How to make your tab key work like it should on a Mac

Written by chris on January 19, 2009 – 12:08 pm

Example If you’re a Mac user, then you probably get frustrated by the way the tab key functions (or should I say DOESN’T function). When navigating forms, instead of tabbing to drop down boxes or buttons like it would on a PC, the tab key will skip to the next text box or list (see example to the right). Fortunately, there is a simple solution built into OS X.

Step 1: Open up your system preferences and click “Keyboard and Mouse”

Step 1

Step 2: Click the “Keyboard Shortcuts” tab and in the “Full Keyboard Access” section at the bottom, select “All Controls”

Step 2

That’s it. Finally you can fill out forms without constantly switching between your keyboard and your mouse / trackpad. If for some reason you don’t want this setting active all the time you can enable/disable it by pressing Ctrl+F7.

Viewing 27 Comments

Reena Verma 1 day ago 1 point
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Wonder full writing skills you got mate.

Have a nice day
James Don
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qqss 5 days ago 1 point
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just do it

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shania twain 2 weeks ago 1 point
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Nice post.Excellent job

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Life in Japan 2 weeks ago 1 point
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If for some reason you don’t want this setting active all the time you can enable

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Cotton Yarn Exporter 3 weeks ago 1 point
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That’s it. Finally you can fill out forms without constantly switching between your keyboard and your mouse / trackpad.

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Life in England 3 weeks ago 1 point
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Thanks for sharing this great tip for all Windows users. Looking forward for more great tips.

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Commercial Internet 1 month ago 1 point
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This is the best post on this topic i have ever read.

Thanks
Daisy Hill
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Tom Ford Sunglasses 1 month ago 1 point
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Tutorial is very helpful for creating Tab key on Mac, thanks for sharing your knowledge

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Hampers 1 month ago 1 point
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Great resource especially to those who wants to make their navigation time easy flowing: no glitches at all.

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shows online 1 month ago 1 point
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I had to disable it cause it always auto-tabs to things I don't want like links and FireFox chrome.

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http://newtvshowsonline.org/

millipo13 2 months ago 1 point
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Generally I do not post on sites, but I would like to say that this article really forced me to do so! Thanks, really nice article.

regards
Lessman
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rock1 2 months ago 1 point
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it always auto-tabs to things I don't want like links and FireFox chrome.
Colon Cleanse

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philadelphia tummy tuck doctor 3 months ago 1 point
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The information you presented helps me a lot especially that I uses Mac on my PC. The tab will really help me shorten my my task. With the step by step procedure everybody will surely from this post. ;)

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hummer hire birmingham 4 months ago 1 point
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I would like to know more on this when is the next post comming

Have a nice day
Devis marin
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marquee carpets 4 months ago 1 point
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Where can i have more info on this ?

respect
Gastin freal
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ChoiStultz989 4 months ago 1 point
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Hi nice to read this I realy like it

respect
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SpeightDechant9457 4 months ago 1 point
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i have posted your blog on my site

respect
james orel
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OhSmallwood889i 4 months ago 1 point
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my inernet not working properly I have bookmarked ur story i'll read it latter

Have a nice day
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BookerHarkless898 4 months ago 1 point
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i would love to read more from you on this

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Club Penguin Cheats 5 months ago 1 point
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I had to disable it cause it always auto-tabs to things I don't want like links and FireFox chrome.

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http://www.club-penguin.org/

licitatii online gratuite 6 months ago 1 point
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that is a great share, very usefull.

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http://www.bidbuy.ro/

james 6 months ago 1 point
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Thaaaaaannnnk yoooouu!!

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anunturi gratuite online 6 months ago 1 point
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how many good tutorials do you have?
thank you

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http://www.anunturi1.ro/

John 1 year ago 1 point
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I knew about this already, but had to disable it cause it always auto-tabs to things I don't want like links and FireFox chrome.

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jonathanpberger 1 year ago 1 point
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Default behavior on a mac is to use select a drop-down menu using Tab, and navigate within the menu using the arrow keys. Personally, I like not having to hit tab 200 times when I hit the "Country" field that's part of most forms.

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Chris Hutchins 1 year ago 1 point
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When I choose "All Controls" and tab to a Country drop-down, I still use the arrows to select the Country, while the tab key moves to the next field. My default was "Text boxes and lists only" which would skip the Country drop-down altogether.

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Christopher 1 year ago 1 point
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Holy smokes, thanks!

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How to make your tab key work like it should on a Mac