# F1, F2, F3 keys not working **URL:** \ **Category:** Cubase\ **Tags:** tips-and-tricks\ **Created:** [February 16, 2015, 4:55pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431 "2015-02-16T16:55:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jeremykeys](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/jeremykeys/32/144356_2.png) [@Jeremykeys](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/Jeremykeys)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2015, 4:55pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/1 "2015-02-16T16:55:54Z")
The strangest thing has happened. For some reason, my Function keys are not working at all. They used to, but then suddenly they just seem to have stopped. I’m wondering if I may have accidentally turned them off? Is it even possible? If so, does anybody here know how to turn them back on, please? I use the F2 and F3 keys a lot and now having to use the drop down menus just interups my workflow. If anyone can help me, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! Jermykeys the hopelessly lost! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![raino](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/raino/32/165_2.png) [@raino](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/raino)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2015, 7:35pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/2 "2015-02-16T19:35:27Z")
If you go into File/Key Commands and click in the Type in Key field and enter F2 etc. does it say it’s assigned to the Transport? If not maybe your key assignments have gotten corrupted. You could try resetting to the defaults, but you’d of course loose any custom Key Commands unless you’ve saved them as a preset. Do any Key Commands work as expected? ---
**Author:** ![Jeremykeys](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/jeremykeys/32/144356_2.png) [@Jeremykeys](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/Jeremykeys)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2015, 8:40pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/3 "2015-02-16T20:40:06Z")
Some do. Just not the function keys it seems. I don’t have any custom keys set up so maybe I’ll just try the re-set. I assume it automatically goes to the defaults. Thanks for helping! ---
**Author:** ![Jeremykeys](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/jeremykeys/32/144356_2.png) [@Jeremykeys](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/Jeremykeys)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2015, 8:44pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/4 "2015-02-16T20:44:18Z")
I just tried the re-set but it didn’t work. Hmmmm. ---
**Author:** ![Elektrobolt](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/elektrobolt/32/238_2.png) [@Elektrobolt](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/Elektrobolt)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2015, 11:56pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/5 "2015-02-16T23:56:27Z")
Does your computer keyboard have “alternate” function keys (not the Alternate key on the keyboard), sort of like laptops, tablets or a number of wireless keyboards has, perhaps? ---
**Author:** ![raino](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/raino/32/165_2.png) [@raino](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/raino)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2015, 12:10am UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/6 "2015-02-17T00:10:04Z")
> [@Jeremykeys](#): > > I just tried the re-set but it didn’t work. Hmmmm. But if you go into Key Commands and enter say F2 in the field does it show up there as F2 and if it does, is it assigned to anything? If as Electrobolt suggests the physical key is transmitting something other than F2 it should show whatever that is in the field instead of F2. I’d also avoid using F1 to debug this since it is tied to help and will bring help up if used in the Key Commands dialog. ---
**Author:** ![Jeremykeys](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/jeremykeys/32/144356_2.png) [@Jeremykeys](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/Jeremykeys)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2015, 11:24pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/7 "2015-02-20T23:24:32Z")
So, the problem is solved and I would truly like to thank all of you for all the great ideas! You all are awesome! However, the problem was one created only by myself because of my sheer ignorance and, well, let’s just called it for what it is. Stupidity! I have a Microsoft Ergonomic computer keyboard. It has an F Lock button up at the top. It also has a bucket load of buttons but I’ve never used them for no better reason than, well, I’ve never really paid all that much attention to them. I bought the keyboard because my wife has one and it is simply the most comfortable one I’ve ever used. Now, down on the hand rest, in the middle are a column of 4 green leds. Usually only the top and bottom are lit but today I just happened to notice that the bottom one was off. Upon closer inspection I saw an uppercase F in a box beside the LED. Hmmm I thought. Wonder what that is? Thought about it a bit more and came to the conclussion that it had something to do with my “F” keys not working. That’s “F” keys even though I was thinking Effing Keys. Looking closer I found the “F Lock” key. Pressed it and my LED came back on. Went to Cubase and lo and behold, The Puppy Works! Of course, now I feel really stupid. But that will pass quickly because I’m old and senile! 😊 Once again, thank you all very very much for your patience and help! Jeremykeys the apparently quite blind! ---
**Author:** ![raino](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/raino/32/165_2.png) [@raino](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/raino)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2015, 5:52pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/8 "2015-02-21T17:52:42Z")
We’ve all had those duh I can’t believe I missed that moments. 😒 Glad you figured it out ---
**Author:** ![falseblank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f17d59/32.png) [@falseblank](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/falseblank)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2015, 3:10am UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/9 "2015-04-11T03:10:49Z")
> [@Jeremykeys](#): > > So, the problem is solved and I would truly like to thank all of you for all the great ideas! You all are awesome! However, the problem was one created only by myself because of my sheer ignorance and, well, let’s just called it for what it is. Stupidity! > I have a Microsoft Ergonomic computer keyboard. It has an F Lock button up at the top. It also has a bucket load of buttons but I’ve never used them for no better reason than, well, I’ve never really paid all that much attention to them. I bought the keyboard because my wife has one and it is simply the most comfortable one I’ve ever used. > > Now, down on the hand rest, in the middle are a column of 4 green leds. Usually only the top and bottom are lit but today I just happened to notice that the bottom one was off. Upon closer inspection I saw an uppercase F in a box beside the LED. Hmmm I thought. Wonder what that is? Thought about it a bit more and came to the conclussion that it had something to do with my “F” keys not working. That’s “F” keys even though I was thinking Effing Keys. > Looking closer I found the “F Lock” key. Pressed it and my LED came back on. Went to Cubase and lo and behold, The Puppy Works! > Of course, now I feel really stupid. But that will pass quickly because I’m old and senile! 😊 > > Once again, thank you all very very much for your patience and help! > > Jeremykeys the apparently quite blind! I had the EXACT same problem (microsoft ergo keyboard with button accidentally flicked) and your post saved my life. thanks. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Jeremykeys](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/jeremykeys/32/144356_2.png) [@Jeremykeys](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/Jeremykeys)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2015, 3:08pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/10 "2015-04-11T15:08:48Z")
You’re very welcome! Glad I could help. ---
**Author:** ![curteye](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/curteye/32/72_2.png) [@curteye](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/curteye)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2015, 10:05pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/11 "2015-04-11T22:05:05Z")
> [@falseblank](#): > > > [@Jeremykeys](#): > > > > So, the problem is solved and I would truly like to thank all of you for all the great ideas! You all are awesome! However, the problem was one created only by myself because of my sheer ignorance and, well, let’s just called it for what it is. Stupidity! > > I have a Microsoft Ergonomic computer keyboard. It has an F Lock button up at the top. It also has a bucket load of buttons but I’ve never used them for no better reason than, well, I’ve never really paid all that much attention to them. I bought the keyboard because my wife has one and it is simply the most comfortable one I’ve ever used. > > > > Now, down on the hand rest, in the middle are a column of 4 green leds. Usually only the top and bottom are lit but today I just happened to notice that the bottom one was off. Upon closer inspection I saw an uppercase F in a box beside the LED. Hmmm I thought. Wonder what that is? Thought about it a bit more and came to the conclussion that it had something to do with my “F” keys not working. That’s “F” keys even though I was thinking Effing Keys. > > Looking closer I found the “F Lock” key. Pressed it and my LED came back on. Went to Cubase and lo and behold, The Puppy Works! > > Of course, now I feel really stupid. But that will pass quickly because I’m old and senile! 😊 > > > > Once again, thank you all very very much for your patience and help! > > Jeremykeys the apparently quite blind! > > I had the EXACT same problem (microsoft ergo keyboard with button accidentally flicked) and your post saved my life. > thanks. 😃 What a great 1st post!!! Gotta luv this place. BTW on Mac here and my ‘F’ keys have NEVER worked properly. Laptop or desktop. So I gave up on them a loooong time ago. {‘-’} ---
**Author:** ![Jeremykeys](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/jeremykeys/32/144356_2.png) [@Jeremykeys](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/Jeremykeys)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 10:46pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/12 "2015-04-13T22:46:18Z")
Yup, this place is good. I use the F keys for quick navigation. Generally only the first 3 though. I’, not really much of a power user yet. ---
**Author:** ![jono\_not\_bono](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/jono_not_bono/32/712_2.png) [@jono\_not\_bono](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/jono_not_bono)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2016, 4:55pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/13 "2016-03-07T16:55:30Z")
I have just gone to Mac after using PC for my whole life. So, a few things I am trying to figure out. The F Keys Don’t work in Cubase and bring up OSX features. That is, unless I press and hold the FN button followed by whatever F key I want to Press (F3 for Mixconsole for example). Is there a way of not having to press and hold the FN key down or is this just something I have to live with? Cheers Jono ---
**Author:** ![Jeremykeys](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/jeremykeys/32/144356_2.png) [@Jeremykeys](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/Jeremykeys)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2016, 10:14pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/14 "2016-03-07T22:14:12Z")
Wish I could help but I’m running a PC. Sorry and good luck! ---
**Author:** ![steve](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/steve/32/193789_2.png) [@steve](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/steve)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2016, 10:22pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/15 "2016-03-07T22:22:53Z")
Go to System Preferences and search for ‘keyboard’. There is a pref in that panel for this function. ---
**Author:** ![jono\_not\_bono](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/steinberg/user_avatar/forums.steinberg.net/jono_not_bono/32/712_2.png) [@jono\_not\_bono](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/jono_not_bono)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2016, 2:04pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/16 "2016-03-08T14:04:13Z")
Bloody marvellous! As simple as that! Loving the Mac more and more. Can’t believe I haven’t moved sooner. Not one crash yet! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![knicolehunt20](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c2a13f/32.png) [@knicolehunt20](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/knicolehunt20)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2021, 2:58pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/17 "2021-04-13T14:58:58Z")
I went into system preferences and went into keyboard and I saw something with f1 f2 and etc i unchecked it and now my brightness works, but my f3 still isn’t working please help. ---
**Author:** ![drums1225](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@drums1225](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/drums1225)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2023, 1:17pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/18 "2023-06-13T13:17:19Z")
Don’t mean to revive a zombie thread, but THANK YOU for the tip about the “F Lock” on the Microsoft Ergo keyboard. I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t open the mixer with F3 no matter what I did! I saw this thread and immediately went down into my studio knowing this had to be the issue. It was! Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Mark\_McGee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e480ec/32.png) [@Mark\_McGee](https://forums.steinberg.net/u/Mark_McGee)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2024, 3:33pm UTC](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/f1-f2-f3-keys-not-working/647431/19 "2024-08-04T15:33:25Z")
Hello Steinberg Forums, I have a Microsoft Ergonomic keyboard and the F2 key wasn’t bringing up the Transport Panel, and toggling the “F Lock” button in the upper right of the keyboard didn’t change matters. I followed the advice about going into Key Commands (accessed in Cubase 13 from the Edit menu) and scrolling down the “Unassigned” menu item to “Transport”, locating “Panel” and saw that it wasn’t assigned any key. I tapped the F2 key after clicking on “Click Here” and this seems to have corrected this issue for me.