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Linux Desktop shortcuts

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Do these shortcuts work for you?

These shortcuts belong to the desktop, not to one app. Window Management tiles and resizes windows: Tile Window Left, Tile Window Right, Maximize Window. Workspaces moves between workspaces, and moves a window to another one. System opens the terminal, locks the screen and takes screenshots. Files works in the file manager.

Start with these

  • Switch Windows
  • Show Desktop
  • Tile Window Left
  • Tile Window Right
  • Open Terminal
  • Lock Screen

Tips for Linux Desktop

  • Move Window to Previous Workspace SuperShiftPage Up and Move Window to Next Workspace SuperShiftPage Down are the workspace shortcuts with one modifier added.
  • The screenshot shortcuts use the same key. Screenshot Region ShiftPrtScn captures an area and Screenshot Window AltPrtScn captures one window.
  • Toggle Hidden Files CtrlH shows or hides hidden files in the file manager.
Jump to section

Window Management9

ActionShortcut
Show Desktop
Close Window
Switch Windows
Tile Window Left
Tile Window Right
Maximize Window
Restore/Minimize
Move Window
Resize Window

Workspaces4

ActionShortcut
Previous Workspace
Next Workspace
Move Window to Previous Workspace
Move Window to Next Workspace

System6

ActionShortcut
Open Terminal
Log Out
Lock Screen
Screenshot
Screenshot Region
Screenshot Window

Files5

ActionShortcut
Edit Path Bar
Toggle Hidden Files
New Folder
Rename
Move to Trash
Report a problem

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many keyboard shortcuts does Linux Desktop have on Linux?

Linux Desktop has 24 keyboard shortcuts on Linux, organized into 4 sections: Window Management, Workspaces, System, Files. This page lists all of them with searchable, organized shortcut tables.

Which Linux Desktop shortcuts should I learn first?

Start with Switch Windows (Alt+Tab), Show Desktop (Super+D), Tile Window Left (Super+←), Tile Window Right (Super+→), Open Terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T), Lock Screen (Super+L). The sections on this page list the rest.

Can I download Linux Desktop shortcuts as a PDF?

Yes. Click the download button at the top of this page to generate a printable PDF cheat sheet with all 24 Linux Desktop shortcuts. The PDF includes organized sections, keycap-style key labels, and space for your own notes.

Where is the official Linux Desktop keyboard shortcuts documentation?

The official Linux Desktop keyboard shortcuts documentation is available on their website. Every shortcut on this page is sourced from and verified against the official documentation to ensure accuracy.

Do these Linux Desktop shortcuts work across Linux distributions?

These shortcuts work in Linux Desktop regardless of which Linux distribution or desktop environment you use. The modifier keys are Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and Super (usually the Windows key). Some desktop environments may override specific key combinations — check your system keyboard settings if a shortcut doesn’t work as expected.

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