping keys affect all keyboards?

No. Each keyboard has its own setting.

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