The Option Key (⌥), is the Mac equivalent of the Alt key on PCs (and so labeled on some Mac keyboards).[1]
History[]
The "Option" key first appeared in January 1983 on keyboards that were included with Apple Lisa computer systems.[2] It replaced the functionality of the "closed" or "solid" Apple logo () modifier keys of the preceding Apple III computer systems.[3]
The "alt" notation first appeared in 1987 (appearing along with "Option") on the Apple Extended Keyboard for the Macintosh SE and II.[4] The "⌥" symbol first appeared in 1990 on international versions of the Apple Extended Keyboard II.[5]
International keyboards sold outside of the United States between 2006 and 2017 omitted the "Option" label, only identifying with key with "alt" and "⌥" markings. This was known to have caused confusion among some users. Starting in 2017, the keys were internationally standardized to be identified with "⌥" and "Option" markings.[6]
References[]
- ↑ Feature key at the Free On-Line Dictionary Of Computing. 2005-09-15.
- ↑ Apple Lisa Keyboard by snuci, Deskthority. Accessed 2015-11-17.
- ↑ Apple III keyboard by snuci, Deskthority. Accessed 2017-09-15.
- ↑ Apple Extended Keyboard, Deskthority Wiki. Accessed 2023-01-30.
- ↑ Apple Extended Keyboard II, Deskthority Wiki. Accessed 2023-01-30.
- ↑ What is the Option key on a Mac? by Karen Haslam, Macworld. 2021-02-25.
External links[]
- Option Key at WikiWikiWeb
- Option key at Wikipedia
