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Even though Macs have only one keyboard key for it, there is a difference between (carriage) return and enter. I need to type an enter (not return) into a field (it's a macro utility, and there's no ability to enter ASCII codes).

I know there used to be a way to do this (maybe it's because I used to have a keyboard with a numeric keyboard where the Enter key sent an enter command) but I don't have a full-sized keyboard anymore. On my MacBook Pro keyboard, the return key has an "enter" label, too (in smaller type above "return") and I thought I might be able to use a modifier key (Shift/Option/Command/Control), but that doesn't seem to be working.

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  • Are you able to grab a full-size keyboard and plug it into the USB port?
    – Kruug
    Jun 14, 2013 at 22:47
  • Yes… but I'm trying to find a solution that doesn't involve any extra hardware. But thanks for the suggestion.
    – Tom Lloyd
    Dec 3, 2013 at 16:51
  • There's only just one key for them both if you use Apple's abbreviated keyboard, which is a horrible kludge anyway. (Putting the [fn] key where [control] belongs is a crime against UX design, and a slap in the face of all terminal users!) The full keyboard has two keys.
    – iconoclast
    Nov 8, 2016 at 18:56

3 Answers 3

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Have you tried pressing Fn+Return?

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  • Good question. Unfortunately, my GoldTouch ergo keyboard doesn't have a <kbd>Fn</kbd> key (maybe because it has all the physical function keys already).
    – Tom Lloyd
    Dec 3, 2013 at 16:48
  • You should try adding that to the question, as that changes what to suggest Dec 3, 2013 at 16:50
  • Actually, my original question was framed in the context of not having access to an external keyboard, so your answer is spot-on for the MBP keyboard. Thanks!!
    – Tom Lloyd
    Dec 3, 2013 at 16:57
  • Ahhh, OK, I understand now Dec 3, 2013 at 18:06
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Besides Canadian Luke's correct answer above, I discovered a kinda kludgy way to do this as well, and it should work whatever keyboard (or lack thereof) you have. From the Input menu (enabled† by setting Show Keyboard & Character Viewers in menu bar in the Keyboard system preference), choose Show Keyboard Viewer.

Then, in the "virtual" keyboard palette, click Fn; you should see the icon on Return change to an icon looking roughly like a "K" turned 90°. That's the symbol/icon for Enter.

† For OS X versions earlier than Lion, the input menu is enabled by setting Show input menu in menu bar in the Languages & Text system preference) and then choosing Show Keyboard Viewer.

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You can also use KeyRemap4MacBook to for example map control-return to enter:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<root>
  <item>
    <name>test</name>
    <identifier>test</identifier>
    <autogen>__KeyToKey__ KeyCode::RETURN, VK_CONTROL | ModifierFlag::NONE, KeyCode::ENTER</autogen>
  </item>
</root>

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