Windows Terminal Hotkeys Cheatsheet: A Guide to Efficiency
Windows Terminal has become a popular choice for developers and power users alike, offering a modern and versatile interface for interacting with command lines. But with its extensive features and customization options, navigating through it efficiently can feel like a daunting task. This is where hotkeys come in, providing shortcuts to streamline your workflow and boost your productivity.
Why Use Hotkeys?
Think of hotkeys as secret weapons that empower you to manipulate your terminal with lightning speed. Instead of relying on your mouse, you can use key combinations to:
- Navigate between tabs: Switch between different command line instances effortlessly.
- Split your terminal: Create multiple panes for running separate commands simultaneously.
- Manage your profiles: Quickly access different shell configurations.
- Search your command history: Recall past commands with ease.
- Perform common actions: Like copy, paste, and select text.
Essential Hotkeys
Let's delve into the most useful hotkeys for Windows Terminal:
Navigation & Tab Management:
- Ctrl + Tab: Switch to the next tab.
- Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Switch to the previous tab.
- Ctrl + W: Close the current tab.
- Ctrl + N: Create a new tab.
- Ctrl + T: Create a new tab with the same profile as the current tab.
Pane Management:
- Alt + Shift + D: Split the current pane vertically.
- Alt + Shift + S: Split the current pane horizontally.
- Alt + Shift + ↑: Move the current pane up.
- Alt + Shift + ↓: Move the current pane down.
- Alt + Shift + ←: Move the current pane left.
- Alt + Shift + →: Move the current pane right.
- Ctrl + Shift + C: Close the current pane.
Profile Management:
- Ctrl + `: Open the settings menu for the current profile.
- Ctrl + Shift + `: Open the settings menu for the default profile.
Command History & Editing:
- ↑/↓: Navigate through your command history.
- Ctrl + C: Cancel the current command.
- Ctrl + A: Select all text in the current pane.
- Ctrl + E: Move the cursor to the end of the current line.
- Ctrl + U: Clear the current line.
- Ctrl + K: Delete from the current cursor position to the end of the line.
- Ctrl + L: Clear the terminal's screen.
Other Useful Hotkeys:
- Ctrl + V: Paste text (select text using your mouse before pasting).
- Ctrl + Insert: Paste text (select text using your mouse before pasting).
- Shift + Insert: Paste text (select text using your mouse before pasting).
- Ctrl + Shift + V: Paste text from the clipboard using the 'Paste' action from the context menu.
- Ctrl + C: Copy selected text.
- Ctrl + Shift + C: Copy selected text.
- Ctrl + Shift + P: Open the command palette.
Customizing Your Windows Terminal Hotkeys
While the default hotkeys are incredibly helpful, Windows Terminal allows you to customize them to your liking.
Here's how:
- Open your Windows Terminal settings by navigating to Settings in the menu bar.
- Go to the Profiles section.
- Select the profile you want to edit.
- Within the profile's configuration, you'll find the "hotkey" section. This is where you can change the default hotkeys for each profile.
Example:
Let's say you want to change the hotkey for closing a tab to Ctrl + Q. You would simply change the value for "closeTab" from Ctrl + W to Ctrl + Q.
Tips for Effective Hotkey Usage:
- Start with the basics: Master the essential hotkeys first before venturing into more advanced ones.
- Practice regularly: Consistent use will help you develop muscle memory for your favorite hotkeys.
- Customize to your needs: Tailor your hotkeys to suit your workflow.
- Refer to the official documentation: Microsoft's official documentation for Windows Terminal provides a comprehensive list of all available hotkeys and customization options.
Conclusion:
Mastering hotkeys in Windows Terminal is a game changer for productivity. By leveraging these shortcuts, you can navigate, manage, and interact with your terminal with ease. Remember to explore the customization options to create a tailored experience that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.