23 lesser known VS Code Shortcuts as GIF
Despite many shortcuts I’m using frequently in VS Code, the following ones can come in very handy but I’m often forgetting they even exist. I made some GIFs for visualization to better remember them. Maybe there are some shortcuts you didn’t remember either but are useful for you.
Every command in VS Code can also be executed via command prompt with CTRL+SHIFT+P and a search query. But knowing the direct shortcut might be faster.
I use VS Code on Windows in the GIFs, but I also provide the shortcuts for both Windows and Mac for each command.
1. CTRL+, = Open user settings
Windows: CTRL+,
Mac: ⌘+,
Once in a while I need to adjust my user preferences, this is how you open them directly.
2. CTRL+K CTRL+S = Show shortcuts
Windows: CTRL+K CTRL+S
Mac: ⌘+K ⌘+S
This is the complete list of shortcuts in VS Code. There is also a VS Code Shortcuts Cheat-Sheet [PDF] available to download.
3. CTRL+R = Switch workspace
Windows: CTRL+R
Mac: ⌘+R
This opens a list of your recent workspaces and is a super fast way to switch to another folder or project. Note that this will kill you current terminal session, if you had a terminal open in your VS Code workspace.
4. ALT+Z = Toggle word wrap
Windows: ALT+Z
Mac: ⌥+Z
A handy little helper when you quickly want to see complete lines without scrolling horizontally.
5. CTRL+G = Go to line
Windows: CTRL+G
Mac: ^+G
This is the shortcut for typing CTRL+P :.
6. CTRL+P = Go to file
Windows: CTRL+P
Mac: ⌘+P
The fastest way to switch files (especially when they are not already open) without using the mouse.
7. F8 = Go to next error or warning
Windows: F8
Mac: F8
This is debugging with a single key. You can also go to previous errors or warnings using SHIFT+F8.
8. CTRL+TAB = Switch tabs
Windows: CTRL+TAB
Mac: ^+TAB
The fastest way to switch already open files without using the mouse.
9. SHIFT+ALT+I = Insert cursor at end of each line selected
Windows: SHIFT+ALT+I
Mac: ⇧+⌥+I
This is useful for a quick creation of multiple cursors in the selected area.
10. CTRL+L = Select current line
Windows: CTRL+L
Mac: ⌘+L
Use this i.e. to search for identical lines in combination with the next shortcut.
11. CTRL+SHIFT+L = Select all occurrences of current selection
Windows: CTRL+SHIFT+L
Mac: ⇧+⌘+L
This shortcut really saves time because you don’t have to CTRL+D through a whole file.
12. CTRL+F2 = Select all occurrences of current word
Windows: CTRL+F2
Mac: ⌘+F2
With this you don’t even have to select something anymore. Just place the cursor on the word you want to select all occurrences of.
13. CTRL+SHIFT+SPACE = Trigger parameter hints
Windows: CTRL+SHIFT+SPACE
Mac: ⇧+⌘+SPACE
In case you don’t remember parameter order and don’t want to interrupt your flow by looking into the docs.
14. SHIFT+ALT+F = Format document
Windows: SHIFT+ALT+F
Mac: ⇧+⌥+F
Because nobody wants to format a whole file manually.
15. CTRL+K CTRL+F = Format selection
Windows: CTRL+K CTRL+F
Mac: ⌘+K ⌘+F
In case you want to format only some parts of a file.
16. F12 = Go to Definition
Windows: F12
Mac: F12
The quick way to jump to the definition of a variable or function.
17. ALT+F12 = Peek Definition
Windows: ALT+F12
Mac: ⌥+F12
This just shows the corresponding definition of a variable or function without moving the cursor.
18. F2 = Rename Symbol
Windows: F2
Mac: F2
An indispensible shortcut for refactoring code.
19. CTRL+K CTRL+X = Trim trailing whitespace
Windows: CTRL+K CTRL+X
Mac: ⌘+K ⌘+X
This is especially useful for multi-line selections.
20. CTRL+K R = Reveal active file in Explorer
Windows: CTRL+K R
Mac: ⌘+K R
In case you want to perform some actions out of your systems file manager instead of VS Code.
21. CTRL+SHIFT+H = Replace in files
Windows: CTRL+SHIFT+H
Mac: ⇧+⌘+H
If only one file at a time isn’t enough for you.
22. CTRL+K V = Open preview to the side (i.e. Markdown)
Windows: CTRL+K V
Mac: ⌘+K V
This way you don’t have to switch to the mouse to open a preview.
23. CTRL+K Z = Enter Zen Mode
Windows: CTRL+K Z
Mac: ⌘+K Z
Instantly coding distraction free. To exit Zen mode, hit ESC ESC.
So that’s it for now. I maintain a repository on GitHub, where I collect commands I tend to forget — check it out if you want:
Happy Coding!
Edited: 8th January 2019 (add MacOS shortcuts)
Originally published: 7th January 2019 on dev.to
Cover Image: https://codepen.io/devmount/full/ExaQjdm
