Option key

The Option ( engl. option key ) is a special key on the keyboards for Apple computers. On desktop keyboards are usually two selection buttons (each in addition to the command buttons) on keyboards for portable computers, there was lack of space only a - next to the left command button. With the newer models, two selection buttons are available again.

The inscription on the dial key is in Germany the old designation to the Unicode symbol ⌥ for a microswitch. This symbol is also used in menus to specify keyboard shortcuts. On English keyboards, the name is optional. On the keyboards from other manufacturers can be found in general, both designations. In the years 1980-1984 the Option key wore a filled apple, which should distinguish it from the command button.

Due to the printed symbol ( ⌥ ) the button is now colloquially referred to as a " bathtub " button.

The key is similar at first glance, much the Alt key on Windows and Unix computers; on USB keyboards both send the same scan code. However, under Mac OS X, they fulfill other functions as the Alt key on Windows and Unix:

Use with Mac OS X

Character input

Similar to the Alt- Gr key, the Option key is used in conjunction with the letter and number keys to produce special characters and diacritics. For example, the combination ⌥ L generates the @ sign or ⌥ C, the ç.

Menus and function fields

The dial button can alter the function or the appearance of menus and buttons in different programs. Examples are:

• Finder: Hold down the Option key causes a click in the " Close Window " field close all program windows
• Dock: Clicking while holding down the Option key with the right mouse button on a dock icon will appear in the context menu instead of hiding and exit the Options Hide Others and Quit.
• ITunes: Instead of a "normal" playlist, you can create a Smart Playlist Option-drag

Usually, the user specifies the preferred function in the program settings, the selection button reverses this setting.

Navigation

In text fields can the select button for quick navigation use the cursor:

• ⌥ Arrow keys left / right: The cursor moves one word forward / backward.
• ⌥ arrow keys up / down: The cursor jumps to the beginning / end of the paragraph.

Up to version 10.3.x operating system Mac OS option button could also be used with the scroll bars. Clicking on an arrow while holding down the Option key causes the jump to a page instead of as usual only a few lines. Is the Option key when you click on a location in the scroll bar, the document jumps to the chosen location instead of just to the next page. In newer versions, you can configure this setting via the system appearance.

Mouse actions

• If you click while holding down the Option key in a straight non active program window, the view changes to the selected program, and the current program is hidden.
• Performs one drag and drop while holding down the Option key, that person will not be moved, but creates a copy of the file at the destination.

System

When the system is started by holding down the Option key, a dialog that allows the user to select a partition or drive you want to boot from the appear. On newer Macs with Intel processors can thus also of the Windows discs and partitions boot up if the Boot Camp software is installed.

• Computer Key
• Apple