# Karabiner-Elements

Remap any key on any keyboard on macOS, with layers, complex modifications, and per-device rules.

HTML: https://softbests.com/software/karabiner-elements
Markdown: https://softbests.com/software/karabiner-elements.md
Website: https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org

- Category: [Productivity](https://softbests.com/category/productivity)
- Pricing: Open source
- Platforms: macOS
- Underrated

## Best for

Mac users who want Caps Lock as Escape or Control, home-row arrows, or one keyboard layout across several devices.

## Why it deserves attention

Karabiner-Elements sits between the keyboard and macOS, so remaps apply system-wide and survive app switches, including Caps Lock, function keys, and modifier-only combinations. It supports conditional rules per device, app, or variable, a layers model for momentary and toggled modes, and a large library of community complex modifications, plus a CLI for scripting changes. It is Unlicense with about 23,000 GitHub stars and free. It is macOS-only, needs Input Monitoring and Accessibility permissions, and deep configurations are easier to maintain as JSON files than through the GUI.

## Can replace

- Karabiner

## Related and alternatives

- [Keyboard Maestro](https://softbests.com/software/keyboard-maestro)
- [Rectangle](https://softbests.com/software/rectangle)