240 Linux Keyboard Shortcuts & Terminal Shortcuts (PDF) (2024)

In this post, we’ve compiled a list of Linux keyboard shortcuts to help you work efficiently. The key shortcuts for Linux will help you navigate between windows, edit text, manage files, open apps quickly, and so on. Moreover, we have also listed the keyboard shortcuts for popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu, GNOME, Debian, Linux Mint Cinnamon, Xfce, and LXDE.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, nobody can remember all the keyboard shortcuts for Linux. That’s why, we have created a list of all Linux keyboard shortcuts and attached a PDF that you can download and use for reference. Using these shortcuts, you can boost your productivity, save time, work more efficiently, and impress your colleagues with your lightning-fast skills.

Check out our list of keyboard shortcuts for Windows and macOS as well:

- 250 Windows 10/11 Keyboard Shortcuts

Table of Content

Basic Linux Keyboard Shortcuts

We’ll start our list of keyboard shortcuts for Linux with a bunch of general shortcuts most of which are common to other operating systems like Windows and macOS as well.

Ctrl + Alt + F1 to F6: Switch to the virtual console.
Ctrl + Alt + F7: Switch to the first graphical terminal.
Ctrl + A: Select all items or text
Ctrl + C: Copy selected text, image, or file to the clipboard.
Ctrl + N: Create a new file in the currently open program.
Ctrl + P: Print the current document.
Ctrl + Q: Quit the application in focus.
Ctrl + S: Save the currently opened file.
Ctrl + V: Paste copied text, image, or some other object from the clipboard.
Ctrl + W: Use this shortcut to close the current file.
Ctrl + X: Cut selected text, image, or file.
Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
Ctrl + Alt + D: Minimize all windows and show your desktop. You can repeat it to maximize your windows in the same order.
Ctrl + Alt + L: Locks the screen.
Ctrl + Alt + T: Open a new Terminal window.

Bonus Tip: Linux Shortcut Keys for Shutdown

There is no keyboard shortcut to shut down Linux. However, you can do that by using commands in the Linux Terminal. Launch the Terminal by using Ctrl + Alt +T and execute the Linux shutdown command in the following format.

shutdown [OPTION] [TIME]

Examples:

Shut down within a minute: shutdown or shutdown-h
Shut down immediately: shutdown -h 0 or shutdown now
Restart Linux: shutdown -r
Restart the computer immediately: shutdown -r 0 or shutdown now
Shut down Linux after 30 minutes: shutdown -h 30 or shutdown -h +30
Restart Linux after 15 minutes: shutdown -r 15 or shutdown -r +15
Shut down or restart Linux at a given time: shutdown -h 10:30 or shutdown -r 12:45
Command Linux to shut down and cut off the power supply: shutdown -P
Cancel scheduled shutdown or restart: shutdown -c

Linux Terminal Keyboard Shortcuts

Users of other OSs might do without the command prompt but Linux, being a go-to environment for tech-savvies, can’t be exploited unless you use the Terminal. The following Linux Bash Terminal keyboard shortcuts will help you boost your productivity.

!!: Re-execute the most recently executed command.
!$: Print the previously executed command’s last word.
!^: Use the first argument of the previous command in the current command.
!ping: Execute a recently used command from the bash history that began with the word ‘ping’.
!x: Execute a recently used command that began with ‘x’.
Alt + .: Use the last argument of the previous command.
Alt + <: Go to the first line of the bash history.
Alt + >: Go to the last line of the bash history.
Alt + ?: Display files or folders in the current path.
Alt + B: Move the cursor one word backward.
Alt + Backspace: Delete the last word.
Alt + D: Delete the word after the cursor.
Alt + Delete: Delete the word before the cursor.
Alt + F: Move the cursor one word forward.
Alt + P: Perform a reverse search in the terminal history.
Alt + R: Revert the changes made in a command line.
Alt + T: Swap the current word with the word preceding it.
Alt + C: Capitalize the character under the cursor.
Alt + L: Use lowercase from the current cursor position to the end of the word.
Alt + U: Use uppercase from the current cursor position to the end of the word.
Ctrl + _: Undo your last keyboard action. Repeat this shortcut to undo multiple times.
Ctrl + A: Move the cursor to the beginning of the line.
Ctrl + E: Move the cursor to the end of the line.
Ctrl + B: Move one character backward.
Ctrl + F: Move one character forward.
Ctrl + C: Send SIGINT signal to kill or abort the current process.
Ctrl + D: Close the current terminal window.
Ctrl + G: Exit the history search mode without running a command
Ctrl + H: Remove the last character typed.
Ctrl + I: Autocomplete a command.
Ctrl + J: Start a new command line.
Ctrl + K: Erase everything from the current cursor position to the end of the line.
Ctrl + U: Erase everything from the current cursor position to the beginning of the line.
Ctrl + L: Clear the Terminal screen. This keyboard shortcut is a substitute for the clear command.
Ctrl + M: Works like the Enter key.
Ctrl + P or Up arrow: Display the previous command.
Ctrl + N or Down arrow: Display the next command.
Ctrl + O: Send the command from the search mode to the terminal and execute it.
Ctrl + Q: If the terminal window stops responding, this shortcut will resume the terminal output.
Ctrl + R: Recall the last command matching the string you typed.
Ctrl + S: Pause the terminal output.
Ctrl + T: Swapthe last two characters before the cursor.
Ctrl + W: Delete the command or word preceding the cursor.
Ctrl + XX: Toggle between the beginning of the command line and the current cursor position.
Ctrl + Y: Paste the deleted text on the current cursor position.
Ctrl + Z: Suspend the current command execution and send the current process to the background.
Ctrl + [: Functions as the Escape key.
Esc + T: Swap the last two words before the cursor.
Tab: Autocomplete a command, filename, directory name, and command options.

Download Linux Keyboard Shortcuts PDF

Ubuntu Keyword Shortcuts

Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distribution because it provides unparalleled flexibility and customization options. However, navigating through apps and settings can be time-consuming without proper knowledge of keyboard shortcuts. The following Ubuntu keyword shortcuts will enhance your efficiency.

Alt + `: Switch between different instances of an application.
Alt + Esc: Switch between different applications.
Alt + Tab: Switch between different open windows on the same workspace.
Alt + F1: Switch between the Activities overview and desktop instantly.
Alt + F2: Open the command prompt.
Alt + F4: Close the window in focus.
Alt + F5: Restore a maximized window to its original size.
Alt + F6: Switch between open windows in the same application.
Alt + F7 + Arrow keys: Move the current window to your preferred location on the screen.
Alt + F8 + Arrow keys: Resize the window in focus.
Alt + F10: Maximize and restore the current window. Using this shortcut in the file manager will open the context menu for the current folder.
Alt + PrtSc: Take the screenshot of the window in focus.
Alt + Space: Display the menu for the current window. This shortcut works the same as right-clicking on the window title bar.
Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications.
Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Log out and return to the computer’s login screen.
Ctrl + Alt + T: Open a new Terminal window.
Ctrl + Alt + Tab: Bring the top bar into focus and use the arrow keys to navigate.
Ctrl + Arrow keys: In a list or icon view, move the keyboard focus to another item without deselecting a selected item.
Ctrl + Space: In a list or icon view, select or deselect an item without deselecting other items.
Ctrl + PgUp/PgDn: Switch between tabs to the left or right.
PrtSc: Take a screenshot of the full screen.
Shift + PrtSc: Take a screenshot of a selected area of the screen.
Shift + Ctrl + Alt + R: Record the screen.
Shift+ F10: Display the context menu for the current selection.
Shift + Super + ←/→: Move the current window one monitor to the left or right.
Super: Open Activities overview.
Super + 1 to 9: Press the 1 to 9 number keys while holding Super to launch the app pinned to the Ubuntu Dock in the corresponding number. Pressing ‘0’ launches the 10th app.
Super + A: Show the list of apps.
Super + Arrow Keys: Snap the window in focus to a border.
Super + D: Minimize all open windows instantly to see the desktop.
Super+ F10: Open the application menu on the top bar.
Super + L: Lock the screen.
Super + H: Minimize the window in focus.
Super + PgUp/PgDn: Switch between workspaces without using a mouse.
Shift + Super + PgUp/PgDn: Move the window in focus to another workspace.
Super + Tab: Switch between open windows.
Super + V: View the list of notifications.
Super + Tab: Switch between apps regardless of the workspace.
Super + `: Switch between windows from the same app.
Super + ↑: Maximize the window in focus.
Super + ↓: Restore to the small window.
Super + ←: Maximize a window vertically to the left.
Super + →: Maximize a window vertically to the right.
Tab: Switch between different controls.
Ctrl + Tab: Switch between groups of controls.

If some of the above keyboard shortcuts don’t work for you, go to Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Customize Shortcuts and add a custom shortcut.

Download Ubuntu Keyboard Shortcuts PDF

GNOME Keyboard Shortcuts

Alt + Esc: Switch between windows in the current workspace.
Alt +`: Switch between windows of the same program.
Alt + Tab: Cycle between running apps.
Alt + Shift + Tab: Cycle between the running apps in the opposite direction.
Alt + F1: Switch between the Activities and desktop.
Alt + F2: Launch a floating terminal window.
PrtSc: Take a full-screen screenshot.
Alt + PrtSc: Take a screenshot of the current window.
Ctrl + Alt + Arrow keys: Switch between workspaces.
Ctrl + Alt + D: Minimize all the windows to quickly access the desktop.
Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Show the Power menu dialog box.
Ctrl + Alt + Tab: Move the keyboard focus to the top bar. You can use the arrow keys to navigate.
Shift + Super + PgUp/PgDn: Move the window in focus to another workspace.
Shift + Super + ←: Move the current window to the left monitor.
Shift + Super + →: Move the current window to the right monitor.
Super: Show the Activities overview.
Super + A: Show the list of apps.
Super + L: Lock the screen.
Super + PgUp/PgDn: Switch between workspaces.
Super + Tab: Switch between windows.
Super + `: Switch between windows from the same app.
Super + V: View the notification list.

Download GNOME Keyboard Shortcuts PDF

Debian Keyboard Shortcuts

Alt + F1: Show an overview of open windows.
Alt + F2: Launch a floating command prompt window.
Alt + F4: Close the current window.
Alt + F5: Unmaximize the window in focus.
Alt + F7: Select the current window and use the arrow keys to move it.
Alt + F8: Resize the current window and use the arrow keys to resize it.
Alt + F10: Minimize or maximize the current window.
PrtSc: Take a screenshot of the complete screen and save it in the Pictures folder.
Alt + PrtSc: Take a screenshot of the current window and save it in the Pictures folder.
Ctrl + PrtSc: Copy a screenshot of the entire screen to the clipboard.
Ctrl + Alt + PrtSc: Take a screenshot of a window and copy it to the clipboard.
Shift + Ctrl + PrtSc: Take a screenshot of a selected area and copy it to the clipboard.
Shift + PrtSc: Take a screenshot of a selected area and save it in the Pictures folder.
Alt + Space: Show the menu for the current window.
Alt + Tab: Cycle between open applications.
Ctrl + 0: Open a new file.
Ctrl + Alt + Esc: Switch between system controls such as open windows, top bar, desktop, etc.
Ctrl + Alt + Tab: Switch between system controls.
Ctrl + Alt + ↑: Move to the workspace located above.
Ctrl + Alt + ↓: Move to the workspace located below.
Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Log out and show the login screen.
Shift + Super + Home: Move the current window to the first workspace.
Shift + Super + End: Move the current window to the last workspace.
Shift + Super + ←/→: Move the window in focus to the left or right.
Shift + Super + ↑/↓: Move the current window up or down.
Super + A: View all applications.
Super + Home: Switch to the first workspace.
Super+ End: Switch to the last workspace.
Super + L: Lock the screen.
Super + PgUp: Go to the workspace shown above the current workspace.
Super + PgDn: Go to the workspace shown below the current workspace.
Super + S: Open Activities overview.
Super + V: Show the notification list.
Super + Tab: Switch between open applications.

Download Debian Keyboard Shortcuts PDF

Linux Mint Cinnamon Keyboard Shortcuts

Alt + F2: Launch the command prompt in a floating window.
Alt + F4: Close the window in focus.
Alt + F5: Un-maximize a maximized window.
Alt + F7: Move a window. Use arrow keys to move.
Alt + F8: Resize a window. Use arrow keys to resize.
Alt + F10: Toggle a window’s maximization state.
Alt + PrtSc: Take a screenshot of a window.
Ctrl + Alt + PrtSc: Copy a screenshot of a window to the clipboard.
Ctrl + PrtSc: Copy a screenshot to the clipboard.
Shift + Ctrl + PrtSc: Copy a screenshot of an area to the clipboard.
Shift + PrtSc: Take a screenshot of an area and save it to Pictures.
Alt + Space: View the window menu.
Alt + Tab: Switch between running applications.
Ctrl + Alt + ↓: Show all running applications on the selected workspace.
Ctrl + Alt + ↑: View the running applications across all workspaces.
Ctrl + Alt + L: Lock the screen.
Ctrl + Alt + End: Shut down the system.
Ctrl + Alt + Esc: Restart the computer.
Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Log out and display the login screen.
Ctrl + Super + Arrow keys: Span the current window to the border.
Ctrl + Super + ↑: Push snap up.
Ctrl + Super + ↓: Push snap down.
Ctrl + Super + ←: Push snap left.
Ctrl + Super + →: Push snap right.
Ctrl + Alt + T: Open the terminal.
Ctrl + Alt + ←: Switch to the left workspace.
Ctrl + Alt + →: Switch to the right workspace.
Shift + Alt+ Tab: Cycle between open programs in the opposite direction.
Shift + Ctrl + Alt + ←/→: Move the current window to the left or right workspace.
Shift + Ctrl + Alt + R: Start recording desktop. This requires a restart.
Shift + Ctrl + Alt + ←: Move a window to the left workspace.
Shift + Ctrl+ Alt + →: Move a window to the right workspace.
Super + D: Minimize all the windows and show the desktop.
Super + ↑/↓: Push a tile up or down.
Super + ←/→: Push a tile to the left or right.
Super + E: Launch the home folder.
Super + L: Open the Cinnamon Debugger.
Super + ←/→: Push a tile to the left or right.
Super + O: Lock orientation.
Super + P: Re-detect display devices.
Super + Shift + ←: Move the current window to the left monitor.
Super + Shift + →: Move the current window to the right monitor.
Super + Shift + ↑: Move a window to the up monitor.
Super + Shift + ↓: Move a window to the down monitor.
Super + S: Show all desklets.

Go to All Applications > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Add custom shortcut and create a keyboard shortcut of your own on Linux Mint.

Download Linux Mint Keyboard Shortcuts PDF

Xfce Keyboard Shortcuts

Alt + F2: Open the terminal window.
Alt + F4: Close the current window.
Alt + F7: Move the window in focus.
Alt + F8: Resize the current window.
Alt + F9: Hide the window in focus.
Alt + F10: Maximize the current window.
Alt + F11: Toggle fullscreen.
Alt + F12: Toggle above.
Alt + Shift + Tab: Cycle between running programs.
Alt + Space: Open the window menu.
Alt + Tab: Switch between running applications.
Shift + Alt + Tab: Switch to the previous window.
Alt + Shift + PgUp: Move the current window up.
Alt + Shift + PgDn: Move the current window down.
Ctrl + Alt + D: Minimize all the windows and show the desktop.
Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Lock the screen.
Ctrl + Esc: Display the context menu.
Super + P: Access the Xfce display settings.

LXDE Keyboard Shortcuts

Alt + Esc: Hide the current window.
Alt + F4: Close the current window.
Alt + Tab: Cycle between running apps.
Alt + Shift + Tab: Cycle between running apps in the opposite direction.
Ctrl + Alt + Arrow keys: Switch virtual desktops.
Ctrl + Alt + L: Lock the screen.
Ctrl + Alt + T: Launch the terminal window.
F11: Toggle fullscreen on or off.
Shift + Alt + Arrow keys: Move the current window to a virtual desktop.
Super + D: Minimize all open windows to show the desktop.
Super + E: Open file browser.

Working in Linux can be daunting, but shortcuts make tasks much easier. Whether you are new to the Linux operating system or have been using it for years, having an understanding of these keyboard shortcuts can help improve your productivity.

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