Master Ubuntu: 12 Essential Keyboard Shortcuts to Boost Productivity
This tutorial walks you through twelve practical Ubuntu keyboard shortcuts—including the Super key menu, terminal launch, screen lock, window management, workspace navigation, and quick command execution—showing how each shortcut works and how to customize your own for faster, more efficient desktop use.
Keyboard shortcuts can dramatically speed up everyday tasks on any operating system. This guide introduces a collection of useful Ubuntu shortcuts that simplify navigation, window management, and command execution, helping you work more efficiently.
01 Use the Super (Windows) Key
Press the Super key (the Windows key) to open the application search menu. Start typing an application name and click its icon to launch it.
The Super key also shows all running applications.
02 Launch Terminal with Super+T
Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal instantly, providing the quickest way to start a command line session.
03 Lock the Screen
Lock the screen by pressing Super + L or Ctrl + Alt + L. This quickly secures your session.
04 Show Desktop
Minimize all windows and reveal the desktop with Super + D (or Ctrl + Alt + D).
05 Open Applications Menu
Press Super + A to open the GNOME applications overview, where you can launch any installed program.
06 Switch Between Applications
Use Super + Tab or Alt + Tab to cycle through open applications. Holding Tab while keeping Super pressed lets you preview and select the desired window.
07 Toggle Notification Tray
Open the GNOME notification tray with Super + M. Switch between different notification views using Super + V.
08 Split Screen
Align a window to the left or right half of the screen with Super + Left Arrow or Super + Right Arrow, respectively.
09 Switch Workspaces
Move between multiple workspaces using Ctrl + Alt + Up Arrow or Ctrl + Alt + Down Arrow.
10 Quick Run Commands
Press Alt + F2 to open the “Run a Command” dialog. Type an application name (e.g., firefox) and press Enter to launch it without opening a terminal.
11 Log Out
Initiate logout with Ctrl + Alt + Del. Confirm or cancel the prompt as needed.
12 Close a Window
Close the active window with Alt + F4 or Ctrl + Q. You can also create custom shortcuts via Settings → Devices → Keyboard, adding new entries with the “+” button.
Feel free to experiment with these shortcuts and adapt them to your workflow for a smoother Ubuntu experience.
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Liangxu Linux
Liangxu, a self‑taught IT professional now working as a Linux development engineer at a Fortune 500 multinational, shares extensive Linux knowledge—fundamentals, applications, tools, plus Git, databases, Raspberry Pi, etc. (Reply “Linux” to receive essential resources.)
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