Essential Information
- The backlit keyboard offers a vibrant touch to your typing experience, and you can tailor its color to suit your aesthetic or enhance visibility in different lighting conditions.
- This blog post will provide a step-by-step guide on how to change the MacBook Pro keyboard light color, empowering you to personalize your workspace and optimize your productivity.
- Use the “F5” key to decrease the keyboard brightness and the “F6” key to increase it.
Customizing your MacBook Pro to match your preferences extends beyond the desktop wallpaper and screen saver. The backlit keyboard offers a vibrant touch to your typing experience, and you can tailor its color to suit your aesthetic or enhance visibility in different lighting conditions. This blog post will provide a step-by-step guide on how to change the MacBook Pro keyboard light color, empowering you to personalize your workspace and optimize your productivity.
Prerequisites
Before embarking on this customization journey, ensure your MacBook Pro meets the following criteria:
- macOS Version: macOS Sierra (10.12) or later
- MacBook Pro Model: 2016 or later models with the Touch Bar
Method 1: Using System Preferences
1. Access System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of the screen and select “System Preferences.”
2. Navigate to Keyboard: In the System Preferences window, click on the “Keyboard” icon.
3. Adjust Keyboard Brightness: On the Keyboard preferences pane, locate the “Keyboard Brightness” slider and adjust it to your desired level. This will affect the intensity of the keyboard backlight.
4. Toggle Keyboard Backlight: If you wish to turn off the keyboard backlight, uncheck the “Turn Keyboard Backlight On/Off Automatically” box.
Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
1. Press the Brightness Keys: Simultaneously press the “F5” and “F6” keys on your MacBook Pro‘s Touch Bar.
2. Adjust Keyboard Brightness: Use the “F5” key to decrease the keyboard brightness and the “F6” key to increase it.
3. Toggle Keyboard Backlight: Press the “Escape” (Esc) key to turn off the keyboard backlight. Press it again to turn it back on.
Method 3: Using Terminal Commands
1. Open Terminal: Launch the Terminal application from your Applications folder or by searching for it in Spotlight.
2. Enter Command: Type the following command into the Terminal window:
“`
defaults write com.apple.KeyboardBacklight NSBrightness -float 0.5
“`
3. Adjust Brightness: Replace “0.5” with a value between 0 (no backlight) and 1 (maximum brightness).
4. Reload Keyboard Settings: Type the following command:
“`
sudo killall cfprefsd
“`
Customizing Keyboard Light Colors (Third-Party Apps)
While the built-in options provide basic customization, third-party apps offer more advanced color control. Consider the following:
- Karabiner-Elements: This app allows you to remap keys, adjust keyboard brightness, and create custom keyboard light colors.
- Keyboard Maestro: This powerful automation tool includes features for changing keyboard light colors based on specific conditions or triggers.
- LightKeys: This app provides a range of vibrant color themes and effects for your keyboard backlight.
Troubleshooting
- Keyboard Backlight Not Working: Ensure that your MacBook Pro model supports a backlit keyboard. If it does, try resetting the SMC (System Management Controller).
- Keyboard Brightness Not Changing: Adjust the keyboard brightness slider in System Preferences or use the keyboard shortcuts. If the issue persists, try resetting the PRAM (Parameter RAM).
- Third-Party App Not Working: Check if the app is compatible with your macOS version and MacBook Pro model. Restart the app or reinstall it if necessary.
Key Points: Illuminate Your Workspace
Changing the MacBook Pro keyboard light color is a simple yet effective way to enhance your typing experience and personalize your workspace. Experiment with different colors and brightness levels to find the perfect combination that suits your preferences and optimizes your productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I change the keyboard light color on an older MacBook Pro model?
A: No, only MacBook Pro models from 2016 onwards with the Touch Bar support keyboard light customization.
Q: How do I turn off the keyboard backlight completely?
A: Use the “Turn Keyboard Backlight On/Off Automatically” checkbox in System Preferences or press the “Escape” (Esc) key using the keyboard shortcut method.
Q: Can I create custom colors for my keyboard backlight?
A: Yes, you can use third-party apps such as Karabiner-Elements or LightKeys to create custom colors and color effects.