Apple Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard with iPad: Function Keys

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Level 1

9 points

Apple Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard with iPad: Function Keys

I just got an iPad and the Apple keyboard for work. I need to use the functions keys as standard function keys and not to control volume, brightness, etc. Is there a way to do this? I can't seem to find anything in the settings menus.

Posted on Aug 5, 2010 10:15 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 5, 2010 10:39 PM in response to Celina Reyes

Celina Reyes wrote:
I just got an iPad and the Apple keyboard for work. I need to use the functions keys as standard function keys and not to control volume, brightness, etc. Is there a way to do this? I can't seem to find anything in the settings menus.

I don't believe so. Why do you need function keys on an iPad? I don't know of a single app that requires them.

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Answer 2

Celina Reyes Author

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9 points

Aug 6, 2010 12:44 PM in response to OrangeMarlin

I am using an app designed specifically for my job and the function keys would make it easier. I can still manage, but it slows me down.

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Answer 3

ghusarik

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Sep 4, 2010 6:01 AM in response to Celina Reyes

I have and iPad and am using a spread sheet program with it (Quickoffice HD) I bought a wireless keyboard to use with it. I also need the function keys to work like function keys. I hold the Fn key and hit F1 and nothing happens. I have seen complaints about the app's keyboard support, but all the other keys seem to work. I have also seen old posts about the function keys not working on the Apple BT keyboard until you install a new driver. How can I confirm if the problem is with the keyboard or the app? And if it is the keyboard how do I fix it?

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Answer 4

sacfan

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Dec 23, 2010 2:14 PM in response to ghusarik

Any of us using Epic's Electronic Medical Record software, and there are 100's of thousands of us, need to use F2 to be efficient using the software. Certainly there's a solution for easily using function keys with the iPad and an external keyboard (and the internal keyboard too, for that matter). Programmers?

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Answer 5

Philly_Phan

Level 7

20,707 points

Dec 23, 2010 3:01 PM in response to Celina Reyes

Can the app be designed to use F5 through F9? As far as I know, these keys are unassigned.

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Answer 6

Feb 12, 2011 7:18 PM in response to Philly_Phan

although you probably have an answer to this can't you just hold the fn button and press the appropriate function key?

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Answer 7

Philly_Phan

Level 7

20,707 points

Feb 13, 2011 7:10 AM in response to sacfan

sacfan wrote:
Any of us using Epic's Electronic Medical Record software, and there are 100's of thousands of us, need to use F2 to be efficient using the software. Certainly there's a solution for easily using function keys with the iPad and an external keyboard (and the internal keyboard too, for that matter). Programmers?

If there are truly hundreds of thousands of users, one would think that the developers would have considered the actual operation of the iPad before they designed in non-functioning features.

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Answer 8

Mar 1, 2011 8:00 PM in response to Philly_Phan

There are many corporate software applications that are either ported straight to iOS or run through a platform such as Citrix, and these apps (especially Citrix based) cannot be explicitly re-written to omit or re-map function keys.

What I believe we're asking for here is whether it is possible, and if so how, we can use function keys. Not why we need to in the first place. As a frequent Citrix user for my workplace, I'm keen to get an answer on this as well. Staying on topic would be appreciated.

My question to add to this discussion is this: does the iOS platform itself support Fkeys, or is it just a case of the apps not integrating support for them? Any developers around to throw in their thoughts?

Thanks =)

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Answer 9

Mar 2, 2011 8:29 PM in response to Celina Reyes

I am a Citrix Receiver and Epic health medical record user. I find the F key functionality very frustrating. Within Citrix Receiver one can use the F2 key on the virtual keyboard by pressing Alt and Then Fn and then F2 or any other F key that you need. Unfortunately this does not work with the Apple bluetooth keyboard. I checked with Citrix website, there is very little info provided but they do state that F keys are not supported due to Apple imposed limitations. If anybody knows of a workaround, I would greatly appreciate it.

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Answer 10

Mar 2, 2011 8:54 PM in response to sacfan

I assume that you are using Epic via Citrix Receiver. To get F key to work you must press Alt and Fn on the virtual keyboard, then any F key you need. This is obviously not very convenient and can not be duplicated on the bluetooth keyboard. The only way I found to make F2 key work relatively well is to click and hold on the screen which is equivalent to right click in Citrix. This brings up the dialog that allows you to move to next or previous field. Not a perfect solution, I realize.

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Answer 11

rhj4

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Aug 20, 2011 5:12 PM in response to OrangeMarlin

Telling someone they don't need a capability is not helpful. I am experiencing the same problem. None of the top row of keys work as function keys or anything else, and I have already had one person tell me that I don't need them when I can watch you tube videos that clearly show them working AND useful.

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Answer 12

Bellipod

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Dec 7, 2011 7:29 AM in response to ghusarik

Check out this video, might help - sorry if it dint

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct0GkpYsAno

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Answer 13

Aug 2, 2012 6:48 PM in response to Tomasz Gutowski

Have you got the F2 key to work in epic? I just started using it and I am having the same issue. I read that the updated version fixed it but the fix is to put a small F2 button on my screen that I have to tap on the screen. I would especially like to use it on the keyboard.

Also I am wondering if you are using the ipad with epic while you see patients. I am piloting it for my office and my other issue is printing. I am wondering how you can choose to print After visit summaries while with patients.

THANKS! Any help would be immensely appreciated.

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Answer 14

Aug 2, 2012 6:49 PM in response to sacfan

Have you got the F2 key to work in epic? I just started using it and I am having the same issue. I read that the updated version fixed it but the fix is to put a small F2 button on my screen that I have to tap on the screen. I would especially like to use it on the keyboard.

Also I am wondering if you are using the ipad with epic while you see patients. I am piloting it for my office and my other issue is printing. I am wondering how you can choose to print After visit summaries while with patients.

THANKS! Any help would be immensely appreciated.

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Answer 15

npkeith

Level 1

0 points

Feb 5, 2013 9:39 PM in response to Celina Reyes

For EPIC users: If you you Citrix receiver, pull up the keyboard, and tap on the gear icon on the right side near the top of the keyboard section. You can scroll past things like Tab and Next, until you come to the F keys. Flip the slider next to F2 to on, and an F2 button will appear at the top bar of the keyboard. It worked for me today, but I would still like an external keyboard with F-keys....

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