Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is arguably the most popular code editor in the world—and for good reason. It's lightweight, lightning-fast, and extremely customizable. But if you're only using your mouse and ignoring the power of keyboard shortcuts, you're not tapping into its full potential.

In this guide, you'll discover 40+ VS Code shortcuts—categorized for different tasks—that will dramatically improve your speed and workflow as a developer.

1. Basic Editing Shortcuts

Select Line

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + L
  • macOS: Cmd + L Selects the entire line your cursor is on.

Duplicate Line

  • Windows/Linux: Shift + Alt + ↓ / ↑
  • macOS: Shift + Option + ↓ / ↑ Duplicates the line above or below.

Move Line Up/Down

  • Windows/Linux: Alt + ↑ / ↓
  • macOS: Option + ↑ / ↓

Delete Line

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + K
  • macOS: Cmd + Shift + K

2. Multi-Cursor and Selection Magic

Add Cursors Manually

  • Windows/Linux: Alt + Click
  • macOS: Option + Click

Add Next Occurrence

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + D
  • macOS: Cmd + D

Select All Occurrences

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + L
  • macOS: Cmd + Shift + L

Undo Cursor

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + U
  • macOS: Cmd + U

3. File Navigation Shortcuts

Quick Open File

  • Shortcut: Ctrl + P / Cmd + P Type the file name and jump instantly.

Open Recent Files

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + R
  • macOS: Cmd + R

Open File in New Editor

  • Ctrl + Enter (after Ctrl + P)

4. Command Palette and Settings

Open Command Palette

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + P
  • macOS: Cmd + Shift + P

Open Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + K Ctrl + S

Open Settings

  • Ctrl + , / Cmd + ,

5. Search and Replace

Global Search

  • Ctrl + Shift + F / Cmd + Shift + F

Replace in Files

  • Ctrl + Shift + H / Cmd + Shift + H

Search Within File

  • Ctrl + F / Cmd + F

Replace in Current File

  • Ctrl + H / Cmd + H

6. Code Navigation

Go to Definition

  • F12

Peek Definition

  • Alt + F12 / Option + F12

Go to Implementation

  • Ctrl + F12 / Cmd + F12

Go to Symbol

  • Ctrl + Shift + O / Cmd + Shift + O

Show All Symbols

  • Ctrl + T / Cmd + T

7. Editor Management

Toggle Sidebar

  • Ctrl + B / Cmd + B

Split Editor

  • Ctrl + \ / Cmd + \

Focus into Editor Groups

  • Ctrl + 1 / 2 / 3

Switch Between Tabs

  • Ctrl + Tab / Cmd + Tab

Close Current Editor

  • Ctrl + W / Cmd + W

8. Terminal Shortcuts

Toggle Terminal

  • Ctrl + ` / Cmd + `

Create New Terminal

  • Ctrl + Shift + ' / Cmd + Shift + '

Clear Terminal

  • Run clear or use Ctrl + K (in some shells)

9. Debugging Shortcuts

Start Debugging

  • F5

Stop Debugging

  • Shift + F5

Step Over

  • F10

Step Into

  • F11

Toggle Breakpoint

  • F9

10. Formatting and Refactoring

Format Document

  • Shift + Alt + F / Shift + Option + F

Rename Symbol

  • F2

Show Refactor Options

  • Ctrl + Shift + R / Cmd + Shift + R (context menu also works)

Auto Import Suggestions

  • Start typing and use Tab or Enter to accept auto-imports

11. Extensions and Marketplace

Install Extensions Quickly

  • Ctrl + Shift + X / Cmd + Shift + X

Search Extensions

  • Use the search bar and hit Enter Navigate with arrow keys, Enter to install.

12. Snippets and Emmet

Trigger Suggestion

  • Ctrl + Space / Cmd + Space

Use Emmet in HTML/CSS

Type things like ul>li*5 and press Tab

Productivity Tip: Create Your Own Shortcuts

Go to:

File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts

(Or press Ctrl + K Ctrl + S)
You can search and assign your own keybindings for any command.

Final Thoughts

Mastering VS Code shortcuts won’t just make you a faster developer—it’ll make your workflow smoother and your coding sessions far less frustrating. Start small, pick 5 shortcuts today, and use them until they become second nature. Then move on to 5 more.

You’ll thank yourself in the long run.

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