Useful keyboard shortcuts
This page provides an overview of keyboard shortcuts that can help you use your desktop and applications more efficiently. If you cannot use a mouse or pointing device at all, see Keyboard navigation for more information on navigating user interfaces with only the keyboard.
Getting around the desktop
Alt+F1 or the Super key |
Switch between the Activities overview and desktop. In the overview, start typing to instantly search your applications, contacts, and documents. |
Alt+F2 |
Pop up command window (for quickly running commands). Use the arrow keys to quickly access previously run commands. |
Super+Tab |
Quickly switch between windows. Hold down Shift for reverse order. |
Super+` |
Switch between windows from the same application, or from the selected application after Super+Tab. This shortcut uses ` on US keyboards, where the ` key is above Tab. On all other keyboards, the shortcut is Super plus the key above Tab. |
Alt+Esc |
Switch between windows in the current workspace. Hold down Shift for reverse order. |
Ctrl+Alt+Tab |
Give keyboard focus to the top bar. In the Activities overview, switch keyboard focus between the top bar, dash, windows overview, applications list, and search field. Use the arrow keys to navigate. |
Super+A |
Show the list of applications. |
Super+Page Up and Super+Page Down |
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Shift+Super+Page Up and Shift+Super+Page Down |
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Shift+Super+← |
Move the current window one monitor to the left. |
Shift+Super+→ |
Move the current window one monitor to the right. |
Ctrl+Alt+Delete |
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Super+L |
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Super+V |
Show the notification list. Press Super+V again or Esc to close. |
Common editing shortcuts
Ctrl+A |
Select all text or items in a list. |
Ctrl+X |
Cut (remove) selected text or items and place it on the clipboard. |
Ctrl+C |
Copy selected text or items to the clipboard. |
Ctrl+V |
Paste the contents of the clipboard. |
Ctrl+Z |
Undo the last action. |
Capturing from the screen
Print Screen |
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Alt+Print Screen |
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Shift+Print Screen |
Take a screenshot of an area of the screen. The pointer changes to a crosshair. Click and drag to select an area. |
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R |
More Information
- Applications and windows
- Keyboard — Select international keyboard layouts and use keyboard accessibility features.
- Tips & tricks — Get the most out of GNOME with these handy tips.
See Also
- Keyboard navigation — Use applications and the desktop without a mouse.
- Set keyboard shortcuts — Define or change keyboard shortcuts in Keyboard settings.
- What is the Menu key? — The Menu key launches a context menu with the keyboard rather than with a right-click.
- What is the Super key? — The Super key opens the Activities overview. You can usually find it next to the Alt key on your keyboard.