Backstory

Initially I wrote this program for myself since I bought my first Macbook and quickly realized that I can't use 'Alt'+Shift to change language on macOS. After a while a friend of mine bought his first Macbook and asked me "How can I change language using 'Alt'+Shift? I can't seem to change it in system preferences". I shared my app with him and at that point I realized that other people might find it useful as well so decided to share this app with the world.

CommandShift

CommandShift is a free and open-source app that allows you to change input source using Windows-style shortcut (e.g. Command + Shift, Option + Shift, Control + Shift, Fn + Shift or even just Shift. It's quite customizable). By default MacOS doesn't support shortcuts that consist of modifier keys only. CommandShift solves this problem.

Why Input Monitoring permission is required

CommandShift listens for the selected modifier-key combination even when another app is focused. MacOS requires Input Monitoring permission to observe these global keyboard events. CommandShift uses this permission only to detect modifier-only shortcuts.

Support

I'm a single software engineer from Ukraine. If you found CommandShift useful and would like to say 'thank you' please consider supporting me on Patreon or PayPal. It encourages me to further improve, support and update CommandShift as new versions of MacOS come out.

How-to use

1. Download CommandShift-universal.dmg
2. Drag'n'drop CommandShift application from dmg-file to your Applications folder
3. Allow CommandShift in "Privacy & Security -> Input Monitoring" when prompted
4. Enjoy!
5. (optionally) Add CommandShift to your startup items ("General -> Login Items" on newer MacOS versions or "Users & Groups -> Login Items" on older versions)

Build from source

CommandShift is a native MacOS application built using CMake and Xcode:

cmake -S . -B build -G Xcode
open build/CommandShift.xcodeproj

The generated project builds a universal app for Arm and Intel Macs and supports MacOS 10.15+.

FAQ:

• Q: I've upgraded to macOS Tahoe and now language input source changes by itself
• A: Try CommandShift v1.06 ;-)
• Q: I've enabled CommandShift in "Privacy & Security -> Input Monitoring" but it doesn't work =(
• A: If MacOS asks you to restart CommandShift after granting permission, quit and reopen the app
• Q: Do my settings in "Keyboard -> Shortcuts -> Input Sources" need to use the default shortcut?
• A: No. CommandShift now selects the next enabled input source directly using the public MacOS Text Input Source APIs
• Q: How do I choose which shortcut should switch language?
• A: Find CommandShift ('CS' icon) in menu bar at the top-right and click on it, there you'll find "Change language with..." drop-down. Select the one you prefer =)
• Q: I get "CommandShift is damaged and can't be opened" error
• A: Please run this command in Terminal: xattr -cr /Applications/CommandShift.app
• Q: How to automatically launch CommandShift when computer starts?
• A: You can add CommandShift to your list of auto-start items by opening System Settings panel -> Users and Groups OR General (depending on what version of macOS you're using) -> Login Items -> [+] -> [select CommandShift app]
• Q: I use 3+ languages. Can CommandShift cycle through all of them?
• A: Yes, CommandShift cycles through all currently enabled input sources
• Q: I want to switch language by just pressing Shift key alone
• A: From CommandShift's menu bar go to "Change language with..." drop-down and select "Shift"
• Q: I want to hide CommandShift icon from menu tray
• A: From CommandShift's menu bar select "Hide this from menu bar..." and choose whether you want to hide it "permanently" or "until restart"
• Q: I hid the CommandShift icon permanently but changed my mind. How do I make it visible again?
• A: Run killall CommandShift; defaults write vasybaran.loveFromUkraine.CommandShift "tray_icon/hide" -bool false; open -a CommandShift in Terminal
• Q: I have Arm/Intel based Mac. Is CommandShift going to work on both?
• A: Yes, CommandShift is a universal app and runs natively on both Arm and Intel Macs.

Downloads

• Sourceforge: https://sourceforge.net/projects/commandshift/files/
• GitHub: https://github.com/VasylBaran/CommandShift/releases/

Latest (v1.06) CommandShift checksum (MD5)

• CommandShift-universal.dmg: 1181579b479d484781d224c859c5d976

Again, if you have found CommandShift useful please consider supporting my endeavors. It encourages me to further improve, support and update CommandShift as new versions of MacOS come out:

• Buy Me a Coffee (Stripe) (one-time): https://buymeacoffee.com/vasylbaran
• Patreon (monthly): https://www.patreon.com/Vasyl_Baran

And remember, stay Safe and stay Strong! 🇺🇦