Adobe Premiere Pro editors live on the keyboard: tool keys, J-K-L playback, ripple trims and one-key transitions are what separate fast editors from slow ones. This complete list of Adobe Premiere Pro keyboard shortcut keys (Windows; on Mac replace Ctrl with Command and Alt with Option in most shortcuts) covers tools, playback and marking, trimming, timeline work and export — explained in plain words.
Tool Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| V | Selection tool |
| A | Track Select Forward tool |
| Shift + A | Track Select Backward tool |
| B | Ripple Edit tool |
| N | Rolling Edit tool |
| R | Rate Stretch tool |
| C | Razor tool |
| Y | Slip tool |
| U | Slide tool |
| P | Pen tool (keyframes) |
| H | Hand tool |
| Z | Zoom tool |
| T | Type tool |
| Shift + T | Vertical Type tool |
Playback and Marking Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Space | Play / stop |
| L | Play forward (press again for faster; up to 32x) |
| J | Play in reverse (press again for faster reverse) |
| K | Pause |
| Left / Right Arrow | Move one frame back / forward |
| Shift + Left / Right Arrow | Move 5 frames back / forward |
| Home / End | Go to the start / end of the sequence |
| Up Arrow / Down Arrow | Go to the previous / next edit point |
| I | Mark In point |
| O | Mark Out point |
| Alt + I / Alt + O | Clear the In / Out point |
| X | Mark the selected clip (set In/Out around it) |
| / (slash) | Mark the selection (In/Out around selected clips) |
| Shift + I / Shift + O | Go to the In / Out point |
| M | Add a marker at the playhead |
| Shift + M | Go to the next marker |
| Ctrl + Shift + M | Go to the previous marker |
| D | Select the clip under the playhead |
| F | Match Frame (open the source frame of the clip in the Source monitor) |
| Shift + F | Reveal the clip in the Project panel |
Editing and Trimming Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + K | Add Edit (cut at the playhead on targeted tracks) |
| Ctrl + Shift + K | Add Edit on all tracks |
| Q | Ripple trim the clip's head to the playhead (deletes and closes the gap) |
| W | Ripple trim the clip's tail to the playhead |
| T | Open Trim mode at the nearest edit point |
| E | Extend the selected edit point to the playhead |
| Ctrl + D | Apply the default video transition |
| Ctrl + Shift + D | Apply the default audio transition |
| Ctrl + Alt + D | Apply default transitions to the selection |
| Ctrl + R | Open Speed/Duration for the selected clip |
| Ctrl + L | Link / unlink selected clips |
| Ctrl + G | Group selected clips |
| Ctrl + Shift + G | Ungroup |
| Shift + E | Enable / disable the selected clip(s) |
| S | Toggle snapping on the timeline |
| , (comma) | Insert the source clip at the playhead |
| . (period) | Overwrite the source clip at the playhead |
| G | Open the Audio Gain dialog for the selected clip |
Sequence, Project and Export Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + N | New sequence |
| Ctrl + I | Import media |
| Ctrl + S | Save the project |
| Ctrl + M | Open Export settings (export media) |
| Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Shift + Z | Undo / redo |
| Ctrl + B | New bin in the Project panel |
| Ctrl + A | Select all (in the focused panel) |
| ` (grave accent) | Maximize / restore the active panel |
| Ctrl + Alt + N | New project |
| Ctrl + O | Open an existing project |
| Ctrl + Shift + S | Save the project as a copy |
Tips for Premiere Pro Users
The J-K-L trio is the heart of fast editing: L plays forward (tap again to double speed up to 8x and beyond), J reverses, K pauses — you can review footage at speed without leaving the keyboard. Combine that with Q and W ripple trims: play through a clip, tap Q to delete everything before the playhead and close the gap, W for everything after — rough cuts build themselves. And press Shift + ` (grave) or hover-maximize panels with the accent key when the timeline feels cramped; your wrists will thank you on long projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do J, K and L do in Premiere Pro?
J plays in reverse, K pauses, and L plays forward. Pressing J or L repeatedly increases the playback speed, and tapping the opposite key slows it down step by step.
How do I cut a clip at the playhead in Premiere Pro?
Move the playhead to the cut point and press Ctrl + K (Add Edit). Ctrl + Shift + K cuts all tracks at the playhead.
What is the difference between Q and W trims?
Q ripple-trims the start of the clip to the playhead (removing the head and closing the gap); W does the same for the tail. They are the fastest way to tighten a rough cut.
How do I add the default transition quickly?
Select the edit point (or place the playhead between clips) and press Ctrl + D for the default video transition or Ctrl + Shift + D for the default audio crossfade.
By Umar Farooq, Tech Know.
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