# Option key

> modifier key present on Apple keyboards

**Wikidata**: [Q2032918](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2032918)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Option_key)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/option-key

## Summary
The Option key is a modifier key present on Apple keyboards. It is a type of computer key that alters the behavior or semantics of other keys and is commonly represented by the symbol ⌥.

## Key Facts
- The Option key is a modifier key present on Apple keyboards.  
- Instance of: computer key and modifier key.  
- Unicode character used to represent the Option key: ⌥.  
- Alias names include "Optionstaste" and the symbol "⌥".  
- It is specified as different from the Alt key.  
- Wikidata sitelink_count: 12.  
- Wikipedia articles for the Option key exist in 10 languages: ar, de, en, es, fr, ja, ko, nl, no, pl.  
- Freebase identifier: /m/05qsvf (reference publication_date: 2013-10-28; P248: Q15241312).  
- Microsoft Academic (discontinued) identifier: 36725350.  
- Image available: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Third-party_option_key.JPG

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Option key?
A: The Option key is a modifier key on Apple keyboards that changes the semantics of other keys. It is categorized as both a computer key and a modifier key.

### Q: How is the Option key different from the Alt key?
A: The Option key is explicitly noted as different from the Alt key. The source identifies the Option key as a distinct modifier used on Apple keyboards.

### Q: What symbol represents the Option key?
A: The Option key is represented by the Unicode character ⌥ and is also listed under the alias "⌥".

## Why It Matters
The Option key matters because it provides a systematic way to modify the behavior of other keys on Apple keyboards. As a modifier key, it enables additional input functions without requiring extra physical keys, conserving keyboard space and enabling richer input combinations. Its distinct identity from the Alt key highlights platform-specific keyboard semantics and user expectations on Apple systems. The presence of a standard symbol (⌥) and cross-language documentation (Wikipedia articles in multiple languages) support consistent recognition and usage across software, documentation, and user interfaces. Identifiers such as a Freebase ID and a Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued) indicate the key's presence in structured knowledge bases, which aids interoperability in documentation and tooling.

## Notable For
- Being a modifier key specifically present on Apple keyboards.  
- Represented by the Unicode symbol ⌥.  
- Explicitly distinguished from the Alt key.  
- Having aliases including "Optionstaste" and the symbol "⌥".  
- Documented across multiple languages and linked in knowledge bases (Freebase, Wikidata, Microsoft Academic ID).

## Body
### Overview
- The Option key is defined as a modifier key present on Apple keyboards.  
- It is used to change the semantics of other keys, consistent with the role of modifier keys.

### Classification
- Instance of: computer key.  
- Instance of: modifier key (a kind of key that changes the semantics of other keys).

### Symbol and Naming
- Unicode character: ⌥.  
- Aliases: "Optionstaste" and "⌥".

### Relationship to Other Keys
- The Option key is identified as different_from the Alt key.

### Documentation and Identifiers
- Wikidata description: "modifier key present on Apple keyboards."  
- Wikidata sitelink_count: 12.  
- Wikipedia language coverage (10 languages): ar, de, en, es, fr, ja, ko, nl, no, pl.  
- Freebase ID: /m/05qsvf (reference metadata: P248 Q15241312; publication_date 2013-10-28).  
- Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued): 36725350.

### Media
- Image URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Third-party_option_key.JPG

### Related Classes
- Related class: computer key — a physical button on a computer keyboard.  
- Related class: modifier key — a kind of key on a computer keyboard that changes the semantics of other keys (modifier key sitelink_count: 14).

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013