Notice that holding the shift key as well as the option key while pressing a letter key may create 'capital' versions of what results when the same letter key is pressed while the option key but not the shift key is held. If an r is pressed instead, the two characters are not compatible so the result is `r. For example, holding down ⌥ Option while pressing ` will create a highlighted grave accent which will be added to the next letter if possible – so if an e is then pressed, the resultant character is è. The Option key can also provide access to dead key functionality. English keyboard input, ⌥ Option+ a produces the ' å' character, and ⌥ Option+ 4 produces the cent sign '¢'. The options available differ depending on the keyboard input locale that the user has selected. The use of the Option key is similar to that of the AltGr key on European keyboards of IBM-compatible PCs, in the sense that it can be used to type additional characters, symbols and diacritical marks. Use of the Option key Alternative keyboard input In this regard, it is akin to the AltGr key, found on some IBM-compatible PC keyboards.

It is not used to access menus or hotkeys, but is instead used as a modifier for other command codes, and also to provide easier access to various accents and symbols. The Option key in a Mac operating system functions differently from the Alt key under other Unix-like systems or Microsoft Windows. Since the 1990s, 'alt' has sometimes appeared on the key as well, for use as an Alt key with non-Mac software, such as Unix and Windows programs as of 2017, the newest Apple keyboards such as the Magic Keyboard no longer include the 'alt' label. From 1980 to 1984, on the Apple II series, this key was known as the closed apple key, and had a black line drawing of a filled-in apple on it.

(As of 2005, some laptops had only one to make room for the arrow keys.)Īpple commonly uses the symbol U+2325 ⌥ OPTION KEY to represent the Option key. There are two Option keys on modern (as of 2020) Mac desktop and notebook keyboards, one on each side of the space bar. It is located between the Control key and Command key on a typical Mac keyboard. The Option key, ⌥, is a modifier key present on Apple keyboards. The Option key may be labeled Alt, Option, ⌥, or any combination thereof.

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