Ftoets

Ftoets is the Dutch term for the function keys on a computer keyboard, typically labeled F1 through F12. These keys are designed as shortcuts to commands or features across software, operating systems and hardware controls. The exact action of each key varies by program and platform; common defaults include F1 for help, F2 to rename an item in file managers, F3 to search, F5 to refresh, and F11 to toggle full screen, with F12 often opening developer tools in web browsers.

In practice, many applications provide context-specific mappings for the F-keys, and some environments group several actions under a single key or use F-keys to access menus via the function key or the system’s menu bar. On keyboards attached to laptops or compact devices, the F-keys often double as media or hardware controls (volume, brightness, playback). Access to the standard F1–F12 functions may require pressing an Fn key or a dedicated toggle, and some keyboards offer a hardware switch to change this behavior permanently.

Use and customization: Users can sometimes reassign F-keys or create macros in both operating systems and individual applications, enabling personalized shortcuts that speed up workflows. In web and software design, developers may rely on function keys to provide quick access to help, search, or debugging features, but their use is increasingly complemented by mouse gestures and other shortcuts.

History: Function keys were introduced with early PC keyboards in the 1980s and remain common, though their prominence varies with software design and hardware form factors.