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Essential Keyboard Shortcuts in Cursor

Master Cursor's keyboard shortcuts to boost your productivity. This comprehensive guide covers the most useful shortcuts for coding and AI features.

General Navigation​

Basic Editor Controls​

  • Ctrl/Cmd + S: Save file
  • Ctrl/Cmd + N: New file
  • Ctrl/Cmd + W: Close tab
  • Ctrl/Cmd + P: Quick file open
  • Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P: Command palette

Code Navigation​

  • Ctrl/Cmd + F: Find in file
  • Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + F: Find in project
  • Ctrl/Cmd + G: Go to line
  • F12: Go to definition
  • Alt + Left/Right: Navigate back/forward

AI Features​

Chat Interface​

  • Ctrl/Cmd + I: Open inline chat
  • Ctrl/Cmd + L: Add current file to chat
  • Ctrl/Cmd + Enter: Submit chat message
  • Esc: Close chat panel

Code Generation​

  • Ctrl/Cmd + K: Generate code suggestion
  • Tab: Accept suggestion
  • Esc: Dismiss suggestion
  • Alt + : Previous suggestion
  • Alt + : Next suggestion

Editor Features​

Code Editing​

  • Ctrl/Cmd + X: Cut line
  • Ctrl/Cmd + C: Copy line
  • Ctrl/Cmd + V: Paste
  • Alt + Up/Down: Move line up/down
  • Ctrl/Cmd + /: Toggle comment

Multi-Cursor​

  • Alt + Click: Add cursor
  • Ctrl/Cmd + D: Select next occurrence
  • Ctrl/Cmd + U: Undo last selection
  • Alt + Shift + I: Add cursor to line ends

Workspace Management​

Window Control​

  • Ctrl/Cmd + B: Toggle sidebar
  • Ctrl/Cmd + J: Toggle terminal
  • Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + E: Focus explorer
  • Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + G: Source control

Split Editor​

  • Ctrl/Cmd + \: Split editor right
  • Ctrl/Cmd + K Z: Zen mode
  • Ctrl/Cmd + 1/2/3: Focus editor group

Debugging​

Debug Controls​

  • F5: Start/Continue debugging
  • F9: Toggle breakpoint
  • F10: Step over
  • F11: Step into
  • Shift + F11: Step out

Customization​

How to Modify Shortcuts​

  1. Open Settings (Ctrl/Cmd + ,)
  2. Search for "keyboard shortcuts"
  3. Find the command to modify
  4. Click the pencil icon
  5. Enter new key combination

Tip: Start with the most commonly used shortcuts and gradually learn more as you become comfortable. Focus on shortcuts that match your workflow patterns.

Best Practices​

  1. Learning Curve

    • Start with basic shortcuts
    • Add new ones gradually
    • Practice regularly
    • Create muscle memory

  2. Efficiency Tips

    • Use keyboard over mouse
    • Learn alternative shortcuts
    • Create custom combinations
    • Document your favorites

  3. Common Patterns

    • Notice command patterns
    • Group similar shortcuts
    • Understand modifier keys
    • Remember context

Last Updated: April 2025

Keywords: cursor, cursor editor, keyboard shortcuts, hotkeys, productivity, cursor navigation, editor shortcuts