Repolode
Submit
pqrs-org

pqrs-org/Karabiner-Elements

A macOS key remapper that lets you customize keyboard keys, modifiers and shortcuts at the system level.

Open-source alternative to:Karabinerr

View on GitHubWebsite
Stars
23,062
Forks
958
Open issues
33
Last commit
2 days ago

What is it?

Karabiner-Elements is a key remapper for macOS. It intercepts keyboard input at the system level so you can change what individual keys do, for example turning Caps Lock into another modifier or assigning new behavior to key combinations, without depending on a specific application.

The tool runs background services that handle keyboard events and includes a virtual keyboard driver. Users configure remapping rules, and the project documents how to write them in its online docs. It supports macOS 13 Ventura through macOS 27 on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, depending on the release.

The repository also contains the full source for building the macOS package yourself, which requires Xcode, XcodeGen and CMake. Code signing identities are needed, and permissions must be granted again if you switch from the official build to your own.

Key features

  • 01Remaps individual keys and key combinations at the macOS system level.
  • 02Runs background services that process keyboard events.
  • 03Includes a virtual keyboard driver.
  • 04Supports both Intel-based and Apple Silicon Macs on recent macOS versions.
  • 05Can be installed from the official site or via Homebrew cask.

Use cases

  • Turning Caps Lock or other rarely used keys into modifiers or custom shortcuts.
  • Creating keyboard layouts or key behaviors that differ between keyboards.
  • Building a custom keyboard workflow on a Mac without depending on app-specific settings.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Install Karabiner-Elements with Homebrew

    brew install --cask karabiner-elements
  2. 2

    Or download the app from the official site

Things to know

  • Only runs on macOS, supporting macOS 13 Ventura and later.
  • Building from source requires Xcode 26+, macOS 15+, and a code signing identity.

In collections

Open-source Mac apps

Topics

#macos#keyboard#key-remapping#input-method#productivity#developer-tools

FAQ

What is Karabiner-Elements?
A macOS key remapper that lets you customize keyboard keys, modifiers and shortcuts at the system level. Karabiner-Elements is a key remapper for macOS. It intercepts keyboard input at the system level so you can change what individual keys do, for example turning Caps Lock into another modifier or assigning new behavior to key combinations, without depending on a specific application.
Is Karabiner-Elements free to use? What license does it have?
Karabiner-Elements is open source under the Unlicense license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is Karabiner-Elements still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to Karabiner-Elements was on Nov 5, 2026.
What can I use Karabiner-Elements for?
Turning Caps Lock or other rarely used keys into modifiers or custom shortcuts. Creating keyboard layouts or key behaviors that differ between keyboards. Building a custom keyboard workflow on a Mac without depending on app-specific settings.
How do I install Karabiner-Elements?
Install Karabiner-Elements with Homebrew: brew install --cask karabiner-elements Or download the app from the official site
Where can I get Karabiner-Elements?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/pqrs-org/Karabiner-Elements

Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.

Related projects