Typical complex_modifications examples

Swap `;` and `:`

Equal to swap ; and shift-;: from.modifiers

{
    "description": "Swap ; and :",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "semicolon",
                "modifiers": {
                    "mandatory": ["shift"],
                    "optional": ["caps_lock"]
                }
            },
            "to": [{ "key_code": "semicolon" }]
        },
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "semicolon",
                "modifiers": {
                    "optional": ["caps_lock"]
                }
            },
            "to": [{ "key_code": "semicolon", "modifiers": ["left_shift"] }]
        }
    ]
}

Change `control-h` to `delete`

Change control-h to delete: from.modifiers
Change control-option-h to option-delete.

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Change control-h to delete",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "h",
                "modifiers": {
                    "mandatory": ["control"],
                    "optional": ["caps_lock", "option"]
                }
            },
            "to": [{ "key_code": "delete_or_backspace" }]
        }
    ]
}

Change mouse button4 and button5 to back and forward

Change mouse button 4 and button 5 to [ + left_arrow and ] + right_arrow.

To use this configuration, you need to enable your mouse in the Devices tab.

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Change mouse button4 and button5 to back and forward",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": { "pointing_button": "button4" },
            "to": [
                {
                    "key_code": "open_bracket",
                    "modifiers": ["left_command"]
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": { "pointing_button": "button5" },
            "to": [
                {
                    "key_code": "close_bracket",
                    "modifiers": ["left_command"]
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}

Note

If the virtual keyboard type is set to something other than ANSI, you need to adjust the key codes to match that keyboard type.

For example, if it is set to JIS, buttons must be configured as follows:

Change button4 to left_command + close_bracket
Change button5 to left_command + backslash

See key code mappings.

Change `caps_lock` to `escape` on the built-in keyboard

An example of using modifiers.optional == [“any”]: from.modifiers
Device-specific rule: device_if, device_unless, device_exists_if, device_exists_unless

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Change caps_lock to escape on the built-in keyboard",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "caps_lock",
                "modifiers": {
                    "optional": ["any"]
                }
            },
            "to": [{ "key_code": "escape" }],
            "conditions": [
                {
                    "type": "device_if",
                    "identifiers": [{ "is_built_in_keyboard": true }]
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}

Change left_command+3 -> 2, left_shift+3 -> @ on the built-in keyboard

An example of using modifiers.optional == [“any”] with modifiers.mandatory: from.modifiers
Device-specific rule: device_if, device_unless, device_exists_if, device_exists_unless

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Change left_command+3 -> 2, left_shift+3 -> @ on the built-in keyboard",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "3",
                "modifiers": {
                    "mandatory": ["left_command"],
                    "optional": ["any"]
                }
            },
            "to": [{ "key_code": "2" }],
            "conditions": [
                {
                    "type": "device_if",
                    "identifiers": [{ "is_built_in_keyboard": true }]
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "3",
                "modifiers": {
                    "mandatory": ["left_shift"],
                    "optional": ["any"]
                }
            },
            "to": [{ "key_code": "2", "modifiers": ["left_shift"] }],
            "conditions": [
                {
                    "type": "device_if",
                    "identifiers": [{ "is_built_in_keyboard": true }]
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}

Disable `command-l` on Finder

Application-specific rule: frontmost_application_if, frontmost_application_unless

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Disable command-l on Finder",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "l",
                "modifiers": {
                    "mandatory": ["command"],
                    "optional": ["caps_lock"]
                }
            },
            "conditions": [
                {
                    "type": "frontmost_application_if",
                    "bundle_identifiers": ["^com\\.apple\\.finder$"]
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}

Post `escape` if `left_control` is pressed alone

Post events when a key is pressed alone: to_if_alone
Post events when a key is held down: to_if_held_down
The lazy modifier: to.lazy

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Post escape if left_control is tapped",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "left_control",
                "modifiers": { "optional": ["any"] }
            },
            "to": [
                {
                    "key_code": "left_control",
                    "lazy": true
                }
            ],
            "to_if_alone": [{ "key_code": "escape" }],
            "to_if_held_down": [{ "key_code": "left_control" }],
            "parameters": {
                "basic.to_if_alone_timeout_milliseconds": 100,
                "basic.to_if_held_down_threshold_milliseconds": 100
            }
        }
    ]
}

This uses "lazy": true to prevent left_control from being sent immediately after the key is pressed. Instead, it explicitly sends left_control using to_if_held_down when the key is held down for a short period.

Open `Safari` if `escape` is held down

Post events when a key is pressed alone: to_if_alone
Post events when a key is held down: to_if_held_down
Open an application: open_application

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Open Safari if escape is held down",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "escape",
                "modifiers": { "optional": ["caps_lock"] }
            },
            "parameters": {
                "basic.to_if_alone_timeout_milliseconds": 250,
                "basic.to_if_held_down_threshold_milliseconds": 250
            },
            "to_if_alone": [{ "key_code": "escape" }],
            "to_if_held_down": [
                {
                    "software_function": {
                        "open_application": {
                            "bundle_identifier": "com.apple.Safari"
                        }
                    }
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}

Paste (command+v) if `escape` is held down

Post events when a key is pressed alone: to_if_alone
Post events when a key is held down: to_if_held_down

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Paste (command+v) if escape is held down",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "escape",
                "modifiers": { "optional": ["any"] }
            },
            "parameters": {
                "basic.to_if_alone_timeout_milliseconds": 250,
                "basic.to_if_held_down_threshold_milliseconds": 250
            },
            "to_if_alone": [{ "key_code": "escape" }],
            "to_if_held_down": [
                {
                    "key_code": "v",
                    "modifiers": ["left_command"],
                    "repeat": false
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}

Change `option+tab` to `command+tab`

This example is available since Karabiner-Elements 15.9.17 (beta).

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Change option+tab to command+tab",
    "manipulators": [
        // Change left_option to left_command if tab key is pressed together.
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "left_option",
                "modifiers": { "optional": ["any"] }
            },
            "to": [{ "key_code": "left_option" }],
            "to_if_other_key_pressed": [
                {
                    "other_keys": [
                        {
                            "key_code": "tab",
                            "modifiers": { "optional": ["any"] }
                        }
                    ],
                    "to": [
                        {
                            "key_code": "left_command"
                        }
                    ]
                }
            ]
        },

        // Change right_option to right_command if tab key is pressed together.
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "right_option",
                "modifiers": { "optional": ["any"] }
            },
            "to": [{ "key_code": "right_option" }],
            "to_if_other_key_pressed": [
                {
                    "other_keys": [
                        {
                            "key_code": "tab",
                            "modifiers": { "optional": ["any"] }
                        }
                    ],
                    "to": [
                        {
                            "key_code": "right_command"
                        }
                    ]
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}

Change `right_shift x2` to `mission_control` (new style)

This example is available since Karabiner-Elements 15.5.19.

Use variable:
- expression_if, expression_unless
- to.set_variable
to_delayed_action

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Change right_shift x2 to mission_control (new style)",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "right_shift",
                "modifiers": { "optional": ["any"] }
            },
            "to": [
                { "apple_vendor_keyboard_key_code": "mission_control" },
                { "key_code": "vk_none" }
            ],
            "conditions": [
                {
                    "type": "expression_if",
                    "expression": "right_shift_x2_expiration > system.now.milliseconds"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "right_shift",
                "modifiers": { "optional": ["any"] }
            },
            "to": [
                {
                    "set_variable": {
                        "name": "right_shift_x2_expiration",
                        "expression": "system.now.milliseconds + 300"
                    }
                },
                { "key_code": "right_shift" }
            ]
        }
    ]
}

Change `right_shift x2` to `mission_control` (old style)

Use variable:
- variable_if, variable_unless
- to.set_variable
to_delayed_action

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Change right_shift x2 to mission_control (old style)",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "right_shift",
                "modifiers": { "optional": ["any"] }
            },
            "to": [
                { "apple_vendor_keyboard_key_code": "mission_control" },
                { "key_code": "vk_none" }
            ],
            "conditions": [
                {
                    "type": "variable_if",
                    "name": "right_shift pressed",
                    "value": 1
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "right_shift",
                "modifiers": { "optional": ["any"] }
            },
            "to": [
                {
                    "set_variable": {
                        "name": "right_shift pressed",
                        "value": 1
                    }
                },
                { "key_code": "right_shift" }
            ],
            "to_delayed_action": {
                "to_if_invoked": [
                    {
                        "set_variable": {
                            "name": "right_shift pressed",
                            "value": 0
                        }
                    }
                ],
                "to_if_canceled": [
                    {
                        "set_variable": {
                            "name": "right_shift pressed",
                            "value": 0
                        }
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ]
}

Change double press of `q` to `escape`

This example is available since Karabiner-Elements 15.3.7.

Use variable:
- variable_if, variable_unless
- to.set_variable
to_delayed_action

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Change double press of q to escape",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "q",
                "modifiers": { "optional": ["any"] }
            },
            "to": [
                { "set_variable": { "name": "q pressed", "value": false } },
                { "key_code": "escape" }
            ],
            "conditions": [
                { "type": "variable_if", "name": "q pressed", "value": true }
            ]
        },
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "q",
                "modifiers": { "optional": ["any"] }
            },
            "to": [{ "set_variable": { "name": "q pressed", "value": true } }],
            "to_delayed_action": {
                "to_if_invoked": [
                    {
                        "key_code": "q",
                        "conditions": [
                            {
                                "type": "variable_if",
                                "name": "q pressed",
                                "value": true
                            }
                        ]
                    },
                    { "set_variable": { "name": "q pressed", "value": false } }
                ],
                "to_if_canceled": [
                    {
                        "key_code": "q",
                        "conditions": [
                            {
                                "type": "variable_if",
                                "name": "q pressed",
                                "value": true
                            }
                        ]
                    },
                    { "set_variable": { "name": "q pressed", "value": false } }
                ]
            }
        }
    ]
}

Change `equal+delete` to `forward_delete` if these keys are pressed simultaneously

from.simultaneous

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Change equal+delete to forward_delete if these keys are pressed simultaneously",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "simultaneous": [
                    { "key_code": "equal_sign" },
                    { "key_code": "delete_or_backspace" }
                ],
                "modifiers": { "optional": ["any"] }
            },
            "to": [{ "key_code": "delete_forward" }]
        }
    ]
}

Input Unicode characters via the clipboard

to.hold_down_milliseconds

With this setting, pressing fn+x copies ✅🆗 to the clipboard and then pastes it.

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Input ✅🆗 by fn+x",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "x",
                "modifiers": {
                    "mandatory": ["fn"]
                }
            },
            "to": [
                {
                    "shell_command": "/bin/echo -n '✅🆗' | LANG=en_US.UTF-8 /usr/bin/pbcopy",
                    "hold_down_milliseconds": 200
                },
                {
                    "key_code": "v",
                    "modifiers": ["left_command"]
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}

The key point is to specify LANG when running pbcopy. If you don’t, the string won’t be copied correctly.

Input Unicode characters using Unicode Hex Input

to.select_input_source

In this setting, fn+d changes the Input Source to Unicode Hex Input and inputs ✅ (U+2705). Therefore, you need to enable Unicode Hex Input in Input Source settings.

💡 How to use this example

{
    "description": "Input ✅ by fn+d",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "type": "basic",
            "from": {
                "key_code": "d",
                "modifiers": {
                    "mandatory": ["fn"]
                }
            },
            "to": [
                {
                    "select_input_source": {
                        "input_source_id": "com.apple.keylayout.UnicodeHexInput"
                    },
                    "hold_down_milliseconds": 200
                },
                {
                    "key_code": "2",
                    "modifiers": ["left_option"]
                },
                {
                    "key_code": "7",
                    "modifiers": ["left_option"]
                },
                {
                    "key_code": "0",
                    "modifiers": ["left_option"]
                },
                {
                    "key_code": "5",
                    "modifiers": ["left_option"]
                },
                {
                    "select_input_source": { "language": "en" }
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}

Typical complex_modifications examples

Swap ; and :

Change control-h to delete

Change mouse button4 and button5 to back and forward

Change caps_lock to escape on the built-in keyboard

Change left_command+3 -> 2, left_shift+3 -> @ on the built-in keyboard

Disable command-l on Finder

Post escape if left_control is pressed alone

Open Safari if escape is held down

Paste (command+v) if escape is held down

Change option+tab to command+tab

Change right_shift x2 to mission_control (new style)

Change right_shift x2 to mission_control (old style)

Change double press of q to escape

Change equal+delete to forward_delete if these keys are pressed simultaneously

Input Unicode characters via the clipboard

Input Unicode characters using Unicode Hex Input

Swap `;` and `:`

Change `control-h` to `delete`

Change `caps_lock` to `escape` on the built-in keyboard

Disable `command-l` on Finder

Post `escape` if `left_control` is pressed alone

Open `Safari` if `escape` is held down

Paste (command+v) if `escape` is held down

Change `option+tab` to `command+tab`

Change `right_shift x2` to `mission_control` (new style)

Change `right_shift x2` to `mission_control` (old style)

Change double press of `q` to `escape`

Change `equal+delete` to `forward_delete` if these keys are pressed simultaneously