Ubuntu with the GNOME desktop is fast to use with a mouse, but its keyboard shortcuts are where the real speed is: switching workspaces, snapping windows, opening the terminal and capturing screenshots all happen in one key press. This complete list of Ubuntu and GNOME keyboard shortcut keys explains every important shortcut in plain words — Activities overview, window management, workspaces, the Files (Nautilus) app, GNOME Terminal and screenshots — so you can control Ubuntu without touching the mouse.
Activities, Apps and System Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Super | Open the Activities overview (windows, workspaces and search in one screen) |
| Super + A | Show the application grid (all installed apps) |
| Super + S | Open the Activities overview (same as Super on most builds) |
| Alt + F2 | Run a command (type a command name and press Enter) |
| Ctrl + Alt + T | Open GNOME Terminal |
| Super + L | Lock the screen |
| Super + V | Open the calendar and notification list (GNOME 40 and later) |
| Super + Tab | Switch between applications (visual switcher) |
| Alt + Tab | Switch between applications quickly |
| Super + ` or Alt + ` | Switch between windows of the same application |
| Alt + Esc | Switch windows directly without the switcher popup |
| Super + D or Ctrl + Super + D | Show the desktop (hide all windows; build dependent) |
| Print Screen | Open the screenshot tool (GNOME 42+) / capture the whole screen (older versions) |
Window Management Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Alt + F4 | Close the current window |
| Alt + F10 | Maximize or restore the window |
| Alt + F5 | Restore (unmaximize) the window |
| Super + Up Arrow | Maximize the window |
| Super + Down Arrow | Restore, then minimize the window |
| Super + Left Arrow | Snap the window to the left half of the screen |
| Super + Right Arrow | Snap the window to the right half of the screen |
| Super + H | Hide (minimize) the window |
| Alt + F7 | Move the window (then use arrow keys, Enter to finish) |
| Alt + F8 | Resize the window with the arrow keys |
| Alt + Space | Open the window menu (Move, Resize, Maximize, Always on Top...) |
| Alt + F6 | Switch windows of the same app on the current workspace (older GNOME) |
| Shift + Super + Left / Right Arrow | Move the window to the monitor on the left or right |
Workspace Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Super + Page Up | Move to the workspace above (previous) |
| Super + Page Down | Move to the workspace below (next) |
| Ctrl + Alt + Up Arrow | Switch to the previous workspace (classic binding) |
| Ctrl + Alt + Down Arrow | Switch to the next workspace (classic binding) |
| Shift + Super + Page Up / Page Down | Move the current window to the previous / next workspace |
| Super + Home / End | Move to the first / last workspace (GNOME 40+) |
Screenshot Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Print Screen | Open the interactive screenshot tool (GNOME 42 and later) |
| Shift + Print Screen | Capture a selected area of the screen |
| Alt + Print Screen | Capture the current window |
| Ctrl + Print Screen | Copy a full screenshot to the clipboard (older GNOME) |
| Shift + Ctrl + Alt + R | Start or stop a screen recording (screencast) |
Files (Nautilus) Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + N | Open a new Files window |
| Ctrl + T | Open a new tab |
| Ctrl + W | Close the tab or window |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder |
| F2 | Rename the selected file or folder |
| Ctrl + H | Show or hide hidden files |
| Ctrl + L | Focus the location bar (type a path) |
| Alt + Left / Right Arrow | Go back / forward |
| Alt + Up Arrow | Open the parent folder |
| Ctrl + F | Search in the current folder |
| Delete | Move to Trash |
| Shift + Delete | Delete permanently |
| Ctrl + I or Alt + Enter | Open Properties |
| Ctrl + 1 / Ctrl + 2 | Grid view / list view |
GNOME Terminal Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Open a new terminal window |
| Ctrl + Shift + T | Open a new tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + C | Copy the selected text |
| Ctrl + Shift + V | Paste into the terminal |
| Ctrl + Shift + F | Find text in the terminal output |
| Ctrl + Shift + W | Close the tab |
| Ctrl + Page Up / Page Down | Switch between tabs |
| Ctrl + C | Interrupt (stop) the running command |
| Ctrl + L | Clear the terminal screen |
| Ctrl + D | Close the shell (end of input) |
| Ctrl + R | Reverse search through command history |
| Up / Down Arrow | Browse previous commands |
Tips for Ubuntu Users
Ubuntu lets you see and change almost every shortcut: open Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts to view the full list and set your own. The three habits that pay off most are Ctrl + Alt + T for an instant terminal, Super for search-driven launching (press Super, type two or three letters, press Enter), and workspaces with Super + Page Up / Page Down to keep projects separated. If a shortcut clashes with an application, rebind it in the same Settings panel instead of fighting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Super key on Ubuntu?
It is the key with the Windows logo (or the Command key on Apple keyboards). Ubuntu uses it for the Activities overview, app switching and window snapping.
How do I open the terminal quickly in Ubuntu?
Press Ctrl + Alt + T. A new GNOME Terminal window opens instantly from anywhere in the desktop.
How do I take a screenshot in Ubuntu?
On GNOME 42 and later, press Print Screen to open the screenshot tool and choose full screen, window or area. Screenshots are saved in Pictures → Screenshots.
Can I change Ubuntu's keyboard shortcuts?
Yes. Go to Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts, click any action and press your new combination. You can also create custom shortcuts for commands and apps there.
By Umar Farooq, Tech Know.
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