Claude Code Shortcuts: Cheat Sheet as PDF

The Claude Code shortcuts you use most: Esc interrupts Claude without losing the work so far, Esc + Esc rewinds to an earlier point, Shift + Tab cycles the permission modes (Manual, accept edits, plan), Ctrl + R searches your earlier prompts and Ctrl + O shows every tool call. Claude Code runs in the terminal, so most shortcuts use Ctrl on the Mac too. All shortcuts below come from the official Claude Code reference, checked on 24 October 2026.

Control the session

• Esc - Interrupt Claude, the work so far stays
• Esc + Esc - Clear the draft, or rewind when the input is empty
• Shift + Tab - Cycle permission modes: Manual, accept edits, plan
• Ctrl + C - Interrupt or clear the input, press twice to exit
• Ctrl + D - Exit Claude Code, press twice to confirm
• Ctrl + B - Send running tasks to the background

Models and modes

• Alt + P - Switch model (Mac: Option + P)
• Alt + T - Extended thinking on or off (Mac: Option + T)
• Alt + O - Fast mode on or off (Mac: Option + O)

History and view

• Ctrl + R - Search earlier prompts
• Ctrl + O - Show the transcript with every tool call
• Ctrl + T - Show or hide Claude's task list
• Ctrl + S - Stash the prompt, press again to restore it
• Ctrl + L - Redraw the screen

Write the prompt

• Shift + Enter - New line, in most modern terminals
• Ctrl + J - New line, in any terminal
• Ctrl + G - Edit the prompt in your text editor
• Ctrl + A - Start of the line
• Ctrl + E - End of the line
• Ctrl + K - Delete to the end of the line
• Ctrl + U - Delete to the start of the line
• Ctrl + V - Paste an image (Windows: Alt + V)

Quick commands

• / - Command or skill, at the start of the prompt
• ! - Shell mode, at the start of the prompt
• @ - Mention a file
• ? - Show the shortcut help, on an empty prompt

Pro tip

On a Mac, Option + T works out of the box. Other Option shortcuts such as Option + P need the terminal setting "Use Option as Meta key". Press ? on an empty prompt to see what your setup supports.

Practice and more

The text editing shortcuts for every other program are in keyboard shortcuts to type faster, and real prompts to type are in the AI prompt section of the typing practice paragraphs. To time yourself on a real Claude Code prompt with @file mentions and slash commands, type this prompt in the speed test. Working in ChatGPT too? See the ChatGPT keyboard shortcuts.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop Claude Code while it is working?

Press Esc. Claude stops and keeps the work done so far, so you can redirect it.

How do I switch between plan mode and edit mode?

Press Shift + Tab. It cycles through Manual, accept edits and plan mode.

How do I write a new line in a Claude Code prompt?

Shift + Enter in most modern terminals, or Ctrl + J in any terminal. Typing \ and then Enter also works everywhere.

How do I see all Claude Code shortcuts?

Press ? on an empty prompt to open the shortcut help.

Sources

• Interactive mode - Claude Code documentation, Anthropic, read on 24 October 2026.