Linux may not be the most user-friendly operating system, but it’s certainly one of the most productive. And one of the main reasons behind this is the availability of a wide range of keyboard shortcuts that you can use to streamline your workflow. Many keyboard shortcuts in Linux work the same as in Windows, but there are other Linux shortcuts and keyboard shortcuts that you won’t be able to stop using once you know them.
Whether you want more control over active applications and processes, seamlessly capture perfect-sized screenshots, run commands without launching Terminal, or simply work faster in Terminal, these Linux shortcuts will prove useful. This makes performing daily tasks and advanced operations easier and faster. Instead of fumbling for the mouse every time, you can use these key combinations to streamline things. The best part is that you don’t need to memorize dozens of shortcuts. You just need to learn a few of them (and their variations).
Desktop shortcuts
Setthaphat Dodchai/Getty Images
Whether you’re installing Linux directly or switching from Windows, these keyboard shortcuts can help you navigate the operating system and perform everyday tasks with ease. Sometimes a shortcut’s behavior varies depending on the Linux distribution you’re using, but most work the same across all distributions. Additionally, the Super key has the Windows logo on most systems.
Ctrl + Alt + T: If you are an experienced Linux user and rely heavily on Terminal, this shortcut can be used to open it instantly from anywhere.
Alt + F2: Although Terminal is one of the most important parts of Linux, you can also run commands outside of it. Press Alt+F2 to open the Run dialog box and you can directly run commands or launch programs from here.
Ctrl + Q: This shortcut allows you to close the active program or any slowdown in your computer without leaving the keyboard. Keep in mind that some apps, like Google Chrome, don’t support it.
Alt + PrintScreen: This allows you to capture a screenshot of the active window instead of the entire desktop on most Linux desktops, eliminating the need to crop the screenshot later.
Terminal shortcuts
Claudio Borquez Airs/Shutterstock
Terminal is one of the most important tools in Linux, especially for power users who prefer to interact with the system using commands. If you also use Terminal, these shortcuts will make it much easier to use. You can end active orders and processes, fix common errors, or navigate to specific parts of an order. Keep in mind that most terminal shortcuts play a different role outside of it.
Ctrl + C: While the shortcut usually copies highlighted text in the GUI, in Terminal you can use it to instantly terminate an active command or program. This is useful when something is taking too long to respond or is simply stuck.
Ctrl + U: If you type a command incorrectly, use this shortcut to clear everything from the cursor position to the start of the line. This way you won’t have to press the “Backspace” key multiple times.
Ctrl + K: This is the opposite of the last shortcut, clearing everything from the cursor position to the end of the line.
Ctrl + A and Ctrl + E: You can use these shortcuts for faster navigation in Terminal. While “Ctrl + A” moves the cursor to the beginning of the current command line, “Ctrl + E” moves it to the end.
Ctrl + W: If you made a small mistake while typing a command, this shortcut erases the last word before the cursor.
