Web/API/KeyboardEvent/metaKey

The KeyboardEvent.metaKey read-only property returning a Boolean that indicates if the Meta key was pressed (true) or not (false) when the event occurred. Some operating systems may intercept the key so it is never detected.

Note: On Macintosh keyboards, this is the ⌘ Command key. On Windows keyboards, this is the Windows key (⊞ Windows).

At least as of Firefox 48, the ⊞ Windows key is not considered the "Meta" key. KeyboardEvent.metaKey is false when the ⊞ Windows is pressed.

Syntax

var metaKeyPressed = instanceOfKeyboardEvent.metaKey

Return value

A Boolean

Example

function ismetaKey(e) {
  alert("metaKey = " + e.metaKey);
}

<button onclick="ismetaKey(event)">Click me with the meta key</button>

Specifications

Specification	Status	Comment
Document Object Model (DOM) Level 3 Events SpecificationThe definition of 'KeyboardEvent.metaKey' in that specification.	Obsolete	Initial definition

Browser compatibility

Update compatibility data on GitHub

	Desktop						Mobile
	Chrome	Edge	Firefox	Internet Explorer	Opera	Safari	Android webview	Chrome for Android	Firefox for Android	Opera for Android	Safari on iOS	Samsung Internet
`metaKey`	Chrome Full support Yes	Edge Full support 12	Firefox Full support Yes	IE Full support Yes	Opera Full support Yes	Safari Full support Yes	WebView Android Full support Yes	Chrome Android Full support Yes	Firefox Android Full support Yes	Opera Android Full support Yes	Safari iOS Full support Yes	Samsung Internet Android Full support Yes

Legend

Full support: Full support