Enable the Tab Key to Skip between OK and Cancel Buttons
One of the most annoying things I’ve found in OS X is that the tab key doesnt tab between dialogue box options. Im sure you’ve noticed this as well especially if you are a previous Windows user. Whenever you are presented with a box asking you to hit OK or Cancel it would be logical to allow the tab key move between the two options so you dont have to stop what your doing to pick up the mouse.
After 3 years of using a Mac and hating the fact that I cant use the tab key, I finally stumbled across the way to fix it (litterally stumbled, I was checking out StumbleUpon). To correct this annoyance is as simple as opening up the system preferences and checking a box. Why this isnt on by default, I have no idea. Below is how to enable the tab key to skip between the OK and Cancel button.
- Open system preferences
- Go to Mouse and Keyboard Settings
- Go to Keyboard Shortcuts
- select the option at the bottom to allow “All Controls”.
Thats it, your done. Come on Apple this is a pretty obvious setting that should be set as the default.
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thanks for the tip. been a mac user for a year and found this so annoying.
for a company that prides itself on simplicity and ergonomics who would guess that they would leave this off by default?
Didn’t know that; thanks!
Hi,
When I follow your tip all I manage to do is toggle an outer blue highlight - not the solid blue OK one. Pressing return on the outer highlight has no effect except being a big tease!
Any thoughts?
Kind regards,
Ross
Hey Ross,
Use the space bar instead of return to select the button and it should work fine.
An easier way is simply to press Ctrl+Fn+F7. That’ll toggle between all controls and the standards textboxes, etc.