Laptop Keyboard Assignments

Laptops often use cords to emulate keys that are less common, in order to save some space relative to a full size keyboard. Unfortunately, each laptop is slightly different, or does not display those keys. This guide helps show what they keys are on a variety of systems I commonly use.

"Typical function" describes the default OS behavior of the key without any modifier (such as Control). Note that specific applications may assign different functions to these keys.

Full Sized Keyboard Key Typical Function MacBook Pro Lenovo ThinkPad T490 Notes

Home Move to the start of a line FN-← Home

End Move to the end of a line FN-→ End

Page Up or PGUP Move up a screen-full FN-↑ PgUp

Page Down or PGDN Move down a screen-full FN-↓ PgDn

Backspace Delete the character to the left of the cursor. Delete Backspace

Delete Delete the character to the right of the cursor. FN-Delete Delete

Insert Toggles between "insert" and "overwrite" text entry modes. None Insert

Print Screen Toggles between "insert" and "overwrite" text entry modes. None PrtSc Macs don't have a dedicated key--they leverage other buttons.

Full Sized Keyboard Key	Typical Function	MacBook Pro	Lenovo ThinkPad T490	Notes
Home	Move to the start of a line	FN`-`←	Home
End	Move to the end of a line	FN`-`→	End
Page Up or PGUP	Move up a screen-full	FN`-`↑	PgUp
Page Down or PGDN	Move down a screen-full	FN`-`↓	PgDn
Backspace	Delete the character to the left of the cursor.	Delete	Backspace
Delete	Delete the character to the right of the cursor.	FN`-`Delete	Delete
Insert	Toggles between "insert" and "overwrite" text entry modes.	None	Insert
Print Screen	Toggles between "insert" and "overwrite" text entry modes.	None	PrtSc	Macs don't have a dedicated key--they leverage other buttons.

Specific Laptop Notes

MacBook Pro: My primary personal laptop. Specifically, it's a "13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports." This system uses a reduced keyboard, with many special keys assigned cords. It does not have a numeric keypad.
Lenovo ThinkPad T490: My current WorkTop, assigned by work. Most "standard" keys are represented. It does not have a numeric keypad.

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Created by I. Charles Barilleaux
Last Update: 2021-04-02