Boost Your Ubuntu Productivity with 12 Essential Keyboard Shortcuts
This guide walks you through twelve practical Ubuntu keyboard shortcuts—from launching the app menu with the Super key to switching workspaces, splitting screens, and creating custom shortcuts—helping you navigate the GNOME desktop faster and work more efficiently.
01 Use the Super (Windows) Key
Press the Super key (also called the Windows key) to open the application search menu; type the application name and click its icon to launch it. The Super key also shows all currently running applications and can lock the screen with Super+L or Ctrl+Alt+L.
02 Launch the Terminal Quickly
Use the shortcut Ctrl+Alt+T to open a terminal window instantly—one of the fastest ways to start a terminal session.
03 Lock the Screen
Press Super+L or Ctrl+Alt+L to lock the screen instantly, similar to the Windows lock shortcut.
04 Show the Desktop
Minimize all windows and reveal the desktop with Super+D or Ctrl+Alt+D.
05 Open the Applications Menu
Ubuntu 18.04’s GNOME desktop provides an applications overview accessed by Super+A. This opens the grid of installed apps.
06 Switch Between Applications
Press Super+Tab (or Alt+Tab) to cycle through open applications. Hold Tab while keeping Super pressed to preview and release both keys to select.
07 Toggle the Notification Tray
Open the GNOME notification tray with Super+M. Use Super+V to toggle different notification views.
08 Split the Screen (Tile Windows)
Align a window to the left or right half of the screen with Super+Left Arrow or Super+Right Arrow, respectively, creating a side‑by‑side layout.
09 Switch Between Workspaces
If you use multiple workspaces, move between them with Ctrl+Alt+Up Arrow or Ctrl+Alt+Down Arrow.
10 Quick Run a Command (Alt F2)
Press Alt+F2 to open a command prompt dialog. Type a command or an application name (e.g., firefox) and press Enter to execute.
11 Log Out
Initiate a logout with Ctrl+Alt+Del. The system will ask for confirmation; choose “Log Out” to proceed or “Cancel” to stay.
12 Close a Window
Close the active window with Alt+F4. Some applications also respond to Ctrl+Q for quitting.
Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
Open Settings → Devices → Keyboard . Click the + button to add a new shortcut, give it a name, and enter the command you want to run. Finally, click “Add” to save.
These shortcuts can be tailored to your workflow, making Ubuntu even more efficient.
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