Essential Visual Studio Code Shortcuts for Developers

Boost your coding speed and efficiency by mastering key keyboard shortcuts in Visual Studio Code. This guide highlights crucial shortcuts for editing, navigation, debugging, and more, relevant for developers in Canada.

Increase Your Productivity

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a powerhouse code editor favoured by developers worldwide, including across Canada. While its features are vast, truly unlocking its potential for productivity comes from moving beyond the mouse and embracing keyboard shortcuts.

Learning shortcuts streamlines common tasks like editing code, navigating files, searching projects, managing windows, and debugging. This not only saves time but also reduces mental friction, allowing you to stay focused on solving problems.

This guide focuses on some of the most impactful VS Code shortcuts that can significantly enhance a developer's daily workflow.

Close-up of code being edited in VS Code editor

Core Editing & Text Manipulation

Master basic actions like cut, copy, paste, undo, redo, along with powerful line operations like moving lines up/down, duplicating lines, deleting lines, and toggling comments without reaching for the mouse.

VS Code interface showing search panel or file navigation palette

Efficient Code Navigation & Search

Quickly jump between files (`Ctrl+P`/`Cmd+P`), navigate to specific lines (`Ctrl+G`), find symbols (`Ctrl+Shift+O`), go to definitions (`F12`), and utilize powerful find/replace functionalities (`Ctrl+F`, `Ctrl+H`).

Code editor showing multiple cursors editing different lines simultaneously

Multi Cursor Magic & Advanced Selection

Leverage multi-cursor editing to make simultaneous changes across multiple lines. Learn shortcuts for adding cursors above/below, selecting next occurrences (`Ctrl+D`), selecting all occurrences, and column selection.

VS Code debugging interface showing breakpoints and execution controls

Debugging Controls at Your Fingertips

Control the debugger efficiently without clicking: toggle breakpoints (`F9`), start/continue execution (`F5`), step over (`F10`), step into (`F11`), step out (`Shift+F11`), and stop debugging (`Shift+F5`).

VS Code window split into multiple editor panes with integrated terminal open

Window, Terminal & File Management

Manage your workspace efficiently: toggle the integrated terminal (`Ctrl+\``), toggle the sidebar (`Ctrl+B`), split the editor (`Ctrl+\`), close files (`Ctrl+W`), save files (`Ctrl+S`), and switch between open tabs.

VS Code Command Palette open, showing searchable list of commands

Leveraging the Command Palette

The ultimate shortcut: `Ctrl+Shift+P` (or `Cmd+Shift+P` / `F1`) opens the Command Palette, allowing you to search for and execute virtually any command in VS Code, often showing its associated keyboard shortcut.

Developer coding quickly and efficiently using keyboard shortcuts

Unlocking Developer Productivity

Integrating keyboard shortcuts into your VS Code workflow is a direct path to increased speed, reduced mouse reliance, and enhanced focus on coding tasks.

Start by learning a few essential shortcuts for your most common actions, practice them consistently, and gradually expand your repertoire to become a more efficient and productive developer.

Focusing on these categories yields significant productivity gains in VS Code.

Basic Editing Essentials

Cut (`Ctrl+X` / `Cmd+X`)
Copy (`Ctrl+C` / `Cmd+C`)
Paste (`Ctrl+V` / `Cmd+V`)
Undo (`Ctrl+Z` / `Cmd+Z`)
Redo (`Ctrl+Y` / `Cmd+Shift+Z`)

Fast Navigation

Go to File (`Ctrl+P` / `Cmd+P`)
Go to Symbol (`Ctrl+Shift+O` / `Cmd+Shift+O`)
Go to Line (`Ctrl+G`)
Go to Definition (`F12`)
Go Back/Forward (Navigation History)

Powerful Search/Replace

Find in File (`Ctrl+F` / `Cmd+F`)
Replace in File (`Ctrl+H` / `Cmd+Opt+F`)
Find in Project (`Ctrl+Shift+F` / `Cmd+Shift+F`)
Replace in Project (`Ctrl+Shift+H` / `Cmd+Shift+H`)
Find Next/Previous (`F3`/`Shift+F3`)

Multi Cursor Editing

Add Cursor Above/Below
Add Cursor via Alt/Opt + Click
Select Next Match (`Ctrl+D` / `Cmd+D`)
Select All Matches (`Ctrl+Shift+L` / `Cmd+Shift+L`)
Column (Box) Selection

Debugging Fundamentals

Toggle Breakpoint (`F9`)
Start/Continue (`F5`)
Step Over (`F10`)
Step Into/Out (`F11`/`Shift+F11`)
Stop Debugging (`Shift+F5`)

Command Palette

Access All Commands (`Ctrl+Shift+P` / `Cmd+Shift+P` / `F1`)
Search commands by name.
Discover associated shortcuts.
Execute less frequent commands easily.
The ultimate VS Code power tool.

Icon representing speed or efficiency boost (e.g., lightning bolt, upward graph)

Investing a little time to learn VS Code shortcuts pays back immensely in faster coding, smoother navigation, and reduced reliance on the mouse, letting you stay in the flow.

12 Highly Useful VS Code Shortcuts

Command Palette

`Ctrl+Shift+P` / `Cmd+Shift+P` (or F1)

Quick File Open

`Ctrl+P` / `Cmd+P`

Find in File

`Ctrl+F` / `Cmd+F`

Select Next Match

`Ctrl+D` / `Cmd+D`

Move Line Up/Down

`Alt+Up/Down` / `Opt+Up/Down`

Copy Line Up/Down

`Shift+Alt+Up/Down` / `Shift+Opt+Up/Down`

Toggle Line Comment

`Ctrl+/` / `Cmd+/`

Start Debugging

`F5`

Step Over (Debug)

`F10`

Toggle Terminal

Ctrl+` (backtick) / `Cmd+\``

Toggle Sidebar

`Ctrl+B` / `Cmd+B`

Format Document

`Shift+Alt+F` / `Shift+Opt+F`

VS Code Shortcuts FAQs

Where can I find the full list of VS Code shortcuts?

You can view/search all default shortcuts directly within VS Code: go to File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts (`Ctrl+K Ctrl+S`). The official VS Code documentation website also has printable cheat sheets for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

How can I customize VS Code keyboard shortcuts?

In the Keyboard Shortcuts editor (`Ctrl+K Ctrl+S`), you can search for commands, right-click on one, and select 'Change Keybinding' or 'Add Keybinding'. You can also directly edit the `keybindings.json` file for advanced customization.

What are the most essential shortcuts for a beginner?

Start with the basics: Command Palette (`Ctrl+Shift+P`), Quick File Open (`Ctrl+P`), Save (`Ctrl+S`), Find (`Ctrl+F`), Cut/Copy/Paste (`Ctrl+X/C/V`), Undo (`Ctrl+Z`), Toggle Comment (`Ctrl+/`), and Toggle Terminal (`Ctrl+\``).

How do I use multi-cursor editing effectively?

Use `Alt+Click` (`Opt+Click` on Mac) to place cursors arbitrarily. Use `Ctrl+Alt+Up/Down` (`Opt+Cmd+Up/Down` on Mac) to add cursors line by line. Use `Ctrl+D` (`Cmd+D` on Mac) to select the current word and subsequent occurrences for simultaneous editing.

Are shortcuts different for French Canadian keyboards?

Most core shortcuts using letter keys (`Ctrl+C`, `Ctrl+S`, `Ctrl+F`) remain the same. Shortcuts involving symbols (like `/`, `\`, `[`, `]`, `` ` ``) might require different physical key presses depending on the specific layout (e.g., Canadian Multilingual Standard vs. US). Check the Keyboard Shortcuts editor in VS Code to see the exact mapping for your layout.

How do I find the shortcut for a specific command?

Open the Command Palette (`Ctrl+Shift+P` / `Cmd+Shift+P`), type the name of the command (e.g., "Format Document"), and the associated shortcut (if one exists) will usually be displayed next to it.

What's the best way to memorize VS Code shortcuts?

Don't try to learn them all at once. Identify 2-3 shortcuts for tasks you do frequently with the mouse. Consciously practice using only the shortcut for a week. Once comfortable, pick a few more. Consistency builds muscle memory. Use the Command Palette as a fallback.

Are there shortcuts for Git integration in VS Code?

Yes. While many use the Source Control panel UI, the Command Palette (`Ctrl+Shift+P`) allows searching for Git commands (e.g., "Git: Commit", "Git: Push", "Git: Pull"). You can also assign custom shortcuts to frequent Git actions via the Keyboard Shortcuts editor.

Boost Your Coding Speed with VS Code Shortcuts

Moving efficiently within your code editor is fundamental to developer productivity. Visual Studio Code offers a rich set of keyboard shortcuts designed to minimize mouse usage and speed up common tasks.

From basic text editing and file navigation to powerful features like multi-cursor selection and integrated debugging, mastering shortcuts transforms your workflow.

Investing time in learning even a few key shortcuts related to your most frequent actions can yield significant returns in speed, focus, and overall coding comfort.

This guide explores some of the most useful shortcut categories and provides tips on how to integrate them effectively into your development process.

Developer typing quickly on a keyboard with code editor in background

Editing Code Faster: Line Operations & Multi-Cursor

Beyond basic cut/copy/paste, VS Code offers powerful editing shortcuts:

**Line Manipulation:** Move entire lines up or down with `Alt+Up/Down` (`Opt+Up/Down` on Mac). Duplicate lines with `Shift+Alt+Up/Down` (`Shift+Opt+Up/Down`). Delete a line quickly with `Ctrl+Shift+K` (`Cmd+Shift+K`). Insert lines above/below with `Ctrl+Shift+Enter`/`Ctrl+Enter`.

**Multi-Cursor Editing:** This is a game-changer for repetitive edits. Place additional cursors using `Alt+Click` (`Opt+Click` on Mac) or add cursors line-by-line with `Ctrl+Alt+Up/Down` (`Opt+Cmd+Up/Down`).

Select the current word/selection and its next occurrence with `Ctrl+D` (`Cmd+D`) – repeat to select more instances. Select *all* occurrences with `Ctrl+Shift+L` (`Cmd+Shift+L`). Anything you type will then apply to all cursor locations simultaneously.

**Column (Box) Selection:** Hold `Shift+Alt` (`Shift+Opt` on Mac) and drag the mouse to select a rectangular block of text, useful for editing aligned code across multiple lines.

Navigating Your Project: Search & Go To Commands

Quickly finding files and code within your project is essential. VS Code provides excellent navigation shortcuts:

**Quick File Open:** The indispensable `Ctrl+P` (`Cmd+P` on Mac) lets you instantly search for and open any file in your workspace just by typing parts of its name.

**Go To Symbol:** Use `Ctrl+Shift+O` (`Cmd+Shift+O` on Mac) to jump to functions, variables, or classes within the current file. Use `Ctrl+T` (`Cmd+T`) to search symbols across the entire workspace.

**Go To Definition/Peek:** Place your cursor on a function or variable and press `F12` to jump to its definition, or `Alt+F12` to see the definition in a small inline window without leaving your current context.

**Find & Replace:** Use `Ctrl+F` (`Cmd+F`) to find text within the current file and `Ctrl+H` (`Cmd+Opt+F`) to replace. Use `Ctrl+Shift+F` (`Cmd+Shift+F`) and `Ctrl+Shift+H` (`Cmd+Shift+H`) for project-wide search and replace.

**Command Palette:** Remember `Ctrl+Shift+P` (`Cmd+Shift+P` / `F1`) – it lets you search for *any* command, including navigation commands you might not know the shortcut for.

Controlling Debugger & Managing Your Workspace

Shortcuts streamline debugging and keep your workspace organized.

**Debugging:** Control execution flow without the mouse:

`F9`: Toggle Breakpoint on the current line.
`F5`: Start debugging or continue execution from a breakpoint.
`F10`: Step Over the current line/function call.
`F11`: Step Into the function call on the current line.
`Shift+F11`: Step Out of the current function.
`Shift+F5`: Stop the debugging session.

**Window & Panel Management:**

`Ctrl+\`` (`Cmd+\`` on Mac): Toggle the Integrated Terminal panel open/closed.
`Ctrl+B` (`Cmd+B` on Mac): Toggle the Sidebar visibility (Explorer, Search, Git panels).
`Ctrl+\` (`Cmd+\` on Mac): Split the current editor vertically (or horizontally depending on setup).
`Ctrl+W` (`Cmd+W` on Mac): Close the active editor tab.
`Ctrl+Tab`: Cycle through open editor tabs.

Tips for Learning & Customizing VS Code Shortcuts

Memorizing dozens of shortcuts at once can be overwhelming. Here's a more effective approach:

**Start Small:** Identify 3-5 actions you perform frequently using the mouse (e.g., saving, finding, commenting code). Look up their shortcuts using the Command Palette (`Ctrl+Shift+P`) or the official cheat sheets.

**Practice Consistently:** Make a conscious effort to use only the keyboard shortcut for those chosen actions for a week. Muscle memory builds with repetition.

**Use the Command Palette:** When you need to do something less common, open the Command Palette (`Ctrl+Shift+P` / `Cmd+Shift+P`) and start typing the action (e.g., "toggle word wrap"). Often, the shortcut is displayed next to the command, helping you learn passively.

**Customize (If Needed):** If a default shortcut feels awkward, conflicts with another program, or doesn't suit your workflow (or keyboard layout, like certain symbols on Canadian Multilingual), open the Keyboard Shortcuts editor (`Ctrl+K Ctrl+S`) and rebind it to something more convenient.

Gradually add more shortcuts as the initial ones become second nature. Focus on high-frequency actions first for the biggest productivity gains.

Using VS Code shortcuts primarily improves...?

Developer productivity and speed.

What tool lets you search and execute almost any VS Code command?

The Command Palette (`Ctrl+Shift+P` / `Cmd+Shift+P`).

What is the common shortcut to Find text in a file?

`Ctrl+F` (Windows/Linux) or `Cmd+F` (Mac).

What shortcut often adds another cursor directly below the current one?

`Ctrl+Alt+Down` (Windows/Linux) or `Opt+Cmd+Down` (Mac).

Which function key typically starts a debugging session?

`F5`.