VS Code Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows & Mac

Every default Visual Studio Code shortcut for Windows and Mac, with Linux differences: multi-cursor, search, refactoring, terminal.

VS Code keyboard shortcuts (Windows & Mac) — freetoolsforweb.com

Last verified: 2026-10-18 against the VS Code docs and default keybindings for Windows, macOS and Linux. 188 shortcuts.

How to read the keys

Chords: CtrlControlK plus K then CtrlControlS plus S means press Ctrl+K, let go, then press Ctrl+S. VS Code waits for the second key after the first.
Linux uses the Windows keys except where a row says “Linux:”, such as CtrlControlShift plus ShiftI plus I to format a document.
These are the defaults. Your own or an extension’s keybindings win; check them with CtrlControlK plus K then CtrlControlS plus S (⌘ CmdCommandK plus K then ⌘ CmdCommandS plus S on a Mac).

Search shortcuts or type keys

Essentials only

Showing all 188 shortcuts in 12 categories

General and Command Palette#

Action	Windows	Mac
Show the Command Palette (all commands)	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftP plus P`or `F1F1`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandP plus P`or `F1F1`
Quick Open: go to a file by name	`CtrlControlP plus P`	`⌘ CmdCommandP plus P`
New window	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftN plus N`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandN plus N`
Close the window	`AltAltF4 plus F4`or `CtrlControlShift plus ShiftW plus W`Linux: Alt+F4 (the reference sheet also lists Ctrl+W).	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandW plus W`
Open Settings	`CtrlControl, plus comma`	`⌘ CmdCommand, plus comma`
Open the Keyboard Shortcuts editor	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControlS plus S`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommandS plus S`
Select a color theme	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControlT plus T`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommandT plus T`
Open a recent folder or workspace	`CtrlControlR plus R`	`⌃ ControlControlR plus R`
Quick Open a view	`CtrlControlQ plus Q`Linux: no default shortcut.	`⌃ ControlControlQ plus Q`

Basic editing#

Action	Windows	Mac
Cut the line (no selection)	`CtrlControlX plus X`	`⌘ CmdCommandX plus X`
Copy the line (no selection)	`CtrlControlC plus C`	`⌘ CmdCommandC plus C`
Undo	`CtrlControlZ plus Z`	`⌘ CmdCommandZ plus Z`
Redo	`CtrlControlY plus Y`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandZ plus Z`
Move the line up	`AltAlt↑ plus Up arrow`	`⌥ OptionOption↑ plus Up arrow`
Move the line down	`AltAlt↓ plus Down arrow`	`⌥ OptionOption↓ plus Down arrow`
Copy (duplicate) the line up	`ShiftShiftAlt plus Alt↑ plus Up arrow`Linux: Ctrl+Shift+Alt+Up.	`⌥ OptionOption⇧ Shift plus Shift↑ plus Up arrow`
Copy (duplicate) the line down	`ShiftShiftAlt plus Alt↓ plus Down arrow`Linux: Ctrl+Shift+Alt+Down.	`⌥ OptionOption⇧ Shift plus Shift↓ plus Down arrow`
Delete the line	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftK plus K`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandK plus K`
Insert a line below	`CtrlControlEnter plus Enter`	`⌘ CmdCommand↩ Return plus Enter`
Insert a line above	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftEnter plus Enter`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus Command↩ Return plus Enter`
Jump to the matching bracket	`CtrlControlShift plus Shift\ plus backslash`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus Command\ plus backslash`
Indent the line	`CtrlControl] plus right bracket`	`⌘ CmdCommand] plus right bracket`
Outdent the line	`CtrlControl[ plus left bracket`	`⌘ CmdCommand[ plus left bracket`
Go to the beginning of the line	`HomeHome`	`HomeHome`
Go to the end of the line	`EndEnd`	`EndEnd`
Go to the beginning of the file	`CtrlControlHome plus Home`	`⌘ CmdCommand↑ plus Up arrow`
Go to the end of the file	`CtrlControlEnd plus End`	`⌘ CmdCommand↓ plus Down arrow`
Scroll up one line	`CtrlControl↑ plus Up arrow`	`⌃ ControlControlPage Up plus Page Up`
Scroll down one line	`CtrlControl↓ plus Down arrow`	`⌃ ControlControlPage Down plus Page Down`
Scroll up one page	`AltAltPgUp plus Page Up`	`⌘ CmdCommandPage Up plus Page Up`
Scroll down one page	`AltAltPgDn plus Page Down`	`⌘ CmdCommandPage Down plus Page Down`
Toggle line comment	`CtrlControl/ plus slash`	`⌘ CmdCommand/ plus slash`
Add line comment	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControlC plus C`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommandC plus C`
Remove line comment	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControlU plus U`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommandU plus U`
Toggle block comment	`ShiftShiftAlt plus AltA plus A`Linux: Ctrl+Shift+A.	`⌥ OptionOption⇧ Shift plus ShiftA plus A`
Toggle word wrap	`AltAltZ plus Z`	`⌥ OptionOptionZ plus Z`
Fold (collapse) the region	`CtrlControlShift plus Shift[ plus left bracket`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus Command[ plus left bracket`
Unfold (expand) the region	`CtrlControlShift plus Shift] plus right bracket`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus Command] plus right bracket`
Toggle fold at the cursor	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControlL plus L`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommandL plus L`
Fold all subregions	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControl[ plus left bracket`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommand[ plus left bracket`
Unfold all subregions	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControl] plus right bracket`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommand] plus right bracket`
Fold all regions	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControl0 plus 0`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommand0 plus 0`
Unfold all regions	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControlJ plus J`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommandJ plus J`
Fold all block comments	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControl/ plus slash`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommand/ plus slash`
Toggle overtype / insert mode	`InsertInsert`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus CommandO plus O`

Multi-cursor and selection#

Action	Windows	Mac
Add a cursor where you click	`AltAltClick plus click`On some Linux distributions Alt+Click is taken by the window manager; switch the modifier with the editor.multiCursorModifier setting.	`⌥ OptionOptionClick plus click`
Add a cursor above	`CtrlControlAlt plus Alt↑ plus Up arrow`Linux: Shift+Alt+Up.	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus Command↑ plus Up arrow`
Add a cursor below	`CtrlControlAlt plus Alt↓ plus Down arrow`Linux: Shift+Alt+Down.	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus Command↓ plus Down arrow`
Undo the last cursor operation	`CtrlControlU plus U`	`⌘ CmdCommandU plus U`
Add cursors at the end of each selected line	`ShiftShiftAlt plus AltI plus I`	`⌥ OptionOption⇧ Shift plus ShiftI plus I`
Select the current line	`CtrlControlL plus L`	`⌘ CmdCommandL plus L`
Select the word, then add the next match	`CtrlControlD plus D`	`⌘ CmdCommandD plus D`
Move the last selection to the next match (skip)	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControlD plus D`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommandD plus D`
Select all occurrences of the selection	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftL plus L`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandL plus L`
Select all occurrences of the current word	`CtrlControlF2 plus F2`	`⌘ CmdCommandF2 plus F2`
Expand the selection (smart select)	`ShiftShiftAlt plus Alt→ plus Right arrow`	`⌃ ControlControl⇧ Shift plus Shift⌘ Cmd plus Command→ plus Right arrow`
Shrink the selection	`ShiftShiftAlt plus Alt← plus Left arrow`	`⌃ ControlControl⇧ Shift plus Shift⌘ Cmd plus Command← plus Left arrow`
Column (box) selection with the mouse	`ShiftShiftAlt plus AltDrag plus drag`	`⌥ OptionOption⇧ Shift plus ShiftDrag plus drag`
Column (box) selection with the keyboard	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftAlt plus AltArrow keys plus arrow keys`	`⌥ OptionOption⇧ Shift plus Shift⌘ Cmd plus CommandArrow keys plus arrow keys`
Column (box) selection a page up or down	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftAlt plus AltPgUp plus Page Up`or `CtrlControlShift plus ShiftAlt plus AltPgDn plus Page Down`	`⌥ OptionOption⇧ Shift plus Shift⌘ Cmd plus CommandPage Up plus Page Up`or `⌥ OptionOption⇧ Shift plus Shift⌘ Cmd plus CommandPage Down plus Page Down`

Search and replace#

Action	Windows	Mac
Find in the file	`CtrlControlF plus F`	`⌘ CmdCommandF plus F`
Replace in the file	`CtrlControlH plus H`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus CommandF plus F`
Find next	`EnterEnter`or `F3F3`	`↩ ReturnEnter`or `⌘ CmdCommandG plus G`
Find previous	`ShiftShiftEnter plus Enter`or `ShiftShiftF3 plus F3`	`⇧ ShiftShift↩ Return plus Enter`or `⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandG plus G`
Select all matches of the Find term	`AltAltEnter plus Enter`	`⌥ OptionOption↩ Return plus Enter`
Toggle match case	`AltAltC plus C`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus CommandC plus C`
Toggle regular expressions	`AltAltR plus R`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus CommandR plus R`
Toggle match whole word	`AltAltW plus W`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus CommandW plus W`
Toggle find in selection	`AltAltL plus L`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus CommandL plus L`
Search across files (Search view)	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftF plus F`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandF plus F`
Replace in files	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftH plus H`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandH plus H`
Toggle search details (include/exclude)	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftJ plus J`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandJ plus J`
Focus the next search result	`F4F4`	`F4F4`
Focus the previous search result	`ShiftShiftF4 plus F4`	`⇧ ShiftShiftF4 plus F4`

Action	Windows	Mac
Go to line	`CtrlControlG plus G`	`⌃ ControlControlG plus G`
Go to symbol in the file	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftO plus O`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandO plus O`
Show all symbols in the workspace	`CtrlControlT plus T`	`⌘ CmdCommandT plus T`
Show the Problems panel	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftM plus M`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandM plus M`
Go to the next error or warning	`F8F8`	`F8F8`
Go to the previous error or warning	`ShiftShiftF8 plus F8`	`⇧ ShiftShiftF8 plus F8`
Cycle through recently used editors	`CtrlControlTab plus Tab`	`⌃ ControlControl⇥ Tab plus Tab`
Go back (previous cursor location)	`AltAlt← plus Left arrow`Linux: Ctrl+Alt+-.	`⌃ ControlControl- plus hyphen`
Go forward	`AltAlt→ plus Right arrow`Linux: Ctrl+Shift+-.	`⌃ ControlControl⇧ Shift plus Shift- plus hyphen`
Toggle Tab key moves focus	`CtrlControlM plus M`	`⌃ ControlControl⇧ Shift plus ShiftM plus M`
Focus breadcrumbs	`CtrlControlShift plus Shift; plus semicolon`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus Command; plus semicolon`
Focus and select breadcrumbs	`CtrlControlShift plus Shift. plus period`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus Command. plus period`
Go to the next change in a diff	`F7F7`	`F7F7`
Go to the previous change in a diff	`ShiftShiftF7 plus F7`	`⇧ ShiftShiftF7 plus F7`

Rich language editing (IntelliSense, refactoring)#

Action	Windows	Mac
Trigger suggestions (IntelliSense)	`CtrlControlSpace plus Space bar`	`⌃ ControlControlSpace plus Space bar`
Trigger parameter hints	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftSpace plus Space bar`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandSpace plus Space bar`
Format the document	`ShiftShiftAlt plus AltF plus F`Linux: Ctrl+Shift+I.	`⌥ OptionOption⇧ Shift plus ShiftF plus F`
Format the selection	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControlF plus F`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommandF plus F`
Go to definition	`F12F12`	`F12F12`
Peek definition	`AltAltF12 plus F12`Linux: Ctrl+Shift+F10.	`⌥ OptionOptionF12 plus F12`
Open definition to the side	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `F12F12`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `F12F12`
Quick Fix (code actions)	`CtrlControl. plus period`	`⌘ CmdCommand. plus period`
Go to references	`ShiftShiftF12 plus F12`	`⇧ ShiftShiftF12 plus F12`
Show all references in the References view	`ShiftShiftAlt plus AltF12 plus F12`	`⌥ OptionOption⇧ Shift plus ShiftF12 plus F12`
Rename symbol	`F2F2`	`F2F2`
Show hover information	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControlI plus I`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommandI plus I`
Replace with the next value	`CtrlControlShift plus Shift. plus period`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus Command. plus period`
Replace with the previous value	`CtrlControlShift plus Shift, plus comma`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus Command, plus comma`
Trim trailing whitespace	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControlX plus X`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommandX plus X`
Change the file’s language mode	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `MM`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `MM`

Editor and window management#

Action	Windows	Mac
Close the editor (tab)	`CtrlControlF4 plus F4`or `CtrlControlW plus W`Linux: Ctrl+W.	`⌘ CmdCommandW plus W`
Close all editors in the group	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `WW`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `WW`
Close all editors	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControlW plus W`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommandW plus W`
Close the folder	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `FF`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `FF`
Split the editor	`CtrlControl\ plus backslash`	`⌘ CmdCommand\ plus backslash`
Split the editor inside its group	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControlShift plus Shift\ plus backslash`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus Command\ plus backslash`
Focus the 1st, 2nd or 3rd editor group	`CtrlControl1–3 plus 1 to 3`	`⌘ CmdCommand1–3 plus 1 to 3`
Focus the editor group on the left	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControl← plus Left arrow`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommand← plus Left arrow`
Focus the editor group on the right	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControl→ plus Right arrow`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommand→ plus Right arrow`
Open the editor (tab) to the right	`CtrlControlPgDn plus Page Down`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus Command→ plus Right arrow`
Open the editor (tab) to the left	`CtrlControlPgUp plus Page Up`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus Command← plus Left arrow`
Move the editor (tab) left	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftPgUp plus Page Up`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus Command← plus Left arrow`
Move the editor (tab) right	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftPgDn plus Page Down`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus Command→ plus Right arrow`
Move the active editor group left	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `←Left arrow`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `←Left arrow`
Move the active editor group right	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `→Right arrow`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `→Right arrow`
Move the editor into the next group	`CtrlControlAlt plus Alt→ plus Right arrow`	`⌃ ControlControl⌘ Cmd plus Command→ plus Right arrow`
Move the editor into the previous group	`CtrlControlAlt plus Alt← plus Left arrow`	`⌃ ControlControl⌘ Cmd plus Command← plus Left arrow`
Keep a preview editor open	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `EnterEnter`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `↩ ReturnEnter`
Pin the editor tab	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `ShiftShiftEnter plus Enter`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⇧ ShiftShift↩ Return plus Enter`
Toggle maximize editor group	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CtrlControlM plus M`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `⌘ CmdCommandM plus M`
Toggle vertical/horizontal editor layout	`ShiftShiftAlt plus Alt0 plus 0`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus Command0 plus 0`
Copy the editor into a new window	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `OO`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `OO`

File management#

Action	Windows	Mac
New file	`CtrlControlN plus N`	`⌘ CmdCommandN plus N`
Open file	`CtrlControlO plus O`	`⌘ CmdCommandO plus O`
Save	`CtrlControlS plus S`	`⌘ CmdCommandS plus S`
Save As	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftS plus S`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandS plus S`
Save all	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `SS`Linux: no default shortcut.	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus CommandS plus S`
Reopen the last closed editor	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftT plus T`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandT plus T`
Copy the path of the active file	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `PP`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `PP`
Reveal the active file in Explorer / Finder	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `RR`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `RR`
Compare the active file with the clipboard	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `CC`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `CC`
Compare the active file with the saved version	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `DD`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `DD`
Open the file to the side (from Quick Open or Explorer)	`CtrlControlEnter plus Enter`	`⌃ ControlControl↩ Return plus Enter`
Find a file in the Explorer treeWith focus in the Explorer.	`CtrlControlAlt plus AltF plus F`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus CommandF plus F`

Display, views and panels#

Action	Windows	Mac
Toggle the Primary Side Bar	`CtrlControlB plus B`	`⌘ CmdCommandB plus B`
Toggle the Secondary Side Bar	`CtrlControlAlt plus AltB plus B`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus CommandB plus B`
Toggle the panel (terminal, output, problems)	`CtrlControlJ plus J`	`⌘ CmdCommandJ plus J`
Show the Explorer	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftE plus E`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandE plus E`
Show Source Control (Git)	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftG plus G`	`⌃ ControlControl⇧ Shift plus ShiftG plus G`
Show Run and Debug	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftD plus D`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandD plus D`
Show Extensions	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftX plus X`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandX plus X`
Show the Output panel	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftU plus U`Linux: Ctrl+K Ctrl+H.	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandU plus U`
Toggle full screen	`F11F11`	`⌃ ControlControl⌘ Cmd plus CommandF plus F`
Toggle Zen Mode (press Esc twice to leave)	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `ZZ`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `ZZ`
Zoom in	`CtrlControl= plus equals`	`⌘ CmdCommand= plus equals`
Zoom out	`CtrlControl- plus hyphen`	`⌘ CmdCommand- plus hyphen`
Reset zoom	`CtrlControlNumpad 0 plus zero on the numeric keypad`	`⌘ CmdCommandNumpad 0 plus zero on the numeric keypad`
Toggle Markdown preview	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftV plus V`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandV plus V`
Open Markdown preview to the side	`CtrlControlK plus K` then `VV`	`⌘ CmdCommandK plus K` then `VV`

Debug and tasks#

Action	Windows	Mac
Toggle breakpoint	`F9F9`	`F9F9`
Start or continue debugging	`F5F5`	`F5F5`
Run without debugging	`CtrlControlF5 plus F5`	`⌃ ControlControlF5 plus F5`
Stop debugging	`ShiftShiftF5 plus F5`	`⇧ ShiftShiftF5 plus F5`
Pause	`F6F6`	`F6F6`
Step over	`F10F10`	`F10F10`
Step into	`F11F11`	`F11F11`
Step out	`ShiftShiftF11 plus F11`	`⇧ ShiftShiftF11 plus F11`
Run the build task	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftB plus B`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandB plus B`

Integrated terminal#

Action	Windows	Mac
Show or hide the integrated terminal	`CtrlControl`` plus grave accent	`⌃ ControlControl`` plus grave accent
Create a new terminal	`CtrlControlShift plus Shift`` plus grave accent	`⌃ ControlControl⇧ Shift plus Shift`` plus grave accent
Split the terminalWith the terminal focused.	`CtrlControlShift plus Shift5 plus 5`	`⌘ CmdCommand\ plus backslash`
Copy the selection in the terminal	`CtrlControlC plus C`Linux: Ctrl+Shift+C.	`⌘ CmdCommandC plus C`
Paste into the terminal	`CtrlControlV plus V`Linux: Ctrl+Shift+V.	No default shortcut
Find in the terminalWith the terminal focused.	`CtrlControlF plus F`	`⌘ CmdCommandF plus F`
Scroll to the previous command	`CtrlControl↑ plus Up arrow`	`⌘ CmdCommand↑ plus Up arrow`
Scroll to the next command	`CtrlControl↓ plus Down arrow`	`⌘ CmdCommand↓ plus Down arrow`
Scroll the terminal up a page	`ShiftShiftPgUp plus Page Up`	`Page UpPage Up`
Scroll the terminal down a page	`ShiftShiftPgDn plus Page Down`	`Page DownPage Down`
Scroll to the top of the terminal	`CtrlControlHome plus Home`Linux: Shift+Home.	`⌘ CmdCommandHome plus Home`
Scroll to the bottom of the terminal	`CtrlControlEnd plus End`Linux: Shift+End.	`⌘ CmdCommandEnd plus End`
Focus the next terminal in a split group	`AltAlt→ plus Right arrow`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus Command→ plus Right arrow`
Focus the previous terminal in a split group	`AltAlt← plus Left arrow`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus Command← plus Left arrow`
Focus the next terminal group	`CtrlControlPgDn plus Page Down`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus Command] plus right bracket`
Focus the previous terminal group	`CtrlControlPgUp plus Page Up`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus Command[ plus left bracket`
Open a detected link in the terminalWith the terminal focused.	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftG plus G`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandG plus G`
Open an external terminal	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftC plus C`	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandC plus C`

Chat and AI#

Action	Windows	Mac
Open the Chat view	`CtrlControlAlt plus AltI plus I`	`⌃ ControlControl⌘ Cmd plus CommandI plus I`
Open chat in agent mode	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftI plus I`Linux: Ctrl+Shift+Alt+I.	`⇧ ShiftShift⌘ Cmd plus CommandI plus I`
Inline chat in the editor or terminal	`CtrlControlI plus I`	`⌘ CmdCommandI plus I`
Open quick chat	`CtrlControlShift plus ShiftAlt plus AltL plus L`	`⌥ OptionOption⇧ Shift plus Shift⌘ Cmd plus CommandL plus L`
Open the language model pickerIn the Chat view.	`CtrlControlAlt plus Alt. plus period`	`⌥ OptionOption⌘ Cmd plus Command. plus period`
Open the agent pickerIn the Chat view.	`CtrlControl. plus period`	`⌘ CmdCommand. plus period`
Start a new chat sessionIn the Chat view.	`CtrlControlN plus N`	`⌘ CmdCommandN plus N`
Accept an inline (ghost text) suggestion	`TabTab`	`⇥ TabTab`

Sources (7 official pages)

Everything runs in your browser; searches are not sent anywhere. Shortcuts are checked against the official VS Code documentation. Browse all free tools.

Found a problem, or something that could be better? We read every message and we fix things quickly.

This VS Code shortcuts cheat sheet lists the default keyboard shortcuts of Visual Studio Code for Windows and Mac in one table, with the Linux keys noted wherever they differ. It covers the shortcuts that change how fast you edit, such as Ctrl+D to add the next match to a multi-cursor selection, Alt+Up and Down to move lines, F2 to rename a symbol everywhere and Ctrl+Shift+P for the Command Palette, plus the chords (Ctrl+K, then another key) that are hard to discover on your own.

Everything was checked on 2026-10-18 against code.visualstudio.com: the official keyboard shortcut reference sheets for Windows, macOS and Linux and the current documentation, which wins where the two disagree. These are defaults for a US keyboard layout. Extensions, keymaps (Vim, IntelliJ, Sublime) and your own keybindings.json override them, so if a shortcut does something else on your machine, check the Keyboard Shortcuts editor with Ctrl+K Ctrl+S.

How to use

Pick a category chip (Multi-cursor, Search, Terminal...) or scroll the full list.
Search by action ("duplicate line") or by keys ("shift alt down").
For chords like Ctrl+K then Ctrl+S, press the first pair, release, then press the second.
On Linux, use the Windows column unless the row has a "Linux:" note.
Copy a shortcut, link to a row, or print the sheet as a PDF.

Frequently asked questions

How do I open the Command Palette in VS Code?

Press Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows and Linux or Cmd+Shift+P on a Mac. F1 works on all three. The Command Palette lists every command with its current shortcut, so it is also the quickest way to look one up. Ctrl+P (Cmd+P) opens Quick Open for files instead.

How do I use multiple cursors in VS Code?

Alt+Click (Option+Click on Mac) adds a cursor where you click. Ctrl+Alt+Up or Down (Cmd+Option+Up/Down on Mac, Shift+Alt+Up/Down on Linux) adds one on the line above or below. Ctrl+D (Cmd+D) selects the word and then each next occurrence, and Ctrl+Shift+L (Cmd+Shift+L) selects all occurrences at once. Ctrl+U undoes the last cursor you added.

What is the shortcut to format code in VS Code?

Shift+Alt+F on Windows, Shift+Option+F on a Mac and Ctrl+Shift+I on Linux formats the whole document with the formatter set for that language. To format only the selection, press Ctrl+K then Ctrl+F (Cmd+K then Cmd+F).

How do I comment out lines in VS Code?

Ctrl+/ (Cmd+/ on Mac) toggles a line comment on the current line or every selected line. Shift+Alt+A (Shift+Option+A on Mac, Ctrl+Shift+A on Linux) toggles a block comment around the selection.

How do I duplicate a line in VS Code?

Shift+Alt+Down copies the line below and Shift+Alt+Up above on Windows; on a Mac use Shift+Option+Down or Up, and on Linux Ctrl+Shift+Alt+Down or Up. Without Shift, Alt+Up and Alt+Down move the line instead of copying it.

How do I change or reset a keyboard shortcut in VS Code?

Open the Keyboard Shortcuts editor with Ctrl+K then Ctrl+S (Cmd+K then Cmd+S), search for the command, double-click it and press the new keys. To edit the JSON file directly, select the Open Keyboard Shortcuts (JSON) button at the top right of that editor. Right-click an entry for Remove Keybinding or Show Same Keybindings, which reveals conflicts.

The VS Code shortcuts that save the most time

Shortcuts for opening menus save seconds; these save minutes because they replace whole manual edits (Windows keys first, Mac in brackets):

• Ctrl+D (Cmd+D): select the next occurrence of the word for a quick multi-cursor rename

• Alt+Up / Down (Option+Up / Down): move the line; add Shift to copy it

• Ctrl+Shift+K (Cmd+Shift+K): delete the line without selecting it

• F2: rename a symbol across the project, not just in the file

• F12 and Alt+F12 (Option+F12): go to or peek at a definition; Alt+Left (Ctrl+- on Mac) jumps back

• Ctrl+. (Cmd+.): Quick Fix, for missing imports and lint fixes

• Ctrl+P (Cmd+P) and Ctrl+Shift+O (Cmd+Shift+O): open a file, then jump to a symbol in it

• Ctrl+G (Ctrl+G on Mac too): go to a line number from an error message

• Ctrl+` (Ctrl+` on Mac too): toggle the terminal; Ctrl+J (Cmd+J) toggles the whole panel

Chords: why some shortcuts need two steps

VS Code runs out of single combinations, so many commands start with Ctrl+K (Cmd+K on Mac) and wait for a second key. Press Ctrl+K, let go, then press the second part; VS Code waits for it. Ctrl+K Ctrl+S opens the Keyboard Shortcuts editor, Ctrl+K Ctrl+T the theme picker, Ctrl+K Z Zen Mode, Ctrl+K V a Markdown preview to the side and Ctrl+K Ctrl+0 folds everything.

Watch whether the second key needs Ctrl as well. Ctrl+K M (no Ctrl on the M) changes the file's language mode, while Ctrl+K Ctrl+M maximizes the editor group. This sheet writes each step out in full.

Linux and other keyboard layouts

On Linux VS Code mostly uses the Windows keys, with a few changes where the desktop environment already owns a combination. The ones to know:

• Format document: Ctrl+Shift+I instead of Shift+Alt+F

• Add cursor above/below: Shift+Alt+Up/Down instead of Ctrl+Alt+Up/Down

• Copy line up/down: Ctrl+Shift+Alt+Up/Down

• Block comment: Ctrl+Shift+A; Peek Definition: Ctrl+Shift+F10

• Go back / forward: Ctrl+Alt+- and Ctrl+Shift+-

• Terminal copy and paste: Ctrl+Shift+C and Ctrl+Shift+V

VS Code's own documents render shortcuts for a US layout. On other layouts, keys such as [, ] and / can sit elsewhere; the Keyboard Shortcuts editor shows the keys for your actual layout.

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