Skip to content
ToolGPA

Karabiner-Elements

Free, open-source keyboard customizer for macOS

FreeUtilitiesChecked Oct 5, 2026
Visit karabiner-elements.pqrs.org

What is Karabiner-Elements?

Karabiner-Elements is a free, open-source keyboard customizer for macOS. Simple key-to-key changes are set in its settings window, while more involved rules, such as turning Caps Lock into a modifier combination or sending a different key when a key is tapped alone, are written or imported as JSON. Changes can be limited to specific keyboards and grouped into profiles.

Karabiner-Elements is free to use. See every plan

Good for

  • Mac users who want to remap keys or modifiers at no cost
  • People using PC, JIS or other non-Apple keyboards on a Mac
  • Vi and Emacs users who want their key bindings everywhere on macOS

Worth knowing

  • macOS only. The current release supports macOS 13 Ventura and later; earlier systems need older versions from the download menu.
  • Rules beyond simple key swaps are defined as JSON, either imported from the community gallery or written by hand.
  • It cannot modify the fn key on non-Apple keyboards, or the eject key on some keyboards such as the Apple Wired Keyboard.

Key features

Simple modifications
Change one key to another key from the settings window, with no rules to write.
Complex modifications
Rule-based changes: turn a key into a combination of modifiers, map a modifier plus key to another key, send a different event when a key is pressed alone, or act on keys pressed simultaneously.
Community rule gallery
Predefined rules such as Vi and Emacs key bindings, diamond cursor and mouse keys can be imported from the project's rule site, then edited or replaced with your own.
Per-device settings and profiles
Apply modifications only to chosen keyboards, keep multiple profiles, and switch between profiles from the menu bar icon.
Function and extra keys
Map f1 to f12 to media controls, and enable extra keys on PC keyboards that macOS does not recognize by default, such as international and language keys.
Works at secure prompts
Modifications keep working in Secure Keyboard Entry environments, such as password prompts and terminals with that option turned on.

Karabiner-Elements pricing

Starts at
Free
Free plan
Free to use without any purchase. Funding is optional, through GitHub Sponsors or a $10 PayPal payment that the author describes as effectively a donation.
Free trial
None listed
Karabiner-Elements$0The complete app, open source and usable without any purchase. Supports Intel-based and Apple silicon Macs.

Read from karabiner-elements.pqrs.org on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Karabiner-Elements before you buy.

Pricing in detail

Karabiner-Elements alternatives

All Karabiner-Elements alternatives comparedAll desktop utilities

Common questions

Is Karabiner-Elements free?

Yes. Karabiner-Elements is free to use. Free to use without any purchase. Funding is optional, through GitHub Sponsors or a $10 PayPal payment that the author describes as effectively a donation.

How much does Karabiner-Elements cost?

Karabiner-Elements lists one plan. Karabiner-Elements: $0. Prices were read from karabiner-elements.pqrs.org on Oct 5, 2026.

What platforms does Karabiner-Elements work on?

Karabiner-Elements is available on macOS.

Does Karabiner-Elements have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Karabiner-Elements is listed for macOS.

Does Karabiner-Elements have an iPhone app?

No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Karabiner-Elements is listed for macOS.

Is Karabiner-Elements open source?

Yes. Karabiner-Elements is open source, according to its own site.

Who makes Karabiner-Elements?

Karabiner-Elements is made by pqrs.org (Takayama Fumihiko).

What are the alternatives to Karabiner-Elements?

The closest alternatives to Karabiner-Elements in our directory are BetterTouchTool, Keyboard Maestro and Hammerspoon. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Karabiner-Elements.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026.