Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Mastering keyboard shortcuts is the first step to becoming a Zed power user. These essential shortcuts will transform how you interact with the editor.

File Operations

Create and Open Files

Cmd + N
# Create new file

Cmd + O
# Open file dialog

Cmd + P
# Quick file picker (fuzzy search)

Save Files

Cmd + S
# Save current file

Cmd + Shift + S
# Save all open files

Editing Shortcuts

Basic Editing

Cmd + X / C / V
# Cut / Copy / Paste

Cmd + Z / Shift + Z
# Undo / Redo

Line Operations

Cmd + D
# Duplicate line or selection

Cmd + Shift + K
# Delete line

Alt + Up/Down
# Move line up or down

Search and Replace

Cmd + F
# Find in current file

Cmd + Shift + F
# Find in all files

Cmd + H
# Replace in current file

Command Palette

The command palette is your gateway to all Zed features:

Cmd + Shift + P
# Open command palette
# Search for any command or action

Window and Panel Management

Cmd + B
# Toggle sidebar

Cmd + J
# Toggle terminal panel

Cmd + \
# Split editor

Cmd + 1/2/3
# Switch between editor splits

Pro Tips

• Cmd + , opens settings
• Cmd + K, Cmd + S shows all keyboard shortcuts
• Customize any shortcut via settings to match your workflow
• Use Cmd + Shift + P then type “shortcut” to access the keyboard shortcuts editor

Practice Makes Perfect

Don’t try to memorize all shortcuts at once. Start with file operations and basic editing, then gradually add more as they become muscle memory. Focus on the shortcuts you use most frequently.