Easy Emoji

A native macOS utility to fix the Globe (fn) key.

I built this because macOS forces you to choose between Switching Input Sources or Showing Emojis with the Globe key. After adding a Nepali keyboard, I needed both.

• Short Tap - Switch Input Source (e.g., English <-> Nepali).
• Long Press - Open the Emoji Picker.

Installation

Since I haven't paid Apple for a Developer ID yet, this app is unsigned. You will see a security warning on the first launch.

1. Download the latest .dmg or .app release.
2. Drag and Drop GlobeKey.app into your Applications folder.
3. Right-Click (Control-Click) the app and select Open.
   • Do not double-click the first time.
   • Click Open in the dialog box to whitelist the app.

"App is Damaged" Error?
If macOS says the file is damaged (common with AirDrop transfers), run this in your terminal to clear the quarantine flag:

xattr -cr /Applications/GlobeKey.app

Mandatory Permissions

This app uses low-level event monitoring (CGEvent) to detect key presses and simulate shortcuts. It will not work without Accessibility permissions.

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility.
2. Click the + button (or drag the app file into the list).
3. Select GlobeKey.app and ensure the toggle is ON.

Note: If the app stops working after an update, remove it from this list (- button) and re-add it. macOS often creates "stale" permission references for re-compiled binaries.

Development and Testing

To build from source or debug via Xcode:

1. Clone the repo and open GlobeEmojiTool.xcodeproj.
2. Disable Sandboxing:
   • Go to project settings > Signing & Capabilities.
   • Delete the App Sandbox capability (click the x).
   • Global key listening is blocked in the sandbox.
3. Build & Run (Cmd + R).

MANDATORY: Granting Accessibility to Debug Build
To test the app while running from Xcode, you must manually whitelist the debug binary.

1. In Xcode, go to Product > Show Build Folder in Finder.
2. Navigate to Products/Debug/.
3. Drag and Drop the GlobeKey.app file directly into System Settings > Accessibility.
4. Toggle the permission ON.

Config

You can adjust the "Hold Duration" (sensitivity) from the menu bar.

1. Click the Globe Icon in the menu bar.
2. Use the slider to adjust how long you must hold fn to trigger the emoji picker.
   • Default: 0.4s
   • Recommended: 0.35s for fast typists.