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The ESC key seems to universally exit fullscreen view. E.g. I have multiple fullscreen 'spaces' with a window occupying each. One of these is a browser. Pressing ESC at any time during my browsing session causes the whole fullscreen space to be exited. I can't find a way to disable this in System Preferences. It's very frustrating.
MacBook Pro 14″
You can't do what you want. It's baked into the OS. You're welcome.
You can't do what you want. It's baked into the OS. You're welcome.
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The only way I can think to do this is to use a utility, such as Karabiner, Keyboard Maestro, BetterTouchTool, etc, and either totally disable the Escape key, or if you want the escape key for some apps, use one of the utilities to customize each app that you want to disable escape.
Even some of the best solutions on YouTube only seem to have a solution for Safari (and even then it's hacky) - nobody seems to be aware of any system-wide solution.
As you can see from much of the chatter, the ability to Disable the ESC Key function may require some Third Party Application(s) to achieve this goal.
Otherwise, without Third Party Application(s) intervention - not possible
Here is what ChatGPT told me, asking it how to use Karanbiner to solve this. It works for me (yay yay finally!!!)
---
To prevent the "Esc" key from causing Safari to exit full-screen mode using Karabiner-Elements on a Mac, you'll directly create a custom configuration. Here's how you can set it up:
### Step 1: Install Karabiner-Elements
### Step 2: Open Karabiner-Elements
Launch Karabiner-Elements from your Applications folder or via Spotlight search.
### Step 3: Navigate to the Configuration File
Since there's no community rule for this specific need, you'll edit the configuration file (`karabiner.json`) directly:
- This file is located at `~/.config/karabiner/`.
- Open `karabiner.json` in your preferred text editor.
### Step 4: Add Your Custom Rule
You're going to add a custom rule to this JSON file. Look for the `profiles` section, and within your current profile, find the `rules` array to add a new rule.
Add the following JSON snippet as a new element in the `rules` array. This rule effectively disables the "Esc" key in Safari by remapping it to do nothing when Safari is the frontmost application:
```json
{
"title": "Custom Modifications",
"rules": [
{
"description": "Disable Esc in Safari to prevent exiting full-screen",
"manipulators": [
{
"type": "basic",
"from": {
"key_code": "escape",
"modifiers": {
"optional": ["any"]
}
},
"to": [
{
"key_code": "vk_none"
}
],
"conditions": [
{
"type": "frontmost_application_if",
"bundle_identifiers": ["^com.apple.Safari$"]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
```
### Step 5: Save and Apply Changes
After adding the rule to your `karabiner.json` file, save the changes. Karabiner-Elements should automatically detect the update and apply the new configuration. If it doesn't, you might need to restart Karabiner-Elements.
### Important Notes:
- This solution specifically targets disabling the "Esc" key within Safari. It's a direct approach to your request, designed to prevent Safari from exiting full-screen mode when "Esc" is pressed.
- Given the specific nature of this modification, it's unlikely to have unintended side effects outside of Safari. However, be mindful of any scenarios where you might need the "Esc" key to function normally within Safari.
- Always back up your `karabiner.json` file before making modifications, allowing you to revert to your original settings if needed.
This method offers a targeted solution for your issue with Safari and full-screen mode. Should you encounter unexpected behavior or need further customizations, you might need to adjust the rule accordingly.
[Edited by Moderator]
You are right, not explanation
The ESC Key is only a key being depressed by the user.
AFAIK - you would have to Reassign the ESC key function to some Other Function - if that can be done.
That or do not use the ESC key when in Full Screen Mode
Created Shortcut is not my forte
FWIW, there are a number of keyboard mapping apps for Macs that may be able to disable the Esc key such as Keyboard Maestro, Ukelele and Karabiner Elements which may suit your need. Feel free to check them out. Of course disabling the Esc key will prevent it from being used for its other functions. Not just leaving Full Screen.
Additionally, to all the other suggestions, Another app that might be able to achieve this is called "Typinator"
https://www.ergonis.com/products/typinator/
But agree that by doing so would disable the Escape Function system wide until changed back to its default settings.
Randall_2023 wrote:
Additionally, to all the other suggestions, Another app that might be able to achieve this is called "Typinator"
FWIW, Typinator is a text expansion tool. Nothing to do with keyboard remapping.
This just explains how to enter and exit fullscreen. It doesn't explain how to disable the ESC shortcut.
Reliability is irrelevant when the channel doesn't actually contain anything related to this particular issue.
This is completely irrelevant. The issue at hand has nothing to do with function keys or how to use them.
The Apple documentation on using Full Screen mode
Use apps in full screen on Mac - Apple Support (CA)
Disabling 'esc to exit fullscreen' shortcut on macOS
