Launch Tasks Instantly with Alt-Shift-R

Running custom tasks is one of Zed’s most powerful features. With Alt-Shift-R, you can instantly open the task picker and execute any of your configured tasks with a single keystroke.

Why This Shortcut Matters

Speed: Skip the command palette - go directly to task execution.

Workflow efficiency: Build → Test → Deploy workflows become muscle memory.

Context awareness: Zed shows tasks relevant to your current project.

Repeatability: Execute the same task repeatedly during development.

Setup

Add this to your keymap.json:

{
  "context": "Workspace",
  "bindings": {
    "alt-shift-r": ["task::Spawn", {}]
  }
}

What Are Tasks?

Tasks in Zed are custom commands you define in .zed/tasks.json. They can be:

• Build commands (npm run build, cargo build)
• Test runners (npm test, pytest)
• Linters and formatters (eslint ., cargo fmt)
• Custom scripts specific to your project
• Multi-step workflows

Example Tasks Configuration

Create .zed/tasks.json in your project:

[
  {
    "label": "Run Tests",
    "command": "npm test",
    "tags": ["test"]
  },
  {
    "label": "Build Production",
    "command": "npm run build",
    "tags": ["build"]
  },
  {
    "label": "Lint & Format",
    "command": "npm run lint && npm run format",
    "tags": ["lint"]
  },
  {
    "label": "Start Dev Server",
    "command": "npm run dev",
    "tags": ["dev"]
  }
]

Workflow Example

1. Writing code in editor...
2. Press Alt-Shift-R
3. Task picker appears
4. Type "test" → selects "Run Tests"
5. Press Enter
6. Tests run in integrated terminal
7. Continue coding
8. Press Alt-Shift-R → "build" → Enter
9. Production build completes

Advanced Usage

Task with arguments: Some tasks can accept dynamic input.

Task variables: Use $ZED_FILE, $ZED_DIRNAME, etc. in your commands.

Task tags: Filter tasks by tags for quick access.

Task history: Recently used tasks appear at the top.

Pro Tips

• Create task templates for common workflows (test → build → deploy)
• Use descriptive labels - they’re searchable in the picker
• Combine with space tab to quickly switch back to your last buffer after task execution
• Tasks run in a persistent terminal, so you can see output history
• Group related tasks with tags for easier filtering

Why Alt-Shift-R?

R = Run/Runner - mnemonic for executing tasks

Alt-Shift = Modifier combination easy to hit with one hand

Non-conflicting: Doesn’t interfere with common Vim or editor shortcuts

Debugger alternative: Some users also map this to debugger::Start for a unified “run” experience

Integration with Development Workflow

This shortcut shines when combined with:

• Hot reload workflows (start dev server, make changes, auto-refresh)
• TDD cycles (write test, run test, write code, run test)
• Pre-commit checks (lint, format, test before committing)
• CI/CD simulation (run the same commands locally that run in CI)

Once you configure your project’s tasks and memorize Alt-Shift-R, running builds, tests, and scripts becomes effortless!