23 lesser known VS Code Shortcuts as GIF

Publish Date: Jan 7 '20

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Despite many shortcuts I'm using frequently in VS Code, the following ones can come in very handy but I'm often forgetting they even exist. I made some GIFs for visualization to better remember them. Maybe there are some shortcuts you didn't remember either but are useful for you.

Every command in VS Code can also be executed via command prompt with CTRL+SHIFT+P and a search query. But knowing the direct shortcut might be faster.

I use VS Code on Windows in the GIFs, but I also provide a table showing the shortcuts for both Windows and Mac for each command.

1. `CTRL`+`,` = Open user settings

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`,`	`⌘`+`,`

Once in a while I need to adjust my user preferences, this is how you open them directly.

2. `CTRL`+`K` `CTRL`+`S` = Show shortcuts

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`K` `CTRL`+`S`	`⌘`+`K` `⌘`+`S`

This is the complete list of shortcuts in VS Code. There is also a Windows Cheat-Sheet [PDF] and MacOS Cheat-Sheet [PDF] available to download.

3. `CTRL`+`R` = Switch workspace

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`R`	`⌘`+`R`

This opens a list of your recent workspaces and is a super fast way to switch to another folder or project. Note that this will kill you current terminal session, if you had a terminal open in your VS Code workspace.

4. `ALT`+`Z` = Toggle word wrap

Windows	Mac
`ALT`+`Z`	`⌥`+`Z`

A handy little helper when you quickly want to see complete lines without scrolling horizontally.

5. `CTRL`+`G` = Go to line

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`G`	`^`+`G`

This is the shortcut for typing CTRL+P :.

6. `CTRL`+`P` = Go to file

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`P`	`⌘`+`P`

The fastest way to switch files (especially when they are not already open) without using the mouse.

7. `F8` = Go to next error or warning

Windows	Mac
`F8`	`F8`

This is debugging with a single key. You can also go to previous errors or warnings using SHIFT+F8.

8. `CTRL`+`TAB` = Switch tabs

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`TAB`	`^`+`TAB`

The fastest way to switch already open files without using the mouse.

9. `SHIFT`+`ALT`+`I` = Insert cursor at end of each line selected

Windows	Mac
`SHIFT`+`ALT`+`I`	`⇧`+`⌥`+`I`

This is useful for a quick creation of multiple cursors in the selected area.

10. `CTRL`+`L` = Select current line

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`L`	`⌘`+`L`

Use this i.e. to search for identical lines in combination with the next shortcut.

11. `CTRL`+`SHIFT`+`L` = Select all occurrences of current selection

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`SHIFT`+`L`	`⇧`+`⌘`+`L`

This shortcut really saves time because you don't have to CTRL+D through a whole file.

12. `CTRL`+`F2` = Select all occurrences of current word

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`F2`	`⌘`+`F2`

With this you don't even have to select something anymore. Just place the cursor on the word you want to select all occurrences of.

13. `CTRL`+`SHIFT`+`SPACE` = Trigger parameter hints

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`SHIFT`+`SPACE`	`⇧`+`⌘`+`SPACE`

In case you don't remember parameter order and don't want to interrupt your flow by looking into the docs.

14. `SHIFT`+`ALT`+`F` = Format document

Windows	Mac
`SHIFT`+`ALT`+`F`	`⇧`+`⌥`+`F`

Because nobody wants to format a whole file manually.

15. `CTRL`+`K` `CTRL`+`F` = Format selection

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`K` `CTRL`+`F`	`⌘`+`K` `⌘`+`F`

In case you want to format only some parts of a file.

16. `F12` = Go to Definition

Windows	Mac
`F12`	`F12`

The quick way to jump to the definition of a variable or function.

17. `ALT`+`F12` = Peek Definition

Windows	Mac
`ALT`+`F12`	`⌥`+`F12`

This just shows the corresponding definition of a variable or function without moving the cursor.

18. `F2` = Rename Symbol

Windows	Mac
`F2`	`F2`

An indispensible shortcut for refactoring code.

19. `CTRL`+`K` `CTRL`+`X` = Trim trailing whitespace

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`K` `CTRL`+`X`	`⌘`+`K` `⌘`+`X`

This is especially useful for multi-line selections.

20. `CTRL`+`K` `R` = Reveal active file in Explorer

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`K` `R`	`⌘`+`K` `R`

In case you want to perform some actions out of your systems file manager instead of VS Code.

21. `CTRL`+`SHIFT`+`H` = Replace in files

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`SHIFT`+`H`	`⇧`+`⌘`+`H`

If only one file at a time isn't enough for you.

22. `CTRL`+`K` `V` = Open Markdown preview to the side

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`K` `V`	`⌘`+`K` `V`

This way you don't have to switch to the mouse to open a preview.

23. `CTRL`+`K` `Z` = Enter Zen Mode

Windows	Mac
`CTRL`+`K` `Z`	`⌘`+`K` `Z`

Instantly coding distraction free. To exit Zen mode, hit ESC ESC.

So that's it for now. I maintain a repository on GitHub, where I collect commands I tend to forget - check it out if you want:

devmount / CheatSheets

A curated list of everything I look up more than twice

Happy Coding!

Edited: 7th January 2020 (add MacOS shortcuts)
Published: 7th January 2020
Cover Image: https://codepen.io/devmount/full/ExaQjdm

Comments 74 total

BatuhanJan 7, 2020

Thanks for the tips mate <3
- AndreasJan 7, 2020
  
  You're welcome! 😊
Yuriy MarkovJan 7, 2020
Cool article! 👍
If will be nice to add a MacOS shortcut as well.
- AndreasJan 7, 2020
  
  Thank you! As I wrote at the top of the article:
  
  I use VS Code on Windows here, if you are on a Mac, most of the Shortcuts should work using ⌘ for CTRL, ⌥ for ALT and ⇧ for SHIFT.
  - Yuriy MarkovJan 7, 2020
    
    That's not always correct. You can check out my post about shortcuts in Visual Studio Code
    dev.to/peacefullatom/productivity-...
    - AndreasJan 7, 2020
      
      Nice article layout and many thanks for the feedback! I will see how I can include MacOS shortcuts as well!
      - Yuriy MarkovJan 7, 2020
        
        You're welcome!
        Tip: you can ask the community to help you 😊
        
        AndreasJan 7, 2020
        Updated the article accordingly 😇
        
        Yuriy MarkovJan 7, 2020
        
        Whoa! Well done! 👍👊
        
        AndreasJan 7, 2020
        
        Thank you for the inspiration! 👍🏻
        
        Yuriy MarkovJan 7, 2020
        
        You're welcome! 👍
        
        Andrew ColcloughJan 14, 2020
        Can I just say, it's nice to see people in comments helping each other out? I guess you just see criticism so often, it's nice to see folks working together to make something great. Makes for an awesome community. Thanks guys!
        
        Yuriy MarkovJan 14, 2020
        
        Welcome to the club! Glad you've joined! 👍
Graham DysonJan 7, 2020

I stopped plugging in a mouse, touchpad etc several months ago on my dev machine (I do have a mousekeys AutoHotkey script). It definitely encouraged me to find those keyboard shortcuts. Not so good for web browsing tho. VSCode is probably going to wear out my F1 key! 😄⌨
- AndreasJan 7, 2020
  
  Wow, not using a mouse at all is impressive! 😲👏🏻 Maybe I'll try that too sometimes!
  - Graham DysonJan 7, 2020
    
    I do also have a portable with touch screen and pen to do any graphics and cad stuff on. But just a keyboard front and centre on the dev desktop 😇
    my mousekeys script is on the following gist if you ever want to try it out: gist.github.com/grahamdyson/3029ef...
    - AndreasJan 7, 2020
      
      Cool! Thank you for sharing!
Vaibhav KhulbeJan 7, 2020

Wow. I always wondered how to select a line using a keyboard. It's so simple and easy shortcut for which I had to point to the line and then select it using the cursor. This will save a lot of time. Also, that open in explorer shortcut is also a great one. Thanks for this!
- AndreasJan 7, 2020
  
  I'm really glad it's useful for you! It was the same here before I knew that line selecting shortcut 😅
  - Alberto ChiesaJan 14, 2020
    
    I prefer the use of HOME and END to go to start/end of line, coupled with SHIFT when I need to select. So HOME, followed by SHIFT-END is just the same as select line, and a lot easier to memorize, for me.
EdydeyemiJan 7, 2020

Thanks. This will come in really handy
- AndreasJan 7, 2020
  
  You're welcome, I'm glad it helps!
Nick TaylorJan 7, 2020

Learnt some new shortcuts. Thanks for sharing!
- AndreasJan 7, 2020
  
  So cool! I'm happy it's useful for you!
Christian LutzJan 7, 2020

Good work! 👍
- AndreasJan 7, 2020
  
  Thank You 😊
Meir GabayJan 7, 2020

This is how a tutorial should be written, well done. Thank you
CalvinJan 7, 2020

Thank you! Great tips!
- AndreasJan 8, 2020
  
  You're welcome 😊
АнонимJan 7, 2020
[deleted]
- AndreasJan 8, 2020
  
  You're welcome - I'm glad you like it! 😊
Vivek KrishnaKumarJan 8, 2020

This is so useful
Zane MilakovicJan 8, 2020

Really great write up. Thank you!
Shaiju TJan 8, 2020

Thanks , this will be great help. Curious to know which shortcuts do you use frequently in your work ?
- AndreasJan 8, 2020
  
  You're welcome. Sure, I highlighted them for you:
  
  Those are the shortcuts I use every day.
  - Shaiju TJan 8, 2020
    
    What about Ctrl +` - Shows integrated terminal ? By the way thanks for the image. Appreciate 😄.
    - AndreasJan 8, 2020
      
      Also a good one, but I don't need it since I have the integrated terminal always open in each of my workspaces 😇
      - Kevin LougheadJan 14, 2020
        
        Ctrl +` also selects the terminal, which is great for rapid fire git commits! Etc.
        
        AndreasJan 14, 2020
        
        Awesome, didn't know this 👏🏻
Hanan HamzaJan 8, 2020

for the "go-to-line" you can also do ctrl+p and then :{line_number}
- AndreasJan 8, 2020
  
  Which is why I wrote at the end of point 5:
  
  This is the shortcut for typing CTRL+P :.
  
  👍🏻
Nguyen Duy KhoaJan 8, 2020

Thanks a lot
- AndreasJan 8, 2020
  
  You're welcome ☺️
RussJan 14, 2020
Great read, thank you for sharing! Now I just need to practice some of them to help remember them.
- AndreasJan 14, 2020
  
  You're welcome! So do I 😅
  - RussJan 14, 2020
    After I read the article I immediately needed to use one of them and forgot the shortcut but remembered it's possible 😬
    - AndreasJan 15, 2020
      
      😂 Well, do this a couple more times and you won't forget anymore 😅
HenryJan 14, 2020

What software or tool did you use to display those keyboard shortcuts on your screen as you typed them?
- AndreasJan 14, 2020
  
  I'm using ScreenToGif. It's a really useful open source tool to quickly create screencasts. The shortcuts can to be inserted in editing mode.
  - HenryJan 15, 2020
    
    Thank you so much!!
    - AndreasJan 15, 2020
      
      You're welcome 😊
rJan 14, 2020

Useful article ! Didn't even know there was a Zen Mode 🤷‍♂️
- AndreasJan 14, 2020
  
  I'm glad it was helpful 😊
Tom NicklinJan 14, 2020
Select some characters, a var name or whatever. ctrl+D is my favourite, although not the quickest way, to select the next occurrence of what you currently have selected. Habits I guess.
AndreasJan 14, 2020

💪🏻👌🏻
Kiril LukiyanJan 14, 2020

This is a collection of good and useful shortcuts for everybody. Though they are not lesser known. Using 95% of them all the time since switching to vscode
- AndreasJan 14, 2020
  
  Thank you for your feedback! So you're a real VS Code pro user! Which command didn't you already know (the 5%)?
  - Kiril LukiyanJan 14, 2020
    
    3)CTRL+R (such a good one, I somehow didn't know or think about it before)
    19)CTRL+K CTRL+X
    - AndreasJan 16, 2020
      
      Well so I'm glad, that there were at least 2 shortcuts that were helpful for you too 😅
David KanekanianJan 14, 2020

Actually, the fastest way to switch tabs without using the mouse is using Alt + {n} where n is the tab index.
- AndreasJan 15, 2020
  
  Agreed! Thank you for this addition!
SairamNagothuJan 15, 2020

Great job..
- AndreasJan 15, 2020
  
  Thank you 😊
Random RamblerJan 16, 2020

Thank you. You inspired me: dwim.nl/2020-01-16-VSCode%20shortc...

I was wondering: Do you (or anyone else) know of a VSCode extension that advices on shortcuts for actions you perform often?
- AndreasJan 16, 2020
  
  Cool! 👏🏻 I'm glad it's useful for you!
  
  I don't know an extension, but if you perform an action with the command prompt CTRL+SHIFT+P you can directly see the defined shortcuts on the right:
Arda İpekJan 28, 2020

Thanks a lot Andreas 👍
- AndreasJan 28, 2020
  
  My pleasure 😊
Obieda AnanbehDec 20, 2020
Thank you!
This is awesome
- AndreasJan 6, 2021
  I'm glad you like it 😊
IroncladDevJan 9, 2021
How did you make those
GIF images?
- AndreasJan 9, 2021
  See this answer:
  
  Andreas • Jan 14 '20
  
  I'm using ScreenToGif. It's a really useful open source tool to quickly create screencasts. The shortcuts can to be inserted in editing mode.
PriscillaJun 30, 2021
This was super helpful, thank you! I enjoyed your use of gifs to show the shortcuts in action 😃 bookmarking this for later.
- AndreasJul 1, 2021
  Awesome 👍🏻 Happy to oblige!

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Andreas @devmount