karabinerjson

Karabiner-JSON is a configuration format used by Karabiner-Elements, a powerful keyboard customizer for macOS. Karabiner-Elements allows users to remap keys, create complex key sequences, and modify keyboard behavior in numerous ways. Karabiner-JSON serves as the language to define these customizations.

The format is based on JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), a human-readable data interchange format. This means that Karabiner-Elements configurations are stored as text files with a .json extension, making them easy to edit with a text editor. Users can create or modify these JSON files to specify how their keyboard should behave.

A typical Karabiner-JSON file defines rules, which are the core of the customization. These rules map conditions to actions. For example, a rule might specify that when a certain key is pressed (the condition), a different key should be sent (the action). More complex rules can involve multiple keys, modifier keys (like Shift, Control, Option, Command), and specific application contexts.

Karabiner-Elements also supports importing and exporting configurations, often shared as .json files. This community aspect allows users to benefit from pre-made configurations for common tasks or to share their own unique setups. While the JSON format itself is straightforward, the complexity of Karabiner-Elements' capabilities means that understanding and writing effective Karabiner-JSON can involve a learning curve. Karabiner-Elements and its JSON configuration are primarily used by power users seeking to optimize their typing workflow and tailor their keyboard to specific needs.