# FAQ

> Short answers about Karabiner-Elements, permissions, privacy, keyboards, and what Capslock does not do.

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LLMS index: [llms.txt](/llms.txt)

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### Do I need Karabiner-Elements? {#karabiner}

No. Capslock is a standalone app and builds the whole layout in. If you also
run Karabiner-Elements for other keys, that is fine as long as no Karabiner
rule uses Caps Lock or F18. See [Coexisting with Karabiner-Elements](/docs/start/karabiner/).

### Why does it need Accessibility? {#accessibility}

To change key events, not just observe them, macOS requires an active event
tap, and that requires Accessibility. Capslock does not ask for Input
Monitoring, does not install a kernel extension or driver, and runs no
privileged helper.

### Does Capslock record what I type? {#privacy}

No. Keys are handled in memory and never stored or sent anywhere. The log
leaves out typed text, clipboard contents and Shell output, and the
Statistics page keeps only counts. See [Privacy](/docs/reference/privacy/).

### What if Capslock crashes while I am typing? {#crash}

A helper inside the app gives Caps Lock back and releases any held keys. You
can also quit Capslock and run the
[restore command](/docs/reference/diagnostics/#cli). A restart clears the
mapping too.

### Can I still use Caps Lock to type capitals? {#capitals}

Yes. `⇪ Esc` turns real Caps Lock on and off. While it is on, Capslock chords
type their ordinary keys until you press `⇪ Esc` again.

### My keyboard has no numeric keypad. {#no-keypad}

The keypad mouse keys are optional. `⇪` with the arrow keys, `⇪ ⌥` with
H J K L, and `⇪ Return` move the pointer and click. See
[Mouse and scrolling](/docs/layout/mouse/).

### Does it work with Dvorak, AZERTY or other layouts? {#layouts}

Chords are matched by physical key, and the Keyboard page draws your active
layout's legends. The symbol bindings, such as `⇪ [` for `(`, type the
characters of a US layout.

### Why do F1 to F12 chords do nothing on my laptop? {#fn}

If the top row controls brightness and volume by default, the key does not
arrive as an F-key. Hold fn as well, or turn on standard function keys in
System Settings › Keyboard.

### A password field is open and nothing works. {#secure-input}

macOS hides keys from every app while secure input is on, for example in a
password field or with Terminal's Secure Keyboard Entry. Capslock never turns
it off. Diagnostics shows when it is on.

### Does Capslock run on Windows or Linux? {#platforms}

No. Capslock is a macOS app. The layout began on Windows as an AutoHotkey
script, which is kept in the [archive](/docs/karabiner/archive/windows/)
together with the older Karabiner versions.