ISO/IEC 9995 defines a framework for the layout of all alphanumeric and numeric keyboards across the widest spectrum of today's and upcoming applications using keyboards. The functions to be performed by keyboards are grouped into three categories that correspond to the main physical sections of the keyboard.

Application of ISO/IEC 9995 in the design of keyboards will provide the user with a unified, predictable user-machine interface by dividing the keyboard into functional areas and sections and allocating functions to keys.

ISO/IEC 9995-7:2009 defines symbols for functions found on any type of numeric, alphanumeric or composite keyboards. Each of these symbols is intended to be considered as universal and non-language related equivalent of names for the function they represent. Names of functions and descriptions are given in English and French.