The caps lock key is often used across multiple operating systems to trigger screen reader functionality. This can become an issue when running multiple operating systems under Parallels. Typically, I have re-mapped a key to act as the screen reader key under Parallels, this works but it has two main issues: I lose a key and I have to perform some ridiculous finger gymnastics for keyboard shortcuts.
I wanted a far more refined solution. Ideally the caps lock key would automatically identify which operating systems windows was currently selected and trigger the appropriate screen reader. The great news is I finally have this working. There are a few steps to make sure it will all work smoothly.
Requirements
- Windows installed through parallels and running in Coherence mode
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NVDA installed with insert as one of the trigger keys
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Install Karabiner-Elements
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Download this extract the JSON
5. Copy the JSON file from above into the following folder: ~/.config/karabiner/assets/complex_modifications
- Activate the complex modification from above in Karabiner-Elements
Now when switching between apps running in coherence mode in windows and your native MacOS applications, the caps lock key will trigger the appropriate screenreader.
I run a whole host of other keyboard modifications that I will post in future, so keep an eye out on the blog.