Linux GNOME keyboard shortcuts

GNOME's Super-key shortcuts connect the desktop shell to the work inside its windows. This list moves through Activities, workspaces, windows, screenshots, text editing, and system controls.

GNOME's Super key is the hinge between your desktop and your windows. Learn Activities and workspace movement first, then add window, screenshot, text, and system controls around that centre.

Desktop navigation

The Super key usually sits next to Alt and opens the Activities overview.

ActionLinux
Switch between the Activities overview and the desktopStart typing in the overview to search apps, contacts, and documents.Super
Show the list of applicationsSuperA
Quickly switch between windowsHold Shift for reverse order.SuperTab
Switch between windows of the same applicationOn non-US keyboards this is Super plus the key above Tab.Super`
Switch between windows in the current workspaceAltEsc
Pop up the run command promptArrow keys recall previously run commands.AltF2

Workspaces

Move between workspaces, send the current window to another one, and keep the desktop arranged.

ActionLinux
Switch to the workspace on the leftSuperPage Up
Switch to the workspace on the rightSuperPage Down
Move the window one workspace leftShiftSuperPage Up
Move the window one workspace rightShiftSuperPage Down

Window management

These are the documented GNOME defaults from Keyboard settings; a few are disabled by default on some versions and distributions.

ActionLinux
Maximize windowSuperUp
Restore windowSuperDown
View split on leftSuperLeft
View split on rightSuperRight
Close windowAltF4
Hide windowSuperH
Start moving the focused window with the keyboardAltF7
Start resizing the focused window with the keyboardAltF8

Screenshots and recording

Capture the screen, a window, or a selected area, then start or stop a screen recording.

ActionLinux
Launch the interactive screenshot toolPrint
Save a screenshot of a windowAltPrint
Save a screenshot of the entire screenShiftPrint
Start and stop screencast recordingCtrlAltShiftR

Editing

Use the desktop's common text-editing keys in fields and applications that follow GTK defaults.

ActionLinux
Copy selected text or itemsCtrlC
Paste the clipboard contentsCtrlV
Undo the last actionCtrlZ
Copy highlighted text in the TerminalCtrlShiftC
Paste into the TerminalCtrlShiftV

System

Open system menus, lock the screen, adjust media, and reach accessibility controls.

ActionLinux
Lock the screenSuperL
Show the Power Off dialogCtrlAltDelete
Show the notification listPress again or Esc to close.SuperV

Make the useful keys stick

A desktop shortcut earns its place when it saves a window hunt. Learn the workspace and window keys that fit your desk, and keep the rest for the next time the desktop starts getting in your way.

You do not need this whole page in your head. Pick two shortcuts that remove a repeated hand movement, use them until they feel ordinary, and come back for the next pair.

Make a printable sheet for this app