Key Remapper

A lightweight macOS menu bar app for remapping keyboard keys.

Download for macOS

Version 1.1 · Free · macOS 13.0+ · ⚠ Not available on your platform

Features

Remap Any Key

Remap keys to other keys, key combinations, or block them entirely.

Instant Caps Lock

HID-layer remapping bypasses macOS debouncing for zero-delay response.

System Keys

Remap brightness, volume, media controls, Mission Control, and Launchpad.

Key Combinations

Map a single key to output a key with modifiers, like Caps Lock to Cmd+Z.

Menu Bar App

Runs quietly in the background with an optional menu bar icon.

Launch at Login

Start automatically when you log in. Enable in Settings.

Example Mappings

Caps Lock → Escape
Vim users favorite
Caps Lock → ⌘ Space
Quick Spotlight access
§ → `
Fix ISO keyboard layout
Insert → Block
Disable accidental presses
🎤 Dictation → ⌘⇧4
Repurpose unused keys
Right ⌘ → Right ⌥
Swap modifiers

Installation

1
Download and install Open the DMG file and drag Key Remapper to Applications.
2
Grant permission Allow Accessibility access in System Settings when prompted.
3
Restart the app Quit and relaunch the app after granting permission.
4
Add mappings Click the menu bar icon, open Settings, and create your first mapping.
Requires macOS 13.0 or later

FAQ

Why does the app need Accessibility permission?

Accessibility permission is required to intercept keyboard events system-wide. Without it, the app cannot detect or remap key presses.

Why is there no delay when remapping Caps Lock?

Key Remapper uses HID-layer remapping for Caps Lock, which operates at the hardware driver level. This bypasses the 75ms delay that macOS normally applies to Caps Lock.

Can I hide the menu bar icon?

Yes. Open Settings and disable "Show menu bar icon". To access Settings again, simply launch the app from Applications.

How do I quit the app if the menu bar icon is hidden?

Launch the app from Applications to open the Settings window, then click "Quit Key Remapper".

Do my mappings persist after restart?

Yes. All mappings are saved automatically and restored when the app launches. Enable "Launch at login" in Settings to have remappings active immediately after you log in.

Can I remap keys only for specific apps?

Not currently. All remappings are system-wide and apply to every application.