# Using Windows Keymap in Mac and Intellij

Finally, the day comes as I don't want to remember two sets of hotkeys of Intellij IDEA in MacOS and Windows while using a Windows Keyboard.

The target is to swap the control/command buttons on the keyboard in all applications except IntelliJ so I can use `ctrl + c/v/a/f/...` through the whole system.

Before starting, better to check which type of the Windows keyboard you have - [ANSI vs ISO: What’s the best keyboard layout?](https://www.corsair.com/us/en/explorer/gamer/keyboards/ansi-vs-iso-whats-the-best-keyboard-layout/)

### Swap the Control and Command Key

Because the difference in the layout of Windows Keyboard and Mac Keyboard, we need to swap the Control and Command key.

### Use the Standard Function Key

![](/files/epgWtF8bgfgPQICIdPpg)

### Use XWin Keymap

Download the XWin Keymap and use it.

![](/files/TtaPeGKglTelZf84YPs0)

![](/files/0NQuUVIHWRNAweMXW9pt)

### Cancel the Swap of Keys for Intellij IDEA Only

[Karabiner-Elements](https://github.com/pqrs-org/Karabiner-Elements) is used here.

Swapped the control/command buttons on the keyboard in all applications except IntelliJ so I can use `ctrl + c/v/a/f/...` through the whole system.

```
{
    "description": "control/command swap",
    "manipulators": [
        {
            "conditions": [
                {
                    "bundle_identifiers": [
                        "^com\\.jetbrains.+"
                    ],
                    "type": "frontmost_application_unless"
                }
            ],
            "from": { "key_code": "left_control" },
            "to": [{ "key_code": "left_command" }],
            "type": "basic"
        },
        {
            "conditions": [
                {
                    "bundle_identifiers": [
                        "^com\\.jetbrains.+"
                    ],
                    "type": "frontmost_application_unless"
                }
            ],
            "from": { "key_code": "left_command" },
            "to": [{ "key_code": "left_control" }],
            "type": "basic"
        }
    ]
}
```

Note that using this configuration all the JetBrains products' keymap will be updated.

### Disable `CTRL + →` and `CTRL + ←` Switches Desktops

Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Mission Control and change the settings for "Move left a space" and "Move right a space" or disable them completely.

So that the experience when coding in Intellij will be the same as moving between words.

### Disable Some macOS Shortcuts

There may have some conflicts between the XWin keymap and macOS keymap.

![](/files/vsZM83brwQ3FXtY5Hbnc)

![](/files/0SzAb8ey82oNTNdvxbve)

![](/files/yudLrX4in5Jz9u0CWqcK)

### Update the Keymap in VMWare

![](/files/2Zvzc6f1N4BsxnFDjgvi)

If your VMWare window flickers randomly, try the following configuration,

![](/files/PagjfKKNdu3kVpBs0sX7)

### Update XWin Keymap in macOs

* Map the Insert to your keyboard (on my keyboard the `Insert` key is mapped to `Help` in Intellij, not sure if it's the same to others...),
  1. New\...
  2. Generate...

## TO BE CONTINUED

I will check if other settings need to be updated to keep the experience aligned between coding in Windows and coding in macOS, stay tuned.

Another option: [macOS for all](https://github.com/samvtran/jetbrains-macos-keybindings-for-all#key-updates) to use macOS keymap for windows or linux.

## Reference

* [Intellij Default windows keymap on Mac OS X](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/35874608/intellij-default-windows-keymap-on-mac-os-x)
* [Essential IntelliJ IDEA keyboard shortcuts](https://ruleoftech.com/2015/essential-intellij-idea-keyboard-shortcuts)
* [How to use Windows keymap on Mac and in your favorite IDE for example IntelliJ?](https://viktorreinok.medium.com/how-to-use-win-hotkeys-on-mac-and-in-your-favorite-ide-for-example-intellij-c125da1fd1f1)


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