How to Light Up Keyboard on Mac: 1 Minute to Illuminate Your Mac Keyboard

Lighting up your keyboard on a Mac is not only convenient for working in low-light environments, but it also enhances the overall user experience. Most modern MacBooks come with a backlit keyboard that you can easily adjust. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Check Your Mac Model: First, ensure your Mac has a backlit keyboard. All MacBook Pro models (since 2016) and MacBook Air models (since 2018) include this feature.
2. Use Keyboard Function Keys:Look for the F5 (decrease) and F6 (increase) keys. They have icons that resemble tiny suns or keyboard with rays.
3. Press F6 repeatedly to brighten the keyboard backlight.
4. Press F5 to dim or turn off the backlight.
5. Adjust in System Settings:
6. On macOS Ventura or later, go to Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard.
7. Scroll down and you’ll find options to manage keyboard brightness and set the “Turn keyboard backlight off after inactivity” preference.
8. Automatic Adjustments:
9. Some Macs use the ambient light sensor to adjust brightness. If the room is well-lit, the backlight might automatically turn off.
10. Cover the sensor (usually near the webcam) to see if the backlight turns on.

If your keyboard backlight isn’t working, try restarting your Mac, updating macOS, or resetting the SMC (System Management Controller).

As a designer, I often work in various lighting environments. Having an illuminated keyboard makes it easier to use design tools or plan out projects even in dim settings. If you're designing a creative workspace at home, consider planning your lighting carefully for both aesthetics and functionality. In scenarios like these, utilizing a home designer platform can help you visualize optimal lighting setups that complement both your workflow and space’s visual appeal.

Tips 1:

If you use your MacBook frequently in dark environments, consider enabling “Adjust keyboard brightness in low light” from the System Settings to automate lighting adjustments and reduce eye strain.

FAQ

Q: Why isn’t my MacBook keyboard lighting up?

A: Check if your model supports backlight. Ensure the backlight isn’t turned off in settings, and try using the F5/F6 keys. Also, check the ambient light sensor.

Q: Can I change the keyboard backlight color on Mac?

A: No, MacBook keyboard backlights are only white and brightness can be adjusted, but color cannot be changed.

Q: Does all Mac desktop keyboards have backlighting?

A: No, Apple’s Magic Keyboard and most external keyboards for desktop Macs do not have backlighting.

Q: Can I adjust keyboard backlight duration?

A: Yes, in System Settings, you can set how long it stays lit after inactivity.

Q: What to do if the backlit keyboard still doesn’t work?

A: Try restarting the Mac, updating macOS, and resetting the SMC. If these don’t help, contact Apple support for further assistance.