# KeyboardEvent metaKey Property

Event Object

## Example

Find out whether or not the "META" key was pressed when a keyboard key is pressed:

var x = document.getElementById("demo");
if (event.metaKey) {
x.innerHTML = "The META key was pressed!";
} else {
x.innerHTML = "The META key was NOT pressed!";
}
Try it yourself »

## Definition and Usage

The metaKey property returns a Boolean value that indicates whether or not the "META" key was pressed when a key event was triggered.

Not all keyboards have the meta key. It is common for Sun microsystem keyboards, and MIT and LISP machine keyboards. The meta key is either labeled "META" or marked with a solid diamond "◆" symbol.

On Mac keyboards, the META key is represented by the the "Command/Cmd" ("⌘") key.

Note: This property is read-only.

## Browser Support

Property |  |  |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
metaKey | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes

## Syntax

event.metaKey

## Technical Details

Return Value:

A Boolean, indicating whether the "META" key was pressed when the key event occured.

Possible values:

- true - The meta key was pressed
- false - The meta key was not pressed

DOM Version: | DOM Level 2 Events

## Related Pages

HTML DOM reference: KeyboardEvent altKey Property

HTML DOM reference: KeyboardEvent ctrlKey Property

HTML DOM reference: KeyboardEvent shiftKey Property

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