<info> <desc>Get around the desktop using the keyboard.</desc> <name>Shaun McCance</name> <email>shaunm@gnome.org</email> <years>2012</years> </info>

This page provides an overview of keyboard shortcuts that can help you use your desktop and applications more efficiently. If you cannot use a mouse or pointing device at all, see for more information on navigating user interfaces with only the keyboard.

Getting around the desktop
<keyseq><key>Alt</key><key>F4</key></keyseq> | Close the current window.
<keyseq><key>Alt</key><key>F2</key></keyseq> | Pop up command window (for quickly running commands)
<keyseq><key>Alt</key><key>Tab</key></keyseq> | Quickly switch between windows. Hold down <key>Shift</key> for reverse order.
<keyseq><key>Alt</key><key>`</key></keyseq> | Switch between windows from the same application, or from the selected application after <keyseq><key>Alt</key><key>Tab</key></keyseq>. This shortcut uses <key>`</key> on US keyboards, where the <key>`</key> key is above <key>Tab</key>. On all other keyboards, the shortcut is <key>Alt</key> plus whatever key is above <key>Tab</key>.
<keyseq>Super<key>S</keyseq> | Activate the workspace switcher. Zoom out on all workspaces.
<keyseq>Super<key>W</keyseq> | Activate "Expo" mode. Show all windows from current workspace.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>Alt<key>Arrow keys</keyseq> | Switch between workspaces.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>Alt<key>Shift<key>Arrow keys</keyseq> | Move the current window to a different workspace.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>Alt<key>Delete</keyseq> | Log out.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl Super<key>D</keyseq> | Hide all windows and show the desktop. Press the keys again to restore your windows.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>Alt<key>L</keyseq> | Lock the screen.

Common editing shortcuts
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>A</keyseq> | Select all text or items in a list.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>X</keyseq> | Cut (remove) selected text or items and place it on the clipboard.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>C</keyseq> | Copy selected text or items to the clipboard.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>V</keyseq> | Paste the contents of the clipboard.
<keyseq><key>Ctrl<key>Z</keyseq> | Undo the last action.

Capturing from the screen
<key>Print Screen | Take a screenshot.
<keyseq><key>Alt<key>Print Screen</keyseq> | Take a screenshot of a window.
<keyseq><key>Shift<key>Print Screen</keyseq> | Take a screenshot of an area of the screen. The pointer changes to a crosshair. Click and drag to select an area.

<comment> jbicha

Compiz has even more keyboard shortcuts.

</comment>