Want to code faster and smarter? Visual Studio Code keyboard shortcuts can help you do just that.
These handy key combos let you zip through tasks without taking your hands off the keyboard.
VS Code has lots of shortcuts for common tasks like cutting and pasting, moving lines around, and finding stuff in your code. VS Code lets you make your own shortcuts too. This means you can set up your perfect coding environment.
With a bit of practice, you'll be flying through your projects in no time. Ready to boost your coding skills? Let's dive into some more awesome VS Code shortcuts!
VS Code Shortcuts for Faster Code Navigation
VS Code offers handy shortcuts to help you move around your code quickly. These tools make it easy to find what you're looking for and jump between different parts of your project.
Quick Navigation
- Quick Open Files: Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on Mac), then type file name
- Jump to Line: Ctrl+G (Cmd+G on Mac), then type line number
- Switch Between Tabs: Ctrl+Tab
- Toggle Sidebar: Ctrl+B
- Open Terminal: Ctrl+` (backtick key)
Code Navigation
- Jump to Definition: F12 or Ctrl+Click (Cmd+Click on Mac)
- Find All References: Shift+F12 These help you quickly trace functions and variables through your code, especially useful in large projects.
Multi-Cursor Selections
- Add cursors: Alt+Click (Option+Click on Mac)
- Select next matching word: Ctrl+D (Cmd+D on Mac) Perfect for making multiple similar edits simultaneously, faster than search and replace for quick changes.
These shortcuts keep your hands on the keyboard, making navigation and editing more efficient.
Debugging Shortcuts in Visual Studio Code
Debugging in VSCode can be much faster with keyboard shortcuts. These handy shortcuts let you quickly start debugging, control program flow, and manage breakpoints without taking your hands off the keyboard.
Starting/Stopping Debug
- Start/Continue debugging: F5
- Stop debugging: Shift + F5
- Restart debugging: Ctrl + Shift + F5
Code Stepping
- Step Over: F10
- Run to Cursor: Ctrl + F10
Breakpoint Management
- Toggle Breakpoint: F9
- Quick Watch: Ctrl + Alt + Q or Shift + F9
Editing Shortcuts to Speed Up Coding in VS Code
VS Code offers powerful editing tools that can be controlled entirely from your keyboard. These shortcuts help you efficiently track down bugs and step through your code without reaching for the mouse.
- Select Current Line: Ctrl + L
- Move Line: Alt + Up/Down Arrow
- Copy Line: Ctrl + C (with cursor on line)
- Undo/Redo: Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y
- Quick Fix: Ctrl + . (cursor on error)
File Management Shortcuts in Visual Studio Code
Efficiently managing files is crucial for any developer. These keyboard shortcuts help you create, save, and search through files without leaving your keyboard, making your workflow smoother and faster.
- New File: Ctrl + N
- Save/Save All: Ctrl + S / Ctrl + K S
- Find in Files: Ctrl + Shift + F
- Replace in Files: Ctrl + Shift + H
- Zen Mode: Ctrl + K Z
- New Window: Ctrl + Shift + N
How To Customize VS Code Keyboard Shortcuts
Keychron K2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 2)
You can make VS Code work just the way you want by changing its keyboard shortcuts. This lets you work faster and more comfortably.
Accessing the VS Code Keyboard Shortcuts Menu
To open the Keyboard Shortcuts menu in VS Code:
- Press Ctrl+K Ctrl+S on Windows or Linux
- Press Cmd+K Cmd+S on Mac
- Or go to File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts
You'll see a list of all the keyboard shortcuts. You can search for specific commands or keys here.
The menu shows the command name and its current shortcut. You can click on any shortcut to change it.
Creating Your Own VS Code Keybindings
To make a new shortcut:
- Find the command you want in the Keyboard Shortcuts menu
- Click the + icon next to it
- Press the keys you want to use for the new shortcut
- Press Enter to save it
You can also edit shortcuts in the keybindings.json file. To open it:
- Press Ctrl+Shift+P to open the Command Palette
- Type "Open Keyboard Shortcuts (JSON)"
- Press Enter
In this file, add new shortcuts like this:
[
{
"key": "ctrl+d",
"command": "editor.action.copyLinesDownAction",
"when": "editorTextFocus"
}
]
This example makes Ctrl+D copy the current line down.
Resolving Shortcut Conflicts in Visual Studio Code
Sometimes, two commands might use the same shortcut. When this happens:
- VS Code will show a warning icon next to the shortcut
- Click on the warning to see which commands are conflicting
- Choose which command should use the shortcut
You can also use the "when" clause in keybindings.json to make a shortcut work only in certain situations. For example:
{
"key": "ctrl+b",
"command": "workbench.action.toggleSidebarVisibility",
"when": "!sideBarFocus"
}
Git Integration Shortcuts in VS Code
Keychron K4 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 2)
VS Code offers handy keyboard shortcuts for Git tasks. These save time and make version control smoother. Let's look at some key shortcuts for working with Git.
- Open Source Control: Ctrl + Shift + G G
- Stage/Unstage changes: Use + icon or Space key
- Commit staged changes: Ctrl + Enter
- Access Git commands: Ctrl + Shift + P, then type "Git"
VSCode keyboard shortcuts help you code efficiently in limited screen space. Similarly, our collection of compact keyboards maximizes your desk real estate while providing all the functionality you need for smooth coding sessions.
VS Code Keyboard Shortcuts for Different OS
VS Code offers unique shortcuts for Windows, Mac, and Linux. These shortcuts help you work faster and smarter. Let's look at the key differences for each system.
Windows-Specific VS Code Shortcuts
On Windows, VS Code uses the Ctrl key for many actions. Here are some handy shortcuts:
- Ctrl + C: Copy
- Ctrl + V: Paste
- Ctrl + X: Cut
- Ctrl + Z: Undo
- Ctrl + Y: Redo
- Ctrl + F: Find
- Ctrl + H: Replace
To open a new file, press Ctrl + N. To save your work, use Ctrl + S. These shortcuts are easy to remember and will save you time.
Windows users can also use the Alt key for some tasks. For example, Alt + Up Arrow moves a line up, while Alt + Down Arrow moves it down.
Mac-Specific Visual Studio Code Keybindings
Mac users will find that VS Code uses the Command (⌘) key instead of Ctrl. Here's a quick list of Mac shortcuts:
- ⌘ + C: Copy
- ⌘ + V: Paste
- ⌘ + X: Cut
- ⌘ + Z: Undo
- ⌘ + Shift + Z: Redo
- ⌘ + F: Find
- ⌘ + Option + F: Replace
To create a new file on Mac, press ⌘ + N. Saving is done with ⌘ + S. These shortcuts are like other Mac apps, making them easy to learn.
Mac users can also use Option + Up Arrow to move a line up, and Option + Down Arrow to move it down.
Check our collection of Mac keyboards to seamlessly integrate with your Apple ecosystem, enhancing your coding experience on macOS.
Linux Keyboard Shortcuts for VS Code
Linux shortcuts in VS Code are similar to Windows. Here are some key shortcuts:
- Ctrl + C: Copy
- Ctrl + V: Paste
- Ctrl + X: Cut
- Ctrl + Z: Undo
- Ctrl + Shift + Z: Redo
- Ctrl + F: Find
- Ctrl + H: Replace
To open a new file in Linux, use Ctrl + N. Save your work with Ctrl + S.
Linux users can move lines up and down with Alt + Up Arrow and Alt + Down Arrow, just like in Windows.
Language-Specific VS Code Shortcuts
VS Code offers special keyboard shortcuts for different programming languages. These shortcuts can speed up your coding and make your work easier.
- VS Code provides specialized shortcuts tailored to different programming languages, enhancing coding efficiency and productivity.
JavaScript/ TypeScript
- F12: Go to Definition
- F2: Rename Symbol
- Ctrl + .: Quick Fix
- Alt + Shift + F: Format code
- Ctrl + /: Toggle line comment
Python Shortcuts
- F5: Start debugging
- Ctrl + Space: Show suggestions
HTML/CSS Shortcuts
- ! + Tab: Generate HTML template
- Ctrl + Space: Show suggestions
- Ctrl + Shift + V: Markdown preview
VS Code also has Emmet built-in. Type 'div>p*3' and press Tab to create a div with three paragraphs inside. This can really speed up your HTML coding!
VSCode keyboard shortcuts free you from excessive mouse use. Take that freedom further with our collection of Bluetooth keyboards, allowing you to code comfortably from anywhere in your workspace.
Advanced VS Code Keyboard Shortcut Techniques
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
VS Code offers powerful ways to customize and combine shortcuts. These methods can speed up your coding and make complex tasks easier.
Using Chord Keybindings in Visual Studio Code
Chord keybindings allow you to execute commands using sequential key combinations. For example, Ctrl+K followed by Ctrl+F formats your document. These two-step combinations help prevent accidental triggering of commands.
To create custom chord keybindings:
- Open Keyboard Shortcuts (Ctrl+K Ctrl+S)
- Click + to add new shortcut
- Define your key sequence
- Select the command to execute
The Multi Command extension lets you:
- Create shortcuts that execute multiple commands in sequence
- Configure command combinations in settings.json
- Automate repetitive tasks with a single keystroke
This is particularly useful for combining common operations like saving, formatting, and building your code.
After exploring VSCode keyboard shortcuts, you might be interested in optimizing your physical keyboard. Our collection of Alice layout keyboards offers ergonomic designs that can enhance your coding comfort and efficiency.
Tips for Learning and Remembering VS Code Shortcuts
Start small. Pick 2-3 shortcuts you think you'll use often and focus on those first. Practice them until they become second nature before adding more.
Use sticky notes on your monitor as reminders. Write down the shortcuts you're trying to learn and put them where you can see them easily.
Try a shortcut challenge. Set a goal to use a new shortcut 10 times a day for a week. This helps build muscle memory.
Customize shortcuts to fit your needs. Go to File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts to change any that don't feel natural to you.
Improve Your Coding Speed and Enhance Your Workflow with Keychron Keyboards
While mastering these shortcuts can drastically improve your coding efficiency, the type of keyboard you use can also play a significant role in your overall productivity and comfort. Here are a few recommendations:
Responsive Keyboards for Better Execution of Commands
If you want to ensure that your commands are executed swiftly and accurately, consider using a mechanical keyboard with tactile switches.
For instance, the Keychron K2 Max features Gateron mechanical switches that provide a responsive and satisfying typing experience. This can be especially beneficial for developers who rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts.
Ergonomic Keyboards for Long Coding Sessions
For those who spend hours coding, an ergonomic keyboard can help reduce strain and improve comfort.
The Keychron K4 Max, with its ergonomic design, is a great option. It offers a slight inclination and a compact layout, which can help reduce wrist strain and improve typing posture during extended coding sessions.
Customizable Keyboards for Personalized Shortcuts
If you prefer to customize your keyboard layout and shortcuts, the Keychron Q1 Max is an excellent choice. It allows for hot-swappable switches and programmable keys, enabling you to tailor your keyboard to your specific needs and preferences.
This can be particularly useful for developers who want to create custom shortcuts for their most frequently used commands.
By choosing the right keyboard, you can further enhance your coding efficiency and comfort, making those VSCode keyboard shortcuts even more effective.
Conclusion
VSCode keyboard shortcuts boost coding efficiency. Learn essential shortcuts like copy, paste, and undo, then progress to advanced ones. Practice regularly, focusing on a few shortcuts weekly
Customize keybindings to fit your workflow. Shortcuts are tools to reduce repetitive tasks, allowing more time for problem-solving. Explore new shortcuts as you grow.
To maximize comfort while using these shortcuts, consider investing in an ergonomic keyboard and mouse from Keychron. These devices can help prevent strain during long coding sessions, complementing your efficient use of VSCode shortcuts. With the right tools and shortcuts, you'll elevate your coding experience and productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions on VSCode Keyboard Shortcuts
How to see Keyboard Shortcuts in VS Code?
The quickest way to view all keyboard shortcuts is by pressing Ctrl + K Ctrl + S, which opens the Keyboard Shortcuts editor. You can search, filter, and modify shortcuts in this interface, making it easy to find specific commands.
For a quick reference while coding, press Ctrl + K Ctrl + R to open the printable shortcuts cheat sheet in your default browser.
How to format VS Code Keyboard Shortcuts?
The universal shortcut Alt + Shift + F formats your entire document according to your language settings and preferences.
For more precise control, you can format selected code sections using Ctrl + K Ctrl + F. VS Code also supports format-on-save functionality, which can be enabled in settings to automatically format your code whenever you save a file.
How do I get the function shortcut in VS Code keyboard?
Function navigation in VS Code primarily uses F12 to jump directly to a function's definition when your cursor is on its name.
You can also Ctrl + Click on any function to navigate to its definition, which works across files and even external libraries.
For a quick preview without leaving your current position, use Alt + F12 to peek at the function definition in a popup window.
What is Zen Mode in VS Code?
Zen Mode, activated by pressing Ctrl + K Z, transforms VS Code into a distraction-free coding environment by hiding all UI elements except your code. This mode centers your code editor on screen and removes sidebars, panels, and other visual elements while maintaining full functionality.
You can easily exit Zen Mode by pressing Escape twice, making it perfect for focused coding sessions while still having access to all VS Code features.