Default Settings Shortcut Keys
The following table lists the default key combinations available for the Default Settings keyboard scheme.
- Global shortcut keys Lists common shortcut key combinations as well as key combinations that can be used in a variety of places within the IDE.
- HTML designer shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available when working in Design view and HTML view of the HTML Designer.
- XML designer shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available when working in Schema view of the XML designer.
- Accelerator Keys for the Dialog Editor Lists the shortcut key combinations available when working in the Dialog editor.
- Accelerator Keys for the Image Editor Lists the shortcut key combinations available when working in the Image editor.
- Debugging shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available when using the Debugger.
- Search and replace shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available when using the Find, Replace, Find in Files, and Replace in Files dialog boxes.
- Visual Database Tools shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available when using the Query designer or Database designer.
- Control manipulation shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available for moving and resizing controls on a design surface.
- Text navigation shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available when moving within code in an open document.
- Text selection shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available when selecting text in an open document.
- Text manipulation shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available when moving, deleting, or formatting text in an open document.
- Window management shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available for moving, closing, or navigating in tool and document windows.
- Integrated Help shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available when displaying and browsing Help topics.
- Object Browser shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available when working in the Object Browser.
- Macro shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available for working with macros.
- Tool window shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations that display the various tool windows.
- Project shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations that can be used to add new items to a project, build a project, or open files or projects.
- Miscellaneous editor shortcut keys Lists the shortcut key combinations available when working in the Component editor, String editor, and Accelerator editor.
Global shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used in various places within the integrated development environment (IDE).
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Edit.Copy | CTRL + C CTRL + INSERT |
Copies the currently selected item to the system clipboard. |
| Edit.Cut | CTRL + X SHIFT + DELETE |
Removes the currently selected item to the system clipboard. |
| Edit.CycleClipboardRing | CTRL + SHIFT + INS CTRL + SHIFT + V |
Pastes an item from the Clipboard Ring tab of the Toolbox at the insertion point in the file and automatically selects the pasted item. You can review each item on the Clipboard by repeatedly pressing the shortcut keys. |
| Edit.GoToNextLocation | F8 | Moves the cursor to the next item, such as a task in the Task List window or a search match in the Find Results window. Each time you press F8, you move to the next item in the list. |
| Edit.GoToPreviousLocation | SHIFT + F8 | Moves the cursor to the previous item in the Task List window or Find Results window. |
| Edit.GoToReference | SHIFT + F12 | Displays the reference of the selection in the code. |
| Edit.OpenFile | CTRL + SHIFT + G | Displays the Open File dialog box where you can select an existing file to open. |
| Edit.Paste | CTRL + V SHIFT + INSERT |
Inserts the Clipboard contents at the insertion point. |
| Edit.Redo | CTRL + SHIFT + Z CTRL + Y SHIFT + ALT + BACKSPACE |
Restores the previously undone action. |
| Edit.SelectionCancel | ESC | Closes a menu or dialog box, cancels an operation in progress, or places focus in the current document window. Available only in the .NET Framework Designer. |
| Edit.Undo | ALT + BACKSPACE CTRL + Z |
Reverses the last editing action. |
| File.Print | CTRL + P | Displays the Print dialog box where you can choose printer settings. |
| File.SaveAll | CTRL + SHIFT + S | Saves all documents in the current solution and any files in the external files project. |
| File.SaveSelectedItems | CTRL + S | Saves the selected items in the current project. |
| Tools.GoToCommandLine | CTRL + / | Places the caret in the Find/Command box on the Standard toolbar. |
| View.NextTask | CTRL + SHIFT + F12 | Moves to the next task in the Task List window. |
| View.PopBrowseContext | CTRL + SHIFT + 8 | Returns to the location from where the last browse operation was performed. Available in the Object Browser or Class View window. |
| View.ViewCode | F7 | Displays the selected item in Code view of the Editor. |
| View.ViewDesigner | SHIFT + F7 | Displays the selected item in Design view of the Editor. |
| View.WebNavigateBack | ALT + LEFT ARROW | Displays the previous page in the viewing history. Available only in the Web Browser window. |
| View.WebNavigateForward | ALT + RIGHT ARROW | Displays the next page in the viewing history. Available only in the Web Browser window. |
HTML Designer shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can only be used while editing in the HTML Designer. Certain keys combinations are available only in a specific view of that designer.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Edit.ListMembers | CTRL + J | Lists members of the current class for statement completion when editing code. Available only in HTML view of the HTML Designer. |
| Edit.ParameterInfo | CTRL + SHIFT + SPACEBAR | Displays a tool tip that contains information for the current parameter, based on the current language. Available only in HTML view of the HTML Editor. |
| Edit.ViewBottom | CTRL + PAGE DOWN | Moves to the bottom of the current document. Available only in HTML View of the HTML Designer. |
| Edit.ViewTop | CTRL + PAGE UP (Save File As) | Moves to the top of the current window. Available only in HTML View of the HTML Designer. |
| Format.Bold | CTRL + B | Toggles the selected text between bold and normal. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| Format.Bookmark | CTRL + SHIFT + L | Displays the Bookmark dialog box. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| Format.ConvertToHyperlink | CTRL + L | When text is selected, displays the Hyperlink dialog box. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| Format.DecreaseIndent | CTRL + SHIFT + T | Decreases the selected paragraph by one indent unit. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| Format.IncreaseIndent | CTRL + T | Indents the selected paragraph by one indent unit. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| Format.Italic | CTRL + I | Toggles the selected text between italic and normal. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| Format.LockElement | CTRL + SHIFT + K | Prevents an absolutely positioned element from being inadvertently moved. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| Format.ShowGrid | CTRL + G | Toggles show grid. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| Format.SnapToGrid | CTRL + SHIFT + G | Specifies that elements are aligned using an invisible grid. You can set grid spacing on the Design pane of HTML Designer options in the Options dialog box, and the grid will be changed the next time you open a document. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| Format.Underline | CTRL + U | Toggles the selected text between underlined and normal. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| Table.InsertColumnstotheLeft | CTRL + ALT + LEFT ARROW | Adds one column to the left of the current column in the table. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| Table.InsertColumnstotheRight | CTRL + ALT + RIGHT ARROW | Adds one column to the right of the current column in the table. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| Table.InsertRowAbove | CTRL + ALT + UP ARROW | Adds one row above the current row in the table. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| Table.InsertRowBelow | CTRL + ALT + DOWN ARROW | Adds one row below the current row in the table. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| View.Details | CTRL + SHIFT + Q | Displays signal icons for HTML elements that do not have a visual representation, such as comments, scripts, and anchors for absolutely positioned elements. Available only in Design View of the HTML Designer. |
| View.NextView | CTRL + PAGE DOWN | Switches from Design view to HTML view and vice versa. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
| View.VisibleBorders | CTRL + Q | Displays a 1-pixel border around HTML elements that support a BORDER attribute and has it set to zero, such as tables, table cells, and divisions. Available only in Design view of the HTML Designer. |
XML Designer shortcut keys
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Schema.Collapse | CTRL + (-) | Collapses nested elements. Available only in Schema View of the XML Designer. |
| Schema.Expand | CTRL + (=) | Expands nested elements. Available only in Schema View of the XML Designer. |
Control manipulation shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used to move, select, and change the size of controls on design surfaces.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Edit.MoveControlDown | CTRL + DOWN ARROW | Moves the selected control down in increments of 1 on the design surface. |
| Edit.MoveControlDownGrid | DOWN ARROW | Moves the selected control down in increments of 8 on the design surface. |
| Edit.MoveControlLeft | CTRL + LEFT ARROW | Moves the control to the left in increments of 1 on the design surface. |
| Edit.MoveControlLeftGrid | LEFT ARROW | Moves the control to the left in increments of 8 on the design surface. |
| Edit.MoveControlRight | CTRL + RIGHT ARROW | Moves the control to the right in increments of 1 on the design surface. |
| Edit.MoveControlRightGrid | RIGHT ARROW | Moves the control to the right in increments of 8 on the design surface. |
| Edit.MoveControlUp | CTRL + UP ARROW | Moves the control up in increments of 1 on the design surface. |
| Edit.MoveControlUpGrid | UP ARROW | Moves the control up in increments of 8 on the design surface. |
| Edit.SelectNextControl | TAB | Moves to the next control on the page. |
| Edit.SelectPreviousControl | SHIFT + TAB | Moves back to the previously selected control on the page. |
| Edit.SizeControlDown | CTRL + SHIFT + DOWN ARROW | Increases the height of the control in increments of 1 on the design surface. |
| Edit.SizeControlDownGrid | SHIFT + DOWN ARROW | Increases the height of the control in increments of 8 on the design surface. |
| Edit.SizeControlLeft | CTRL + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW | Reduces the width of the control in increments of 1 on the design surface. |
| Edit.SizeControlLeftGrid | SHIFT + LEFT ARROW | Reduces the width of the control in increments of 8 on the design surface. |
| Edit.SizeControlRight | CTRL + SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW | Increases the width of the control in increments of 1 on the design surface. |
| Edit.SizeControlRightGrid | SHIFT + LEFT ARROW | Increases the width of the control in increments of 8 on the design surface. |
| Edit.SizeControlUp | CTRL + SHIFT + UP ARROW | Decreases the height of the control in increments of 1 on the design surface. |
| Edit.SizeControlUpGrid | SHIFT + UP ARROW | Decreases the height of the control in increments of 8 on the design surface. |
Debugging shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used while debugging code.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Debug.ApplyCodeChanges | ALT + F10 | Starts an Edit and Continue build to apply changes to code being debugged. |
| Debug.Autos | CTRL + ALT + V, A | Displays the Auto window to view the values of variables currently in the scope of the current line of execution within the current procedure. |
| Debug.BreakAll | CTRL + ALT+ Break | Temporarily stops execution of all processes in a debugging session. Available only in Run mode. |
| Debug.Breakpoints | CTRL + ALT + B | Displays the Breakpoints dialog box, where you can add and modify breakpoints. |
| Debug.CallStack | CTRL + ALT + C | Displays the Call Stack window to display a list of all active procedures or stack frames for the current thread of execution. Available only in Run mode. |
| Debug.ClearAllBreakpoints | CTRL + SHIFT + F9 | Clears all of the breakpoints in the project. |
| Debug.Disassembly | CTRL + ALT + D | Displays the Disassembly window. |
| Debug.EnableBreakpoint | CTRL + F9 | Sets a breakpoint at the current line of code. |
| Debug.Exceptions | CTRL + ALT + E | Displays the Exceptions dialog box. |
| Debug.Immediate | CTRL + ALT + I | Displays the Immediate window, where you can evaluate expressions and execute individual commands. |
| Debug.Locals | CTRL + ALT + V, L | Displays the Locals window to view the variables and their values for each procedure in the current stack frame. |
| Debug.Memory1 | CTRL + ALT + M, 1 | Displays the Memory 1 window to view large buffers, strings, and other data that do not display clearly in the Watch or Variables window. |
| Debug.Memory2 | CTRL + ALT + M, 2 | Displays the Memory 2 window to view large buffers, strings, and other data that do not display clearly in the Watch or Variables window. |
| Debug.Memory3 | CTRL + ALT + M, 3 | Displays the Memory 3 window to view large buffers, strings, and other data that do not display clearly in the Watch or Variables window. |
| Debug.Memory4 | CTRL + ALT + M, 4 | Displays the Memory 4 window to view large buffers, strings, and other data that do not display clearly in the Watch or Variables window. |
| Debug.Modules | CTRL + ALT + U | Displays the Modules window, which allows you to view the .dll or .exe files used by the program. In multiprocess debugging, you can right-click and select Show Modules for all Programs. |
| Debug.NewBreakpoint | CTRL + B | Inserts or clears a breakpoint in the current line of code. |
| Debug.QuickWatch | CTRL + ALT + Q | Displays the Quick Watch dialog box with the current value of the selected expression. Available only in Break mode. Use this command to check the current value of a variable, property, or other expression for which you have not defined a watch expression. |
| Debug.Registers | CTRL + ALT + G | Displays the Registers window, which displays registers content for debugging Native code applications. |
| Debug.Restart | CTRL + SHIFT + F5 | Terminates a debugging session, rebuilds, and then starts running the application from the beginning. Available in Break and Run modes. |
| Debug.RunningDocuments | CTRL + ALT + N | Displays the Running Documents window that displays the set of documents that you are in the process of debugging. Available in Run mode. |
| Debug.RunToCursor | CTRL + F10 | In Break mode, resumes execution of your code from the current statement to the selected statement. The Current Line of Execution margin indicator appears in the Margin Indicator bar. In Design mode, starts the debugger and executes your code to the cursor location. |
| Debug.SetNextStatement | CTRL + SHIFT + F10 | Sets the execution point to the line of code you choose. |
| Debug.ShowNextStatement | ALT + NUM * | Highlights the next statement to be executed. |
| Debug.Start | F5 | Automatically attaches the debugger and runs the application from the startup project specified in the <Project> Properties dialog box. Changes to Continue if in Break mode. |
| Debug.StartWithoutDebugging | CTRL + F5 | Runs the code without invoking the debugger. |
| Debug.StepInto | F11 | Executes code one statement at a time, following execution into function calls. |
| Debug.StepOut | SHIFT + F11 | Executes the remaining lines of a function in which the current execution point lies. |
| Debug.StepOver | F10 | Executes the next line of code, but does not follow execution through any function calls. |
| Debug.StopDebugging | SHIFT + F5 | Stops running the current application in the program. Available in Break and Run modes. |
| Debug.This | CTRL + ALT + V, T | Displays the This window, which allows you to view the data members of the object associated with the current method. |
| Debug.Threads | CTRL + ALT + H | Displays the Threads window to view all of the threads for the current process and information about them. |
| Debug.ToggleBreakpoint | F9 | Sets or removes a breakpoint at the current line. |
| Debug.ToggleDisassembly | CTRL + F11 | Displays the disassembly information for the current source file. Available only in Break mode. |
| Debug.Watch1 | CTRL + ALT + W, 1 | Displays the Watch1 window to view the values of selected variables or watch expressions. |
| Debug.Watch2 | CTRL + ALT + W, 2 | Displays the Watch2 window to view the values of selected variables or watch expressions. |
| Debug.Watch3 | CTRL + ALT + W, 3 | Displays the Watch3 window to view the values of selected variables or watch expressions. |
| Debug.Watch4 | CTRL + ALT + W, 4 | Displays the Watch4 window to view the values of selected variables or watch expressions. |
| Tools.DebugProcesses | CTRL + ALT + P | Displays the Processes dialog box, which allows you to debug multiple programs at the same time in a single solution. |
Search and replace shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used with the Find, Replace, Find in Files, and Replace in Files dialog boxes.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Edit.Find | CTRL + F | Displays the Find dialog box. |
| Edit.FindInFiles | CTRL + SHIFT + F | Displays the Find in Files dialog box. |
| Edit.FindNext | F3 | Finds the next occurrence of the previous search text. |
| Edit.FindNextSelected | CTRL + F3 | Finds the next occurrence of the currently selected text in the document. |
| Edit.FindPrevious | SHIFT + F3 | Finds the previous occurrence of the search text. |
| Edit.FindPreviousSelected | CTRL + SHIFT + F3 | Finds the previous occurrence of the currently selected text, or the word at the caret. |
| Edit.GoToFindCombo | CTRL + D | Places the caret in the Find/Command line on the Standard toolbar. |
| Edit.HiddenText | ALT + F3, H | Selects or clears the Search Hidden Text option for Find dialog box. |
| Edit.IncrementalSearch | CTRL + I | Starts Incremental search. If Incremental search is started, but you have not typed any characters, recalls the previous pattern. If text has been found, searches for the next occurrence. |
| Edit.MatchCase | ALT + F3, C. | Selects or clears the Match Case option for Find and Replace operations. |
| Edit.RegularExpression | ALT + F3, R | Selects or clears the Regular expression option so that special characters can be used in Find and Replace operations. |
| Edit.Replace | CTRL + H | Displays the Replace dialog box. |
| Edit.ReplaceInFiles | CTRL + SHIFT + H | Displays the Replace in Files dialog box. |
| Edit.ReverseIncrementalSearch | CTRL + SHIFT + I | Changes the direction of Incremental search to begin at the bottom of the file and progress towards the top. |
| Edit.StopSearch | ALT + F3, S | Halts the current Find in Files operation. |
| Edit.Up | ALT + F3, B | Selects or clears the Search Up option for Find and Replace operations. |
| Edit.WholeWord | ALT + F3, W | Selects or clears the Match whole word option for Find and Replace operations. |
| Edit.Wildcard | ALT + F3, P | Selects or clears the Wildcard option for Find and Replace operations. |
Visual Database Tools shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used in the Database Designer or Query Designer.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Database.Run | CTRL + E | Runs the currently active database object. |
| Database.RunSelection | CTRL + Q | Runs the current selection in the SQL editor. |
| Database.StepInto | ALT + F5 | Steps into debug mode for the currently active database object. |
| Query.Run | CTRL + R | Executes the query. Available only in the Query Designer. |
| View.Diagram | CTRL + 1 | Displays the Diagram pane of the Query designer. Available only in the Query designer. |
| View.Grid | CTRL + 2 | Displays the Grid pane of the Query designer. Available only in the Query designer. |
| View.Results | CTRL + 4 | Displays the Results pane of the Query designer. Available only in the Query designer. |
| View.SQL | CTRL + 3 | Displays the SQL pane of the Query designer. Available only in the Query designer. |
Text navigation shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used in text editors to move within an open document.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Edit.CharLeft | LEFT ARROW | Moves the cursor one character to the left. Available only in the .NET Framework Designer. |
| Edit.CharRight | RIGHT ARROW | Moves the cursor one character to the right. Available only in the .NET Framework Designer |
| Edit.DocumentEnd | CTRL + END | Moves the insertion point to the last line of the document. |
| Edit.DocumentStart | CTRL + HOME | Moves the insertion point to the first line of the document. |
| Edit.GoTo | CTRL + G | Displays the Go To Line dialog box. |
| Edit.GoToBrace | CTRL + ] | Moves the insertion point to the next brace in the document. |
| Edit.LineDown | DOWN ARROW | Moves the cursor down one line. |
| Edit.LineEnd | END | Moves the cursor to the end of the current line. |
| Edit.LineStart | HOME | Moves the cursor to the beginning of the line. |
| Edit.LineUp | UP ARROW | Moves the cursor up one line. |
| Edit.NextBookmark | CTRL + K, CTRL + N | Moves to the next bookmark in the document. |
| Edit.PageDown | PAGE DOWN | Scrolls down one screen in the Editor window. |
| Edit.PageUp | PAGE UP | Scrolls up one screen in the Editor window. |
| Edit.PreviousBookmark | CTRL + K, CTRL + P | Moves to the previous bookmark. |
| Edit.QuickInfo | CTRL + K, CTRL + I | Displays Quick Info, based on the current language. |
| Edit.ScrollLineDown | CTRL + DOWN ARROW | Scrolls text down one line. Available in Text editors only. |
| Edit.ScrollLineUp | CTRL + UP ARROW | Scrolls text up one line. Available in Text editors only. |
| Edit.WordNext | CTRL + RIGHT ARROW | Moves the insertion point to the right one word. |
| Edit.WordPrevious | CTRL + LEFT ARROW | Moves the insertion point to the left one word. |
| View.BrowseNext | CTRL + SHIFT + 1 | Navigates to the next definition, declaration, or reference of an item. Available in the Object Browser and Class View window. |
| View.BrowsePrevious | CTRL + SHIFT + 2 | Navigates to the previous definition, declaration, or reference of an item. Available in the Object Browser and Class View window. |
Text selection shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used in text editors to select text within an open document.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Edit.CharLeftExtend | SHIFT + LEFT ARROW | Moves the cursor to the left one character, extending the selection. Available only in the .NET Framework Designer. |
| Edit.CharLeftExtendColumn | SHIFT + ALT + LEFT ARROW | Moves the cursor to the left one character, extending the column selection. |
| Edit.CharRightExtend | SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW | Moves the cursor to the right one character, extending the selection. Available only in the .NET Framework Designer. |
| Edit.CharRightExtendColumn | SHIFT + ALT + RIGHT ARROW | Moves the cursor to the right one character, extending the column selection. |
| Edit.DocumentEndExtend | CTRL + SHIFT + END | Selects the text from the insertion point to the last line of the document. |
| Edit.DocumentStartExtend | CTRL + SHIFT + HOME | Selects the text from the insertion point to the first line of the document. |
| Edit.GoToBraceExtend | CTRL + SHIFT + ] | Moves the insertion point to the next brace, extending the selection. |
| Edit.LineDownExtend | SHIFT + DOWN ARROW | Extends text selection down one line, starting at the location of the insertion point. |
| Edit.LineDownExtendColumn | SHIFT + ALT + DOWN ARROW | Moves the cursor down one line, extending the column selection. |
| Edit.LineEndExtend | SHIFT + END | Selects text from the insertion point to the end of the current line. |
| Edit.LineEndExtendColumn | SHIFT + ALT + END | Moves the insertion point to the end of the line, extending the column selection. |
| Edit.LineStartExtend | SHIFT + HOME | Selects text from the insertion point to the start of the line. |
| Edit.LineStartExtendColumn | SHIFT + ALT + HOME | Moves the insertion point to the start of the line, extending the column selection. |
| Edit.LineUpExtend | SHIFT + UP ARROW | Selects text up line by line starting from the location of the insertion point. |
| Edit.LineUpExtendColumn | SHIFT + ALT + UP ARROW | Moves the cursor up one line, extending the column selection. |
| Edit.PageDownExtend | SHIFT + PAGE DOWN | Extends selection down one page. |
| Edit.PageUpExtend | SHIFT + PAGE UP | Extends selection up one page. |
| Edit.SelectAll | CTRL + A | Selects everything in the current document. |
| Edit.SelectCurrentWord | CTRL + W | Selects the word containing the insertion point or the word to the right of the insertion point. |
| Edit.SelectToLastGoBack | CTRL + = | Select from the current location in the Editor back to the previous location in the Editor. |
| Edit.ViewBottomExtend | CTRL + SHIFT + PAGE DOWN | Moves the cursor to the last line in view, extending the selection. |
| Edit.ViewTopExtend | CTRL + SHIFT + PAGE UP | Extends the selection to the top of the current window. |
| Edit.WordNextExtend | CTRL + SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW | Extends the selection one word to the right. |
| Edit.WordNextExtendColumn | CTRL + SHIFT + ALT + RIGHT ARROW | Moves the cursor to the right one word, extending the column selection. |
| Edit.WordPreviousExtend | CTRL + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW | Extends the selection one word to the left. |
| Edit.WordPreviousExtendColumn | CTRL + SHIFT + ALT + LEFT ARROW | Moves the cursor to the left one word, extending the column selection. |
Text manipulation shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used in text editors to delete, move, or format text within an open document.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Edit.BreakLine | ENTER SHIFT + ENTER |
Inserts a new line. |
| Edit.CharTranspose | CTRL + T | Swaps the characters on either side of the insertion point. For example, AC|BD becomes AB|CD. Available only in text editors. |
| Edit.ClearBookmarks | CTRL + K, CTRL + L | Removes all unnamed bookmarks in the current document. |
| Edit.ColllapseToDefinitions | CTRL + M, CTRL + O | Automatically determines logical boundaries for creating regions in code, such as procedures, and then hides them. |
| Edit.CommentSelection | CTRL + K, CTRL + C | Marks the current line of code as a comment, using the correct comment syntax for the programming language. |
| Edit.CompleteWord | ALT + RIGHT ARROW CTRL + SPACEBAR |
Displays Word Completion based on the current language. |
| Edit.Delete | DELETE | Deletes one character to the right of the cursor. |
| Edit.DeleteBackwords | BACKSPACE SHIFT + BACKSPACE |
Deletes one character to the left of the cursor. |
| Edit.DeleteHorizontalWhitespace | CTRL + K, CTRL + \ | Collapses white space in the selection, or deletes white space adjacent to the cursor if there is no selection. |
| Edit.FormatDocument | CTRL + K, CTRL + D | Applies the indenting and space formatting for the language as specified on the Formatting pane of the language in the Text Editor section of the Options dialog box. |
| Edit.FormatSelection | CTRL + K, CTRL + F | Correctly indents the selected lines of code based on the surrounding lines of code. |
| Edit.HideSelection | CTRL + M, CTRL + H | Hides the selected text. A signal icon marks the location of the hidden text in the file. |
| Edit.InsertTab | TAB | Indents the line of text a specified number of spaces, such as five. |
| Edit.LineCut | CTRL + L | Cuts all selected lines, or the current line if nothing has been selected, to the Clipboard. |
| Edit.LineDelete | CTRL + SHIFT + L | Deletes all selected lines, or the current line if no selection has been made. |
| Edit.LineOpenAbove | CTRL + ENTER | Inserts a blank line above the insertion point. |
| Edit.LineOpenBelow | CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER | Inserts a blank line below the insertion point. |
| Edit.LineTranspose | SHIFT + ALT + T | Moves the line containing the insertion point below the next line. |
| Edit.MakeLowercase | CTRL + U | Changes the selected text to lowercase characters. |
| Edit.MakeUppercase | CTRL + SHIFT + U | Changes the selected text to uppercase characters. |
| Edit.OverTypeMode | INSERT | Toggles between insert and overtype insertion modes. Available only when working in text editors. |
| Edit.StopHidingCurrent | CTRL + M, CTRL + U | Removes the outlining information for the currently selected region. |
| Edit.StopOutlining | CTRL + M, CTRL + P | Removes all outlining information from the entire document. |
| Edit.SwapAnchor | CTRL + R, CTRL + P | Swaps the anchor and end points of the current selection. |
| Edit.TabLeft | SHIFT + TAB | Moves selected lines to the left one tab stop. |
| Edit.ToggleAllOutlining | CTRL + M, CTRL + L | Toggles all previously marked hidden text sections between hidden and display states. |
| Edit.ToggleBookmark | CTRL + K, CTRL + K | Sets or removes a bookmark at the current line. |
| Edit.ToggleOutliningExpansion | CTRL + M, CTRL + M | Toggles the currently selected hidden text section between the hidden and display state. |
| Edit.ToggleTaskListShortcut | CTRL + K, CTRL + H | Sets or removes a shortcut at the current line. |
| Edit.ToggleWordWrap | CTRL +R, CTRL + R | Enables or disables word wrap in an editor. |
| Edit.UncommentSelection | CTRL + K, CTRL + U | Removes the comment syntax from the current line of code. |
| Edit.ViewWhiteSpace | CTRL + R, CTRL + W | Shows or hides spaces and tab marks. |
| Edit.WordDeleteToEnd | CTRL + DELETE | Deletes the word to the right of the insertion point. |
| Edit.WordDeleteToStart | CTRL + BACKSPACE | Deletes the word to the left of the insertion point. |
| Edit.WordTranspose | CTRL + SHIFT + T | Transposes the words on either side of the insertion point. For example, |End Sub would be changed to read Sub End|. |
Window management shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used to move, close, or navigate within tool and document windows.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| View.FullScreen | SHIFT + ALT + ENTER | Toggles Full Screen mode on and off. |
| View.NavigateBackward | CTRL + - | Goes back to the previous document or window in the navigation history. |
| View.NavigateForward | CTRL + SHIFT + - | Moves forward to the document or window next in the navigation history. |
| Window.ActivateDocumentWindow | ESC | Closes a menu or dialog box, cancels an operation in progress, or places focus in the current document window. |
| Window.CloseDocumentWindow | CTRL + F4 | Closes the current MDI child window. |
| Window.CloseToolWindow | SHIFT + ESC | Closes the current tool window. |
| Window.MoveToDropDownBar | CTRL + F2 | Moves the cursor to the drop-down bar while the editor is in Code view. |
| Window.NextDocumentWindow | CTRL + F6 CTRL + TAB |
Cycles through the MDI child windows one window at a time. |
| Window.NextPane | ALT + F6 | Moves to the next tool window. |
| Window.NextSplitPane | F6 | Moves to the next pane of a split pane view of a single document. |
| Window.NextTab | CTRL + PAGE DOWN | Moves to the next tab in the document or window. |
| Window.PreviousDocumentWindow | CTRL + SHIFT + F6 CTRL + SHIFT + TAB |
Moves to the previous document in the Editor or Designer. |
| Window.PreviousPane | SHIFT + ALT + F6 | Moves to the previously selected window. |
| Window.PreviousSplitPane | SHIFT + F6 | Moves to the previous pane of a document in split pane view. |
| Window.PreviousTab | CTRL + PAGE UP | Moves to the previous tab in the document or window. |
Integrated Help shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used to view and move among topics in Help.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Help.Contents | CTRL + ALT + F1 | Displays the Contents window for the documentation contained in MSDN. |
| Help.DynamicHelp | CTRL + F1 | Displays the Dynamic Help window, which displays different topics depending on what items currently have focus in the product. |
| Help.F1Help | F1 | Displays a topic from Help that corresponds to the current user interface selected. |
| Help.Index | CTRL + ALT + F2 | Displays the Index window for the documentation contained in MSDN. |
| Help.Indexresults | SHIFT + ALT + F2 | Displays the Index Results window, which lists the topics that contain the keyword selected in the Index window. |
| Help.NextTopic | ALT + DOWN ARROW | Displays the next topic in the table of contents. Available only in the Help (Web) browser window. |
| Help.PreviousTopic | ALT + UP ARROW | Displays the previous topic in the table of contents. Available only in the Help (Web) browser window. |
| Help.Search | CTRL + ALT + F3 | Displays the Search window, which allows you to search for words or phrases in the documentation contained in MSDN. |
| Help.Searchresults | SHIFT + ALT + F3 | Displays the Search Results window, which displays a list of topics that contain the string searched for from the Search window. |
| Help.WindowHelp | SHIFT + F1 | Displays a topic from help that corresponds to the current user interface selected. |
Object Browser shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used while in the Object Browser window.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Edit.FindSymbol | ALT + F12 | Displays the Find Symbol dialog box. |
| Edit.GoToDeclaration | CTRL + F12 | Displays the definition of the selected symbol in the code. |
| Edit.GoToDefinition | F12 | Displays the declaration for the selected symbol in code. |
| View.FindSymbolResults | CTRL + ALT + F12 | Displays the Find Symbol Results window. |
| View.ObjectBrowser | CTRL + ALT + J | Displays the Object Browser to view the classes, properties, methods, events, and constants available for packages, and the object libraries and procedures in your project. |
| View.ObjectBrowserBack | ALT + - | Moves back to the previously selected object in the selection history of the Object Browser. |
| View.ObjectBrowserForward | SHIFT + ALT + - | Moves forward to the next object in the selection history of the Object Browser. |
Macro shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used when working with macros.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| View.MacroExplorer | ALT + F8 | Displays the Macro Explorer window, which lists all available macros in the current solution. |
| Tools.MacrosIDE | ALT + F11 | Launches the Macros IDE, Visual Studio Macros. |
| Tools.RecordTemporaryMacro | CTRL + SHIFT + R | Places the environment in Macro record mode. |
| Tools.RunTemporaryMacro | CTRL + SHIFT + P | Plays back a recorded macro. |
Tool window shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations allow you to display specific tool windows.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tools.CommandWindowMarkMode | CTRL + SHIFT + M | Places the Command window in a mode allowing for the selection of text within the window. |
| View.ClassView | CTRL + SHIFT + C | Displays the Class View window. |
| View.CommandWindow | CTRL + ALT + A | Displays the Command window, which allows you to type commands that manipulate the IDE. |
| View.DocumentOutline | CTRL + ALT + T | Displays the Document Outline window to view the flat or hierarchical outline of the current document. |
| View.Favorites | CTRL + ALT + F | Displays the Favorites window, which lists shortcuts to Web pages. |
| View.Output | CTRL + ALT + O | Displays the Output window to view status messages at run time. |
| View.PropertiesWindow | F4 | Displays the Properties window, which lists the design-time properties and events for the currently selected item. |
| View.PropertyPages | SHIFT + F4 | Displays the property pages for the item currently selected. |
| View.ResourceView | CTRL + SHIFT + E | Displays the Resource View window. |
| View.ServerExplorer | CTRL + ALT + S | Displays the Server Explorer window, which allows you to view and manipulate database servers, event logs, message queues, Web services, and many other operating system services. |
| View.ShowWebBrowser | CTRL + ALT + R | Displays the Web browser window, which allows you to view pages on the Internet. |
| View.SolutionExplorer | CTRL + ALT + L | Displays Solution Explorer, which lists the projects and files in the current solution. |
| View.TaskList | CTRL + ALT + K | Displays the Task List window where you customize, categorize, and manage tasks, comments, shortcuts, warnings and error messages. |
| View.Toolbox | CTRL + ALT + X | Displays the Toolbox, which contains controls and other items that can be included or used with your code. |
Project shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used to add new items to a project, build a project, or open files or projects.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Build.BuildSolution | CTRL + SHIFT + B | Builds the solution. |
| Build.Compile | CTRL + F7 | Creates an object file containing machine code, linker directives, sections, external references, and function/data names for the selected file. |
| File.AddExistingItem | SHIFT + ALT + A | Displays the Add Existing Item dialog box, which allows you to add an existing file to the current project. |
| File.AddNewItem | CTRL + SHIFT + A | Displays the Add New Item dialog box, which allows you to add a new file to the current project. |
| File.NewFile | CTRL + N | Displays the New File dialog box where you can select a new file to add to the current project. |
| File.NewProject | CTRL + SHIFT + N | Displays the New Project dialog box where you can create projects and add them to the current solution. |
| File.OpenFile | CTRL + O | Displays the Open File dialog box where you can select an existing file to open. |
| File.OpenProject | CTRL + SHIFT + O | Displays the Open Project dialog box where you can add existing projects to your solution. |
| Project.Override | CTRL + ALT + INSERT | Allows you to override base class methods in a derived class. Available for C#. |
Miscellaneous editor shortcut keys
The following shortcut key combinations can be used in either the Accelerator editor or String editor.
| Command Name | Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Edit.NewAccelerator | INSERT | Adds a new entry for an accelerator key. Available only in the Accelerator editor. |
| Edit.NewString | INSERT | Adds a new entry in the string table. Available only in the String editor. |
See Also
My Profile, Start Page | Keyboard, Environment, Options Dialog Box | Shortcut Keys