Learn iPad keyboard shortcuts

If you have an external keyboard connected to your iPad, you can use keyboard shortcuts to do things that normally need a mouse, trackpad, or other input device.

See keyboard shortcuts

To see a list of shortcuts that you can use with an app, press and hold the Command ⌘ key when you use the app or on the Home Screen.

see keyboard shortcuts

Use common keyboard shortcuts

Most iPad keyboard shortcuts use the Command ⌘ key, like on a Mac. If you're more familiar with a PC keyboard, the Command ⌘ key does the same thing as the Control key on a PC.

Here are some common keyboard shortcuts:

  • Command-H: Go to the Home Screen.

  • Command-Space bar: Show or hide the Search field.

  • Command-Tab: Switch to the next most recently used app among your open apps.

  • Command-Shift-3: Take a screenshot.

  • Command-Shift-4: Take a screenshot and immediately open Markup to view or edit it.

  • Command-Option-D: Show or hide the Dock.

Want to add an emoji? To quickly find the emoji keyboard, press the globe keyNo alt supplied for Image when you're in a text field. Don't see the emoji keyboard? Make sure that it's turned on.

Customize keyboard shortcuts

  1. Open Settings, then tap Accessibility.

  2. Tap Keyboards.

  3. Tap Full Keyboard Access and turn it on.

  4. Tap Commands.

  5. Tap a command, then press a custom key combination to assign to it.

  6. Tap Done.

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