<info> <desc>Get around the desktop using the keyboard.</desc> <name>Shaun McCance</name> <email>shaunm@gnome.org</email> <years>2012</years> <name>Michael Hill</name> <email>mdhillca@gmail.com</email> </info>

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 for more information on navigating user interfaces with only the keyboard.

Getting around the desktop
<keyseq><key>Alt</key><key>F1</key></keyseq> or the Super key | Switch between the <gui>Activities</gui> overview and desktop. In the overview, start typing to instantly search your applications, contacts, and documents.
<keyseq><key>Alt</key><key>F2</key></keyseq> | Pop up command window (for quickly running commands)
<keyseq><key>Alt</key><key>Tab</key></keyseq> | Quickly switch between windows. Hold down <key>Shift</key> for reverse order.
<keyseq><key>Alt</key><key>`</key></keyseq> | Switch between windows from the same application, or from the selected application after <keyseq><key>Alt</key><key>Tab</key></keyseq>. This shortcut uses <key>`</key> on US keyboards, where the <key>`</key> key is above <key>Tab</key>. On all other keyboards, the shortcut is <key>Alt</key> plus whatever key is above <key>Tab</key>.

<keyseq><key>Ctrl</key><key>Alt</key><key>Tab</key></keyseq>

Give keyboard focus to the top bar. In the <gui>Activities</gui> overview, switch keyboard focus between the top bar, dash, windows overview, applications list, and search field. Use the arrow keys to navigate.

It is not currently possible to use the arrow keys to navigate the windows overview. To switch windows, exit the overview and use <keyseq><key>Alt</key> <key>Tab</key></keyseq> and <keyseq><key>Alt</key><key>`</key></keyseq>.

<keyseq><key>Ctrl</key><key>Alt</key><key>↑</key></keyseq> and <keyseq><key>Ctrl</key><key>Alt</key><key>↓</key></keyseq> | Switch between workspaces.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl</key><key>Alt</key><key>Shift</key><key>↑</key></keyseq> and <keyseq><key>Ctrl</key><key>Alt</key><key>Shift</key><key>↓</key></keyseq> | Move the current window to a different workspace.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl</key><key>Alt</key><key>Delete</key></keyseq> | Log out.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl</key><key>Alt</key><key>L</key></keyseq> | Lock the screen.
<keyseq>Super<key>M</keyseq> | Open the message tray. Press <key>Esc to close.

Common editing shortcuts
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>A</keyseq> | Select all text or items in a list.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>X</keyseq> | Cut (remove) selected text or items and place it on the clipboard.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>C</keyseq> | Copy selected text or items to the clipboard.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>V</keyseq> | Paste the contents of the clipboard.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>Z</keyseq> | Undo the last action.

Capturing from the screen
<key>Prt Scrn | Take a screenshot.
<keyseq><key>Alt<key>Prt Scrn</keyseq> | Take a screenshot of a window.
<keyseq><key>Shift<key>Prt Scrn</keyseq> | Take a screenshot of an area of the screen. The pointer changes to a crosshair. Click and drag to select an area.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>Alt<key>Shift<key>R</keyseq> | Start and end screencast recording.