Mac `option` key works as `meta` key in terminal Emacs but does not work in GUI Emacs

Question

I checked the option key as meta in terminal preference. Now the option key works as meta in terminal.

Once I open Emacs through terminal option key doesn't work as meta anymore. If i type Option-v The result comes out as a check mark.

I've added the next line to my init file but still doesn't work.

(setq ns-option-modifier 'meta)

Now I can only use ESC as meta.

Any idea why the keybinding doesn't change in Emacs?

try M-x customize-group RET ns RET, do not forget to apply customization. — Muihlinn, Apr 12, 2020 at 13:03
Thanks. In my custimize-group when I type ns, nsm group comes out instead. Any idea why? I am using macport-emacs. I uninstalled my spacemacs now the meta key is set to command for some reason. @Muihlinn — Kabocha Porter, Apr 12, 2020 at 19:06
Sadly no, I gave up with OSX long ago, but looks like you don't have that group. Back then I used to use the X11 Emacs, and IIRC there were options to avoid keys interferring between the system and X11 apps. To make things even difficult there it was system Emacs (very outdated, IIRC without X) and whatever you installed. You need someone with an up-to-date OSX knowledge to dig this further. My main point was that a defcustom may not be properly set up with setq in your init file, thus ignored. — Muihlinn, Apr 12, 2020 at 19:27
macports Emacs can be compiled/installed with variants, yous should check if yours was configured with --with-ns (nextstep-cocoa windows system) evaluating (featurep 'ns) — Muihlinn, Apr 12, 2020 at 20:14

Cauchy Cai · Accepted Answer · 2020-04-13 14:14:56Z

3

Try the following config

(when (eq system-type 'darwin)
  (setq mac-option-modifier 'meta))

answered Apr 13, 2020 at 14:14

Cauchy Cai

862 bronze badges

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Note that the test is not necessary, because the variable has simply no effect on other systems.
– Stefan
Apr 13, 2020 at 14:43

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