Assign function keys to umlauts

keybindingskeyboard

I'm using Apple's wired keyboard with number pad.

keyboard

Above the number pad there are 4 unassigned function keys (F16 to F19) which I would like to assign to the German umlauts ä, ö, ü and the sharp s ß.

Is there a way to do that?

Best Answer

It would be realizable with a -> Service. Such Automator Services are quite fast...but too slow for a smooth typing flow. However, there are third-party hotkey managers that are suitable for this.

  • Butler: not updated for a long time, but very powerful and fast (and free)
  • BetterTouchTool: quick and easy to use
  • Alfred: might be too slow
  • and many more...

With Butler you can execute text directly (!), with the others you might need an AppleScript. Open the Script-Editor to get the IDs for the umlauts:

id of "Ü"

The necessary Applescript for "Ü" would then look like this:

tell application "System Events" to keystroke (string id 220)

Assign e.g. shift-F19 (because of capitalization)

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