Master Visual Studio Code: Keyboard Shortcuts Keys to Boost Your Productivity

Unlock the power of Visual Studio with our curated list of 25 must-know keyboard shortcuts. Learn how to code faster, navigate effortlessly, and strea

Introduction

In the world of coding and programming, efficiency is key. One way to boost your productivity and streamline your workflow is by utilizing shortcut keys in your code editor.

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a popular choice among developers, and it offers a wide range of shortcut keys to help you navigate, edit, format, debug, and test your code more efficiently.

In this article, we will explore the essential shortcut keys for Windows, iOS, and Linux platforms, along with tips on customizing them to suit your needs.

Getting Started

Before diving into the shortcut keys, it's essential to know how to access them in VS Code.

You can easily find the list of shortcut keys by navigating to the Keyboard Shortcuts option in the settings.

Familiarize yourself with the concept of keybindings and how they allow you to perform specific actions quickly.

Windows Platform

For Windows users, there is a plethora of shortcut keys available in VS Code.

Whether you want to navigate between files, search for symbols, or refactor your code, there are shortcut keys to make these tasks a breeze.

Additionally, you'll discover shortcuts for code formatting, indentation, and debugging, enabling you to work seamlessly on your projects.

General

Action	Shortcut
Show Action Palette	`Ctrl+Shift+P F1`
Quick Open, Go to File…	`Ctrl+P`
New window/instance	`Ctrl+Shift+N`
Close window/instance	`Ctrl+Shift+W`
User Settings	`Ctrl+`
Keyboard Shortcuts	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+S`

Basic editing

Action	Shortcut
Cut line (empty selection)	`Ctrl+X`
Copy line (empty selection)	`Ctrl+C`
Move line up/down	`Alt+ ↑ / ↓`
Copy line up/down	`Shift+Alt + ↓ / ↑`
Delete line	`Ctrl+Shift+K`
Insert line below	`Ctrl+Enter`
Insert line above	`Ctrl+Shift+Enter`
Jump to matching bracket	`Ctrl+Shift+\`
Indent/outdent line	`Ctrl+] / [`
Go to beginning/end of line	`Home / End`
Go to beginning of file	`Ctrl+Home`
Go to end of file	`Ctrl+End`
Scroll line up/down	`Ctrl+↑ / ↓`
Scroll page up/down	`Alt+PgUp / PgDn`
Fold (collapse) region	`Ctrl+Shift+[`
Unfold (uncollapse) region	`Ctrl+Shift+]`
Fold (collapse) all subregions	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+[`
Unfold (uncollapse) all subregions	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+]`
Fold (collapse) all region	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+0`
Unfold (uncollapse) all regions	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+J`
Add line comment	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+C`
Remove line comment	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+U`
Toggle line comment	`Ctrl+/`
Toggle block comment	`Shift+Alt+A`
Toggle word wrap	`Alt+Z`

Navigation

Action	Shortcut
Show all Symbols	`Ctrl+T`
Go to Line...	`Ctrl+G`
Go to File...	`Ctrl+P`
Go to Symbol...	`Ctrl+Shift+O`
Show Problems panel	`Ctrl+Shift+M`
Go to next error or warning	`F8`
Go to previous error or warning	`Shift+F8`
Navigate editor group history	`Ctrl+Shift+Tab`
Go back / forward	`Alt+← / →`
Toggle Tab moves focus	`Ctrl+M`

Search and replace

Action	Position
Find	`Ctrl+F`
Replace	`Ctrl+H`
Find next/previous	`F3 / Shift+F3`
Select all occurrences of Find match	`Alt+Enter`
Add selection to next Find match	`Ctrl+D`
Move last selection to next Find match	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+D`
Toggle case-sensitive / regex / whole word	`Alt+C / R / W`

Multi-cursor and selection

Action	Position
Insert cursor	`Alt+Click`
Insert cursor above / below	`Ctrl+Alt+↑ / ↓`
Undo last cursor operation	`Ctrl+U`
Insert cursor at end of each line selected	`Shift+Alt+I`
Select current line	`Ctrl+L`
Select all occurrences of current selection	`Ctrl+Shift+L`
Select all occurrences of current word	`Ctrl+F2`
Expand selection	`Shift+Alt+→`
Shrink selection	`Shift+Alt+←`
Column (box) selection	`Shift+Alt + (drag mouse)`
Column (box) selection	`Ctrl+Shift+Alt + (arrow key)`
Column (box) selection page up/down	`Ctrl+Shift+Alt + PgUp/PgDn`

Rich languages editing

Action	Shortcut
Trigger suggestion	`Ctrl+Space Ctrl+I`
Trigger parameter hints	`Ctrl+Shift+Space`
Format document	`Shift+Alt+F`
Format selection	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+F`
Go to Definition	`F12`
Peek Definition	`Alt+F12`
Open Definition to the side	`Ctrl+K F12`
Quick Fix	`Ctrl+.`
Show References	`Shift+F12`
Rename Symbol	`F2`
Trim trailing whitespace	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+X`
Change file language	`Ctrl+K M`
Editor management
Close editor	`Ctrl+F4 Ctrl+W`
Close folder	`Ctrl+K F`
Split editor	`Ctrl+\`
Focus into 1st, 2nd or 3rd editor group	`Ctrl+1 / 2 / 3`
Focus into previous/next editor group	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+←/→`
Move editor left/right	`Ctrl+Shift+PgUp / PgDn`
Move active editor group	`Ctrl+K ← / →`

File management


Action	Position
New File	`Ctrl+N`
Open File...	`Ctrl+O`
Save	`Ctrl+S`
Save As...	`Ctrl+Shift+S`
Save All	`Ctrl+K S`
Close	`Ctrl+F4`
Close All	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+W`
Reopen closed editor	`Ctrl+Shift+T`
Keep preview mode editor open	`Ctrl+K Enter`
Open next	`Ctrl+Tab`
Open previous	`Ctrl+Shift+Tab`
Copy path of active file	`Ctrl+K P`
Reveal active file in Explorer	`Ctrl+K R`
Show active file in new window/instance	`Ctrl+K O`

Display

Action	Position
Toggle full screen	`F11`
Toggle editor layout (horizontal/vertical)	`Shift+Alt+0`
Zoom in/out	`Ctrl+= / -`
Toggle Sidebar visibility	`Ctrl+B`
Show Explorer / Toggle focus	`Ctrl+Shift+E`
Show Search	`Ctrl+Shift+F`
Show Source Control	`Ctrl+Shift+G`
Show Debug	`Ctrl+Shift+D`
Show Extensions	`Ctrl+Shift+X`
Replace in files	`Ctrl+Shift+H`
Show Search details	`Ctrl+Shift+J`
Show Output panel	`Ctrl+Shift+U`
Open Markdown preview	`Ctrl+Shift+V`
Open Markdown preview to the side	`Ctrl+K V`
Zen Mode (Esc Esc to exit)	`Ctrl+K Z`

Debug

Action	Position
Toggle breakpoint	`F9`
Start/Continue	`F5`
Stop	`Shift+F5`
Step into/out	`F11 / Shift+F11`
Step over	`F10`
Show hover	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+I`

Integrated terminal

Action	Position
Show integrated terminal	Ctrl+`
Create new terminal	Ctrl+Shift+`
Copy selection	`Ctrl+C`
Paste into active terminal	`Ctrl+V`
Scroll up/down	`Ctrl+↑ / ↓`
Scroll page up/down	`Shift+PgUp / PgDn`
Scroll to top/bottom	`Ctrl+Home / End`

iOS Platform

If you're using VS Code on iOS, don't worry—there are plenty of shortcut keys for you too.

From basic navigation to advanced code editing and debugging, these shortcuts will help you become more efficient in your coding endeavors.

By leveraging these shortcuts, you can save time and streamline your iOS development workflow.

General

Action	Shortcut
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`P`, `F1`	Show Command Palette
`Ctrl`+`P`	Quick Open, Go to File…
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`N`	New window/instance
`Ctrl`+`W`	Close window/instance
`Ctrl`+`,`	User Settings
`Ctrl`+`K` `Ctrl`+`S`	Keyboard Shortcuts

Basic editing

Action	Shortcut
`⌘`+`X`	Cut line (empty selection)
`⌘`+`C`	Copy line (empty selection)
`⌥`+`↓` / `⌥`+`↑`	Move line down/up
`↑⌥`+`↓` / `↑⌥`+`↑`	Copy line down/up
`↑⌘`+`K`	Delete line
`⌘`+`Enter` / `↑⌘`+`Enter`	Insert line below/above
`↑⌘`+`\`	Jump to matching bracket
`⌘`+`]` / `⌘`+`]`	Indent/outdent line
`Home` / `End`	Go to beginning/end of line
`⌘`+`↑` / `⌘`+`↓`	Go to beginning/end of file
`⌥`+`PgUp` / `⌥`+`PgDn`	Scroll line up/down
`⌘`+`PgUp` / `⌘`+`PgDn`	Scroll page up/down
`⌥`+`⌘`+`[` / `⌥`+`⌘`+`]`	Fold/unfold region
`⌘`+`K` `⌘`+`[` / `⌘`+`K` `⌘`+`]`	Fold/unfold all subregions
`⌘`+`K` `⌘`+`0` / `⌘`+`K` `⌘`+`J`	Fold/unfold all regions
`⌘`+`K` `⌘`+`C`	Add line comment
`⌘`+`K` `⌘`+`U`	Remove line comment
`⌘`+/	Toggle line comment
`↑⌥`+`A`	Toggle block comment
`⌥`+`Z`	Toggle word wrap

Multi-cursor and selection

Action	Shortcut
`⌥` + click	Insert cursor
`⌥⌘↑`	Insert cursor above
`⌥⌘↓`	Insert cursor below
`⌘` + `U`	Undo last cursor operation
`↑⌘` + `I`	Insert cursor at end of each line selected
`⌘` + `L`	Select current line
`↑⌘` + `L`	Select all occurrences of current selection
`⌘` + `F2`	Select all occurrences of current word
`⌃⇧⌘` + `→` / `←`	Expand / shrink selection
`↑⌥` + drag mouse	Column (box) selection
`↑⌥⌘` + `↑` / `↓`	Column (box) selection up/down
`↑⌥⌘` + `←` / `→`	Column (box) selection left/right
`↑⌥⌘` + `PgUp`	Column (box) selection page up
`↑⌥⌘` + `PgDn`	Column (box) selection page down

Search and replace

Action	Shortcut
`⌘`+`F`	Find
`⌥`+`⌘`+`F`	Replace
`⌘`+`G` / `↑⌘`+`G`	Find next/previous
`⌥`+`Enter`	Select all occurrences of Find match
`⌘`+`D`	Add selection to next Find match
`⌘`+`K` `⌘`+`D`	Move last selection to next Find match

Rich languages editing

Action	Shortcut
`⌃Space`, `⌘I`	Trigger suggestion
`↑⌘Space`	Trigger parameter hints
`↑⌥⌘F`	Format document
`⌘K` `⌘F`	Format selection
`F12`	Go to Definition
`⌥F12`	Peek Definition
`⌘K` F12	Open Definition to the side
`⌘.`	Quick Fix
`⇧`F12	Show References
`F2`	Rename Symbol
`⌘K` `⌘X`	Trim trailing whitespace
`⌘K` M	Change file language

Navigation

Action	Shortcut
`⌘`+`T`	Show all Symbols
`⌃`+`G`	Go to Line…
`⌘`+`P`	Go to File…
`↑`+`⌘`+`O`	Go to Symbol…
`↑`+`⌘`+`M`	Show Problems panel
`F8` / `⇧`+`F8`	Go to next/previous error or warning
`⌃`+`⇧`+`Tab`	Navigate editor group history
`⌃`+`-` / `⌃`+`⇧`+`-`	Go back/forward
`⌃`+`⇧`+`M`	Toggle Tab moves focus

Editor management

Action	Shortcut
`Cmd`+`F4`	Close
`Cmd`+`K` `F`	Close folder
`Cmd`+`W`	Close editor
`Cmd`+`K` `Cmd`+`W`	Close all editors
`Cmd`+`Up Arrow`	Split editor
`Cmd`+`\\`	Toggle editor group layout
`Cmd`+`1` / `Cmd`+`2` / `Cmd`+`3`	Focus into 1st, 2nd, 3rd editor group
`Cmd`+`K` `Cmd`+`P`	Focus into previous part of the editor
`Cmd`+`K` `Cmd`+`N`	Focus into next part of the editor
`Cmd`+`Up Arrow` / `Cmd`+`Down Arrow`	Move editor left/right
`Cmd`+`Up Arrow` / `Cmd`+`Down Arrow`	Move editor up/down

File management

Action	Shortcut
`⌘`+`N`	New File
`⌘`+`O`	Open File…
`⌘`+`S`	Save
`⇧`+`⌘`+`S`	Save As…
`⌘`+`K` `S`	Save All
`⌘`+`W`	Close

Display

Action	Shortcut
`Cmd` + `+`	Zoom in
`Cmd` + `-`	Zoom out
`Cmd` + `Numpad0`	Reset zoom

Linux Platform

Linux users also have access to a rich set of shortcut keys in VS Code.

Whether you're editing code, navigating through files, or utilizing the debugging tools, the Linux-specific shortcut keys will enhance your productivity.

Take advantage of these shortcuts to improve your coding speed and accuracy on the Linux platform.

General

Action	Shortcut
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`P`, `F1`	Show Command Palette
`Ctrl`+`P`	Quick Open, Go to File...
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`N`	New window/instance
`Ctrl`+`W`	Close window/instance
`Ctrl`+`,`	User Settings
`Ctrl`+`K` `Ctrl`+`S`	Keyboard Shortcuts

Basic editing

Action	Shortcut
Cut line (empty selection)	`Ctrl+X`
Copy line (empty selection)	`Ctrl+C`
Move line down/up	`Alt+ ↓ / ↑`
Delete line	`Ctrl+Shift+K`
Insert line below/above	`Ctrl+Enter / Ctrl+Shift+Enter`
Jump to matching bracket
Indent/Outdent line	`Ctrl+] / Ctrl+[`
Go to beginning/end of line	`Home / End`
Go to beginning/end of file	`Ctrl+ Home / End`
Scroll line up/down	`Ctrl+ ↑ / ↓`
Scroll page up/down	`Alt+ PgUp / PgDn`
Fold/unfold region	`Ctrl+Shift+ [ / ]`
Fold/unfold all subregions	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+ [ / ]`
Fold/Unfold all regions	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+0 / Ctrl+K Ctrl+J`
Add line comment	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+C`
Remove line comment	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+U`
Toggle line comment	`Ctrl+/`
Toggle block comment	`Ctrl+Shift+A`
Toggle word wrap	`Alt+Z`

Rich languages editing

Action	Shortcut
Trigger suggestion	`Ctrl+Space, Ctrl+I`
Trigger parameter hints	`Ctrl+Shift+Space`
Format document	`Ctrl+Shift+I`
Format selection	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+F`
Go to Definition	`F12`
Peek Definition	`Ctrl+Shift+F10`
Open Definition to the side	`Ctrl+K F12`
Quick Fix	`Ctrl+.`
Show References	`Shift+F12`
Rename Symbol	`F2`
Trim trailing whitespace	`Ctrl+K Ctrl+X`
Change file language	`Ctrl+K M`

Multi-cursor and selection

Action	Shortcut
Insert cursor*	`Alt+Click`
Insert cursor above/below	`Shift+Alt+ ↑ / ↓`
Undo last cursor, operation	`Ctrl+U`
Insert cursor at end of each line selected	`Shift+Alt+I`
Select current line	`Ctrl+L`
Select all occurrences of current selection	`Ctrl+Shift+L`
Select all occurrences of current word	`Ctrl+F2`
Expand selection	`Shift+Alt + →`
Shrink selection	`Shift+Alt + ←`
Column (box) selection	`Shift+Alt + drag mouse`

Display

Action	Shortcut
Toggle full screen	`F11`
Toggle editor layout (horizontal/vertical)	`Shift`+`Alt`+`0`
Zoom in/out	`Ctrl`+`=` / `-`
Toggle Sidebar visibility	`Ctrl`+`B`
Show Explorer / Toggle focus	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`E`
Show Search	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`F`
Show Source Control	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`G`
Show Debug	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`D`
Show Extensions	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`X`
Replace in files	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`H`
Toggle Search details	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`J`
Open new command prompt/terminal	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`C`
Show Output panel	`Ctrl`+`K` `Ctrl`+`H`
Open Markdown preview	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`V`
Open Markdown preview to the side	`Ctrl`+`K` `V`
Zen Mode (Esc Esc to exit)	`Ctrl`+`K` `Z`

Search and replace

Action	Shortcut
Find	`Ctrl` + `F`
Replace	`Ctrl` + `H`
Find next/previous	`F3` / `Shift` + `F3`
Select all occurrences of Find match	`Alt` + `Enter`
Add selection to next Find match	`Ctrl` + `D`
Move last selection to next Find match	`Ctrl` + `K` `Ctrl` + `D`

Navigation

Action	Shortcut
Show all Symbols	`Ctrl` + `T`
Go to Line...	`Ctrl` + `G`
Go to File...	`Ctrl` + `P`
Show the Outline	`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `O`
Show Problems panel	`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `M`
Toggle Tab moves focus	`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `T`

Editor management

Action	Shortcut
Close editor	`Ctrl`+`F4`, `Ctrl`+`W`
Split editor	`Ctrl`+`\\`
Focus into 1st, 2nd, 3rd editor group	`Ctrl`+`1` / `2` / `3`
Focus into previous/next editor group	`Ctrl`+`K` `Ctrl`+`←` / `→`
Move editor left/right	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`PgUp` / `PgDn`
Move active editor group	`Ctrl`+`K` `←` / `→`

File management

Action	Shortcut
New File	`Ctrl` + `N`
Open File...	`Ctrl` + `O`
Save	`Ctrl` + `S`
Save As...	`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `S`
Save All	`Ctrl` + `K` `S`

Debug

Action	Shortcut
Toggle breakpoint	`F9`
Start/Continue	`F5`
Step into/Step out	`F11` / `Shift` + `F11`
Step over	`F10`
Stop	`Shift` + `F5`
Show hover	`F1`

Customizing Shortcut Keys

One of the great features of VS Code is the ability to customize shortcut keys according to your preferences.

You can modify existing keybindings or create your own custom combinations to suit your workflow and coding style.

This flexibility allows you to tailor VS Code to your specific needs and make your coding experience even more personalized.

Boosting Productivity with Shortcut Keys

Using shortcut keys is not just about memorizing combinations; it's about optimizing your workflow and increasing your productivity.

In this section, we will provide tips and tricks on effectively using shortcut keys, such as grouping related actions, creating macros, and taking advantage of context-aware keybindings.

We'll also explore how you can create your own custom keybindings to further enhance your coding efficiency.

Conclusion

Visual Studio Code shortcut keys are powerful tools that can significantly improve your coding experience.

By utilizing these shortcuts on Windows, iOS, or Linux platforms, you can navigate, edit, and debug your code more efficiently.

Customizing the shortcuts to fit your specific needs and adopting best practices for shortcut key usage will boost your productivity and make coding a more enjoyable experience.

Source:
Other operating systems’ keyboard shortcuts and additional unassigned shortcuts available ataka.ms/vscodekeybindings

Master Visual Studio Code: Keyboard Shortcuts Keys to Boost Your Productivity

Introduction

Getting Started

Windows Platform

General

Basic editing

Navigation

Search and replace

Multi-cursor and selection

Rich languages editing

File management

Display

Debug

Integrated terminal

iOS Platform

General

Basic editing

Multi-cursor and selection

Search and replace

Rich languages editing

Navigation

Editor management

File management

Display

Linux Platform

General

Basic editing

Rich languages editing

Multi-cursor and selection

Display

Search and replace

Navigation

Editor management

File management

Debug

Customizing Shortcut Keys

Boosting Productivity with Shortcut Keys

Conclusion

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