What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Ubuntu’s desktop help documents several useful keyboard shortcuts, but the shortcut list should not be assumed to be identical across Ubuntu 26.04 LTS and 24.04 LTS. Check your own installation in Settings > Keyboard > View and Customize Shortcuts for the assignments available on your release.

This guide covers the documented shortcuts, explains the Super key and the keyboard-layout caveat, and shows how to change or add an assignment. The printable version is an article companion; Ubuntu’s documentation index lists general desktop guides in HTML and PDF, not a verified shortcut-only PDF.

What are the Ubuntu keyboard shortcuts?

The following shortcuts appear in Ubuntu’s official useful-shortcuts help. They are a sourced starting point, not an exhaustive list verified separately against both releases. Check the shortcuts panel on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS or 24.04 LTS to confirm what is assigned on your installation.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Task Shortcut What it does
Open Activities Super Opens or switches to the Activities overview.
Run a command Alt+F2 Opens the run-command prompt.
Switch between windows Super+Tab Moves between windows; hold Shift to reverse the order.
Switch between windows in the same application Super + the key above Tab Cycles through windows belonging to the same application. The physical key varies by keyboard layout.

Where is the Super key?

Super is usually the key marked with a Windows logo, commonly located near Alt. Pressing it opens or switches to the Activities overview. The exact keycap symbol and placement can vary by keyboard, so look for the logo or a key labeled Super rather than relying on one universal position.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Amazon Basics Wired QWERTY Keyboard, Works with Windows, Plug and Play, Easy to Use with Media Control, Full-Sized, Black
  • KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
  • EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
  • VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
  • SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
  • FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.

Why does the “key above Tab” depend on layout?

The key used with Super to switch between windows in the same application is identified by its physical position above Tab. Its printed symbol differs across keyboard layouts, so a symbol shown for a US layout may not match your keyboard. Use the key in that position as a starting point, then check the assigned action in your shortcuts panel.

How to view or change keyboard shortcuts in Ubuntu

  1. Open Activities and search for Settings.
  2. Open Keyboard.
  3. Under Keyboard Shortcuts, choose View and Customize Shortcuts.
  4. Search for an action or select a category, then select the action you want to inspect or change.
  5. Press the new key combination to assign it. Press Backspace to reset the assignment or Esc to cancel while setting it.

Labels can vary with the release or interface language. If the wording differs, look in Settings’ Keyboard section for the shortcut-customization panel.

Rank #2
Sale
Logitech MK270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo - Black
  • Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
  • Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
  • Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
  • Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
  • Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites

How to add a custom keyboard shortcut

  1. In the keyboard-shortcuts settings, open Custom Shortcuts.
  2. Enter a name for the shortcut and a valid system command.
  3. Assign the key combination you want to use.
  4. If you are unsure whether the command is valid, check it in Terminal before assigning it.

Does Ubuntu provide a printable keyboard-shortcuts PDF?

Ubuntu’s documentation portal lists desktop guides for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, with HTML and PDF options, and notes that desktop documentation is migrating to Ubuntu Desktop documentation. That general listing does not establish that Ubuntu publishes a dedicated keyboard-shortcuts PDF. Use the printable companion offered with this article for a shortcut reference, and consult the official Ubuntu documentation portal for release-specific desktop documentation.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Which release’s shortcuts should you trust?

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (Resolute Raccoon) and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) have release-specific desktop guides. The cited shortcut examples do not provide a complete shortcut-by-shortcut comparison between the two releases, so this article does not claim that every listed default is identical on both. For the assignment on your computer, use Settings > Keyboard > View and Customize Shortcuts as the practical reference.

Rank #3
Sale
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black
  • All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
  • Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
  • Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
  • Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
  • Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*

For official instructions, see Ubuntu’s keyboard help, guide to setting keyboard shortcuts, and useful keyboard shortcuts.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 3
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black
Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*; Product carbon footprint: 4.02 kg CO2e
$12.39
SaleBestseller No. 5
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
Plastic parts in K270 include 38% certified post-consumer recycled plastic; Eight hot keys: For instant access to the Internet, e-mail, music volume and more
$21.48
Best Value
Sale
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
  • All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
  • Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
  • Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
  • Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
  • Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Rank #4
Sale
Redragon K521 Upgrade Rainbow LED Gaming Keyboard, 104 Keys Wired Mechanical Feeling Keyboard with Multimedia Keys, One-Touch Backlit, Anti-Ghosting, Compatible with PC, Mac, PS4/5, Xbox
  • 【Dreamy Rainbow Gaming Keyboard】K521 Gaming Keyboard Adopts a Different LED Backlight Design, Upgraded on the Traditional LED Backlight Effect, Making the Light More Penetrating, Giving You a More Dazzling Visual Effect, Making Your Gaming Process More Enjoyable
  • 【One Touch Opens & Visual Feast】The K521 Red Dragon Keyboard has a One-Touch on/off Lighting Button for Added Convenience. It also has a Three-Position Adjustable Breathing Mode and a Four-Position Adjustable Brightness Lighting Mode
  • 【Mechanical Feeling & Fast Tapping】The PC Keyboard Keys are Designed for Mechanical Feeling, Giving You a Better Feel During Use and the Ability to Trigger Keys Quickly, Allowing You to Win All Your Games
  • 【19 Keys Anti-Ghosting Keyboard】Anti-Ghosting Ensures Every Button Can Be Triggered. This Allows You to Trigger Key Combinations In The Game Accurately, And Each Skill Can Be Accurately Released to Increase Your Winning Rate. Redragon K521 Will Be Your Perfect Partner
  • 【12 Multimedia Combination Keys】The K521 Wired Gaming Keyboard is Equipped with 12 Multimedia Keys That Can Greatly Enhance Your Gaming/Office Efficiency and Make It More Convenient to Use

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.