---
title: "Keyboard Shortcuts - DMXDesktop"
lang: en
source: /knowledgebase/can-i-use-keyboard-shortcuts
---

# Keyboard Shortcuts

DMXDesktop has a comprehensive set of keyboard shortcuts you can use to control your lighting live. Shortcuts are active when not typing in input fields.

## Live Flash Toggles

These shortcuts activate live effects. They work in both toggle and pulse (hold) modes depending on the button configuration.

- **F1** - Strobe
- **F2** - Blackout
- **F3** - Blinder
- **F4** - Freeze
- **F5** - Fog
- **F6** - Effect
- **F7** - Special Effects (momentary - active while held)

## Cue Control

- **Ctrl+P** - Play/Start current cue
- **Ctrl+S** - Stop current cue
- **Left Arrow** - Skip to previous cue
- **Right Arrow** - Skip to next cue
- **Ctrl+1–9** - Select cue stack 1–9
- **Ctrl+Shift+1–9** - Select cue stack 11–19
- **Space** - Step next on selected cue stack (when cue stack panel is visible)
- **Shift+Space** - Step back on selected cue stack

## Master Dimmer

- **Numpad +** - Increase master dimmer
- **Numpad −** - Decrease master dimmer

## Panels & Windows

- **Ctrl+A** - Show Audio Control Panel
- **Ctrl+Q** - Show Quick Controls
- **Ctrl+M** - Show Quick MIDI Control Panel
- **Ctrl+T** - Open DMX Table (live DMX output debugger)
- **Ctrl+F** - Popout Floorplan window

## Navigation

- **F10** - Console
- **F11** - DJ Mode
- **F12** - Settings
- **Ctrl+L** - Lock screen
- **Ctrl+R** - Reload application

## Zoom Controls

- **Ctrl+Numpad +** - Zoom in
- **Ctrl+Numpad −** - Zoom out
- **Ctrl+0** - Reset zoom

## Floorplan Layout

These shortcuts are active when the floorplan layout/arrangement tab is open.

- **Ctrl+A** - Select all fixtures
- **Ctrl+D** - Deselect all fixtures
- **Ctrl+Z** - Undo layout change
- **Ctrl+Scroll** - Zoom floorplan

## Programmer

These shortcuts are active in the Programmer window.

- **I** - Intensity tab
- **C** - Colors tab
- **P** - Positions tab
- **B** - Beams tab
- **Q** - Faders / Cue Select view
- **S** - Faders / Cue Stacks view
- **R** - Record
- **D** - Clear Record
- **Ctrl+H** - Home
- **Escape** - Cancel current mode

## Timeline Editor (DJ Mode)

These shortcuts are active in the Timeline Editor.

- **Space** - Play/Pause
- **Delete / Backspace** - Delete selected clip(s)
- **Escape** - Deselect all clips
- **Ctrl+ +/−** - Zoom in/out timeline
- **Ctrl+Shift+L** - Shift all clips left (close gaps)
- **V** - View tool (cue mode)
- **C** - Create tool (cue mode)