Keyboard shortcuts
Using the Dash and the Launcher
Tap Meta |
Open the Dash. Tap again to close. |
The Dash opens with focus on the search box to find applications and files. Using the arrow keys will navigate the results; use Enter to launch. |
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Hold Meta |
Reveal the launcher. |
Meta+1 |
Start the first launcher item or switches to it if it is already running. If Shift is also pressed, will open a new window. |
Meta+2 |
Start the second launcher item or switches to it if it is already running. This pattern continues until Meta+0 which opens the tenth item. |
Alt+F1 |
Open the launcher. Use arrow keys to navigate and Enter to start or switch to an application. |
Alt+F2 |
Open the Dash in a special mode to run commands that you type in. Press Enter to run the current command. You can also use the arrow keys to choose a different command and press Enter to run it. |
Meta+A |
Open the Applications lens. |
Meta+F |
Open the Files and folders lens. |
Meta+T |
Open the Trash. |
Ctrl+Alt+T |
Open the Terminal. |
Alt |
Reveal the Application Menu. Alt+F opens the File menu. |
F10 |
Open the menu. Use the arrow keys to navigate. You can also access the indicator menus. |
Getting around the desktop
Alt+F4 |
Close the current window. |
Alt+F10 |
Maximize the current window. If the window is already maximized, unmaximize it. |
Alt+Tab |
Quickly switch between windows. Hold down Shift for reverse order. |
Meta+D |
Hide all windows and show the desktop. Press the keys again to restore your windows. |
Meta+S |
Activate the workspace switcher. Zoom out on all workspaces. |
Meta+W |
Activate "Expo" mode. Show all windows from all workspaces. |
Shift+Alt+↑ |
Activate "Expo" mode. Show all windows from current workspace. |
Ctrl+Alt+Arrow keys |
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Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Arrow keys |
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Ctrl+Alt+L |
Common editing shortcuts
Ctrl+A |
Select all text or items in a list. |
Ctrl+X |
Cut (remove) selected text or items and place it on the clipboard. |
Ctrl+C |
Copy selected text or items to the clipboard. |
Ctrl+V |
Paste the contents of the clipboard. |
Ctrl+Z |
Undo the last action. |
Capturing from the screen
Print Screen |
Take a screenshot. |
Alt+Print Screen |
Take a screenshot of the active window. |
More About
- Overview of the desktop — An overview of the different parts of the desktop.
- Tips & tricks — Special characters, middle click shortcuts...
See Also
- What is the "meta" key? — The meta key provides access to the Dash and the Launcher. You can usually find it next to the Alt key on your keyboard.