One thing that is nice about Linux and is good to keep in mind is that the “Hot-Keys” can easily be changed. So with that in mind the “Hot-Keys” below are for default Linux settings. Also instead of the Windows key – Linux instead calls it the Super-key so that is what I will be calling it in this guide.
Essential Hot-Keys:
Essential Hot-Keys are key combos that can help you out when an issue arises.
Ctrl + C: AKA ‘Break.’ This key combo will stop commands that run continuously, such as Ping or Top. It also cab stop commands that just take a long time
Ctrl + Shift + 6: All purpose break hot-key.
Print Screen: Covered in more detail in the next section. Takes a Screen Shot of the whole screen & saves it in Photos. Perfect for when you need a photo of an issue you are having.
SYSRQ + ALT + R,E,I,S,U,B: REISUB is a super version of Ctrl + Alt + Del & must be executed in the order specified. Your Linux computer must also have REISUB installed in order to use it. REISUB will need its own page for more details.
Screenshot Hot-Keys:
By default screenshots are stored in the Pictures folder.
The Print Screen button will take a screenshot of the current view of all monitors, or other display types, attached to the computer.
Shift + Print Screen will allow the user to select what area to have a screenshot taken. This is completed by left clicking and dragging the mouse to create a box on the screen before releasing the left mouse button.
Alt + Print Screen will allow the Linux user to take a screen shot of the current program that is selected and only that currently selected program. All other windows will be excluded.
Productivity Hot-Keys:
These Hot-Keys are key combos that can help speed up tasks. These key combos are great for the average Ubuntu user.
Ctrl + Alt + T: Opens Terminal which is similar to Command Prompt for windows users.
Ctrl + F: Searches text in the selected program. Useful for searching websites for certain words/info.
Alt + Print Screen: Takes a screenshot of a single window open only (The Currently Selected Window), Saves it as a PNG file in the photos folder.
Shift + Print Screen: Will allow you to create a square on your screen – taking a photo of the area within the square. Then saves the photo in the photos folder.
Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Log out of current session
Ctrl + Shift + Left Click & Drag: Creates a shortcut of the item clicked to the location that the left mouse button is released.
Super-Key + (Any number 1 through 0): Will bring up the program that is in that spot on your Task Bar.
Alt + Shift + Tab: Allows you to select what program you want on view.
Super-Key + D: Minimizes all programs so that you can view your desktop.
Ctrl + S: Save – Saves the current file that is open. Commonly used with programs such as LibreOffice, Text Editor, Krita, ect.
Ctrl + Shift + S: Save As – Save the current document but allows you to change the name and/or location that the file is saved as. Commonly used with programs such as LibreOffice, Text Editor, Krita, ect.
