Helix Alt Keybindings Not Working on macOS
Quick answer
In iTerm2 set the Option key to send ESC+. Terminal.app also lacks true color so use another terminal.
Most likely fix: iTerm2
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. iTerm2
- Open Preferences > Profiles > Keys
- Set the Option key to Esc+
Did this fix it?2. Switch terminal
- Use a terminal emulator with true color support
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
Alt combinations do nothing and colors look wrong in macOS Terminal.
Why it happens
- iTerm2 Option key not set to ESC+
- Terminal.app lacks true color
This guide also covers
- helix alt key macos
- helix iterm2 option key
- helix macos terminal colors
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