# Keyboard shortcuts

> Every PlexiDesk keyboard shortcut for Mac and Windows, from the command palette and Plexii to desks, menus, Mail, meetings, chat and Attention.

Source: https://plexiidesk.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts
Section: Reference > Shortcuts and menus
Plans: All plans
Updated: 2026-10-10

PlexiDesk has keyboard shortcuts for the things you do most: finding anything, talking to Plexii, moving around a desk, adding widgets, and working through mail, meetings and Attention. This page lists them all in one place, for the Mac and for Windows.

You never need a shortcut to use PlexiDesk. Every one of them does something you can also do with the mouse. Learn the few you use every day and come back here for the rest.

## Before you start

- **Plan:** shortcuts work the same on every plan. A few open features that belong to particular plans, and those are marked.
- **Mac and Windows:** on a Mac, shortcuts use `⌘` (Command). On Windows, press `Ctrl` instead. `⇧` is the Shift key. Where a shortcut exists on only one of the two, the tables say so.
- **Typing comes first.** Single keys, arrow keys and most desk shortcuts only work when you are not typing in a box. If a shortcut does nothing, click an empty part of the screen or press `Esc`, then try again.

## See every shortcut in the app

PlexiDesk has its own list of shortcuts, one key press away.

1. Press `⌘` `/` on a Mac or `Ctrl` `/` on Windows.
2. The **Keyboard shortcuts** panel opens. It has three parts:
   - **Everywhere**: the shortcuts that work on every screen.
   - **On the canvas**: the shortcuts for moving around a desk.
   - **Canvas quick-add**: the single letters that add a widget to a desk. You can change these letters here. See [Add widgets with a single key](https://plexiidesk.com/help/quick-add-keys).
3. To close the panel, press `Esc`, click the close button, click outside it, or press `⌘` `/` (`Ctrl` `/`) again.



> **Note:**
> The panel shows keys with the Mac `⌘` symbol. On Windows, press `Ctrl` wherever the panel shows `⌘`.

Inside a document, a spreadsheet or a presentation, the same key shows that editor's own list of commands instead. See [Keyboard shortcuts in Office](https://plexiidesk.com/help).

The quick-add letters are the only shortcuts you can change. Every other shortcut on this page is fixed.

## Everywhere

These work on every screen.

| To do this | On a Mac | On Windows |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Open or close the command palette | `⌘` `K` | `Ctrl` `K` |
| Open or close the Plexii hub | `⌘` `⇧` `K` | `Ctrl` `Shift` `K` |
| Undo | `⌘` `Z` | `Ctrl` `Z` |
| Redo | `⌘` `⇧` `Z` | `Ctrl` `Shift` `Z` |
| Show or hide the Keyboard shortcuts panel | `⌘` `/` | `Ctrl` `/` |
| Go back to the previous screen | `⌘` `←`, or your mouse's back button | The back arrow in the header, or your mouse's back button |
| Go forward again | `⌘` `→`, or your mouse's forward button | The forward arrow in the header, or your mouse's forward button |
| Close the menu, window or panel that is open | `Esc` | `Esc` |
| Make all text larger | `⌘` `=` | `Ctrl` `=` |
| Make all text smaller | `⌘` `-` | `Ctrl` `-` |
| Talk to Plexii | Hold `⌘` `⇧` `Space`, speak, then let go | Hold the Plexii button, speak, then let go |

Good to know:

- **Undo and redo** take back changes to your rooms, desks and widgets, such as adding, moving or deleting a widget. While you are typing in a box, or working in a document, spreadsheet or presentation, they undo and redo your typing instead. See [Undo and redo](https://plexiidesk.com/help/undo-redo).
- **Back and forward** step through the screens you have visited, like a web browser. On a Mac, `⌘` `←` and `⌘` `→` still move the cursor to the start or end of the line while you are typing in a box.
- **Text size** changes every menu, label and button together. The same commands are in the **View** menu as **Zoom In**, **Zoom Out** and **Actual Size**. Use **Actual Size** to go back to the normal size. On Windows, press `Alt` to show the menu bar. See [Use the desk with a keyboard or screen reader](https://plexiidesk.com/help/desk-accessibility).
- **Talking to Plexii:** when you let go, your words appear in Plexii's message box for you to check, and nothing is sent until you press `Enter`. If you were typing in a box when you started, your words are typed into that box instead. Press `Esc` while Plexii is listening to cancel. Talking needs speech-to-text set up first. See [Talk to Plexii: hold to talk](https://plexiidesk.com/help) and [Choose how speech is transcribed: Cloud or Local](https://plexiidesk.com/help).

## On a desk

These work while a desk is open and you are not typing in a box. For more on each one, see [Move around the canvas](https://plexiidesk.com/help/canvas-navigation) and [Select, move and arrange widgets](https://plexiidesk.com/help/canvas-select-arrange).

| To do this | On a Mac | On Windows |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Jump to the next widget in that direction | `←` `↑` `→` `↓` | `←` `↑` `→` `↓` |
| Zoom in by 10% | `⌘` `]` | `Ctrl` `]` |
| Zoom out by 10% | `⌘` `[` | `Ctrl` `[` |
| Zoom toward the pointer | Hold `⌘` and scroll, or pinch on the trackpad | Hold `Ctrl` and scroll |
| Pan across the desk | Hold `Space` and drag, or drag with the middle mouse button | Hold `Space` and drag, or drag with the middle mouse button |
| Select every widget on the desk | `⌘` `A` | `Ctrl` `A` |
| Add a widget to the selection, or take it out | Hold `Shift` and click the widget | Hold `Shift` and click the widget |
| Select widgets by drawing a box | Hold `Shift` and drag on an empty part of the desk | Hold `Shift` and drag on an empty part of the desk |
| Jump into a widget while zoomed out below 80% | Hold `⌘` and click the widget | Hold `Ctrl` and click the widget |
| Clear the selection, or stop working in a widget | `Esc` | `Esc` |

Good to know:

- **Select all** and **Shift-click** leave out widgets inside a section and widgets pinned to a corner of the screen.
- **The arrow keys** belong to a widget while you are working inside it, for example to move between a table's cells. Press `Esc` first to use them on the desk again.
- **To see everything at once or go back to 100%,** use **Home** and **Reset view** on the tool rail at the right of the desk, or right-click an empty part of the desk. See [The tool rail on the right of a desk](https://plexiidesk.com/help/desk-tool-rail).

### Add a widget with one key

Press a single letter, with no other key held down, to add a widget to the middle of what you can see. Click an empty part of the desk first, so you are not typing anywhere.

| Key | Adds | Key | Adds |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `S` | Sticky | `C` | Calc |
| `N` | Note | `I` | Timer |
| `P` | Page | `B` | Browser |
| `M` | Markdown | `O` | Color |
| `D` | Card | `R` | Section |
| `T` | Table | `G` | Shape |
| `F` | Field | | |

These are the starting letters. To change one, or to turn one off, see [Add widgets with a single key](https://plexiidesk.com/help/quick-add-keys).

## Menus, the palette and focus mode

### Right-click menus

When a right-click menu opens, it takes the keyboard straight away.

| Key | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| `↓` and `↑` | Move down and up the menu. At the end, the highlight goes round to the other end. |
| Letters | Jump to the item whose name starts with what you type. |
| `Home` and `End` | Go to the first or last item. |
| `→` | Open the highlighted item's submenu and move into it. |
| `←` | Step back out of a submenu. |
| `Enter` or `Space` | Choose the highlighted item, or open its submenu. |
| `Esc` | Close the menu. |

See [Right-click menus](https://plexiidesk.com/help/right-click-menus) for what the menus contain.

### The command palette

| Key | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| `⌘` `K` or `Ctrl` `K` | Open the palette. It works even while you are typing in a box. Press it again to close the palette. |
| `↓` and `↑` | Move through the results. |
| `Enter` | Open or run the highlighted result. |
| `Esc` | Close the palette. |

See [The command palette](https://plexiidesk.com/help/command-palette).

### The Add widget menu

Press `Esc` to close the **Add widget** menu in the header without adding anything. See [Add a widget to a desk](https://plexiidesk.com/help/add-a-widget).

When the **Add widget** menu opens, the cursor is already in **Search widgets…**. Type part of a widget's name, what it does or its group, then press `Enter` to add the first match.

### The minimap's jump list

Double-click or right-click a name in the list above the minimap to rename it. Press `Enter` to keep the new name, or `Esc` to leave it as it was. See [The minimap and the jump list](https://plexiidesk.com/help/canvas-minimap).

### Focus mode

When a widget is open full screen in focus mode:

| Key | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| `→` and `←` | Go to the next or previous widget on the desk. While you are editing text in the widget, the arrow keys move the cursor instead. |
| `Esc` | Close focus mode and go back to the desk. |

See [Open widgets full screen and side by side](https://plexiidesk.com/help/canvas-focus-mode).

### Build with AI

In the **Build with AI** window, press `⌘` `Enter` on a Mac or `Ctrl` `Enter` on Windows to generate suggestions, and `Esc` to close the window. See [Set up a desk with AI](https://plexiidesk.com/help/desk-build-with-ai).

## Plexii

| To do this | On a Mac | On Windows |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Open or close the Plexii hub | `⌘` `⇧` `K` | `Ctrl` `Shift` `K` |
| Start a new chat, while Plexii is open | `⌘` `O` | `Ctrl` `O` |
| Send your message | `Enter` | `Enter` |
| Start a new line in your message | `⇧` `Enter` | `Shift` `Enter` |
| Pick the next suggested action under the message box (in **Auto** mode) | `Tab` | `Tab` |
| Move through the @ list | `↓` and `↑` | `↓` and `↑` |
| Pick from the @ list | `Enter` or `Tab` | `Enter` or `Tab` |
| Ask Plexii from any screen | `⌘` `K`, type your question, then choose **Ask Plexii** | `Ctrl` `K`, type your question, then choose **Ask Plexii** |
| Talk to Plexii | Hold `⌘` `⇧` `Space` | Hold the Plexii button |
| Cancel while Plexii is listening | `Esc` | `Esc` |
| Run a goal in **Autonomous agent** (Pro and Team plans) | `⌘` `Enter` | `Ctrl` `Enter` |
| Undo the changes Plexii applied | `⌘` `Z`, when you are not typing | `Ctrl` `Z`, when you are not typing |

Good to know:

- **In Auto mode,** a row of choices under the message box shows what `Enter` will do with what you typed, such as asking Plexii or searching the web. `Tab` moves to the next choice. See [Ask Plexii a question](https://plexiidesk.com/help).
- **To make the Plexii panel wider or narrower from the keyboard** when it is docked at the side, press `Tab` until its left edge is selected (it is called **Resize Plexii**), then press `←` to widen it or `→` to narrow it. See [Open, move and resize the Plexii panel](https://plexiidesk.com/help/plexii-panel).
- **In Brain's Search**, press `↓` and `↑` to move through the results, `Enter` to open one, and `⌘` `Enter` (`Ctrl` `Enter` on Windows) to ask for an answer. See [Search everything and ask for an answer](https://plexiidesk.com/help).
- For the Autonomous agent, see [Give Plexii a goal with the Autonomous agent](https://plexiidesk.com/help).

## Open Mail, Chat and more from the palette

You can reach every part of PlexiDesk from the command palette without using the mouse.

1. Press `⌘` `K` on a Mac or `Ctrl` `K` on Windows.
2. Type a few letters of the command, such as **messages**.
3. Press `↓` until the command is highlighted, then press `Enter`.

When you type ordinary words, the first row is often **Search the web**, so check which row is highlighted before you press `Enter`.

| Type, for example | Command | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| mail | **Mail** | Opens [Mail](https://plexiidesk.com/help). |
| messages | **Messages** | Opens [Chat](https://plexiidesk.com/help), your workspace messages. |
| inbox | **PlexiInbox** | Opens your [Inbox](https://plexiidesk.com/help) of notifications and share invites. |
| calendar | **Calendar** | Opens [Calendar](https://plexiidesk.com/help). |
| people | **PlexiPeople** | Opens [People](https://plexiidesk.com/help). |
| compose | **Compose mail** | Opens Mail with a new message, once you have [connected a mailbox](https://plexiidesk.com/help). |
| meeting | **Start a meeting** | Opens the new meeting window. |
| signature | **New signature request** | Starts a new request in [PlexiiSign](https://plexiidesk.com/help). Pro and Team plans. |

For every other command, see [The command palette](https://plexiidesk.com/help/command-palette).

## Mail

In Mail, when you are not typing in a box:

| Key | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| `j` | Open the next conversation down the list. |
| `k` | Open the conversation above. |
| `r` | Reply to the message that is open. |
| `a` | Archive the message that is open, and open the one that takes its place. |

Press the letter on its own, without `Shift`. A reminder of these keys sits at the top of the message list.

When you write a message, press `⌘` `Enter` on a Mac or `Ctrl` `Enter` on Windows to send it. The first press shows who the message is going to and turns the **Send** button into **Confirm send**. Press the keys again, or click **Confirm send**, to send it. If you change the recipients, the subject or the message, you are asked to confirm again.

See [Read, reply and send email](https://plexiidesk.com/help).

## Meetings

### In the new meeting window

| To do this | On a Mac | On Windows |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Start or schedule the meeting | `Enter` | `Enter` |
| Close the window without starting | `Esc` | `Esc` |
| Switch between **Start now** and **Schedule** | `⌘` `M` | `Ctrl` `M` |
| Make the meeting longer or shorter | Click the end time to make it longer, or `Shift`-click it to make it shorter | The same |

In the guests box, `Enter` adds a guest instead of starting the meeting:

- `Enter`, `Tab` or a comma adds the person you typed, or the highlighted suggestion.
- `↓` and `↑` move through the suggestions.
- `Backspace` in an empty guests box removes the last guest you added.

In the agenda, press `Shift` `Enter` to start a new line. See [Start or schedule a meeting](https://plexiidesk.com/help).

### During a meeting

| To do this | On a Mac | On Windows |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mark this moment in the meeting | `⌘` `⇧` `M` | `Ctrl` `Shift` `M` |
| Show or hide the transcript | `⌘` `⇧` `T` | `Ctrl` `Shift` `T` |
| Leave the meeting, in the full-screen meeting view | `Esc` | `Esc` |

> **Tip:**
> In the full-screen meeting view, `Esc` leaves the meeting. To keep the meeting going while you work elsewhere in PlexiDesk, click **Collaborate (dock to the side)** first. `Esc` does not end the meeting while it is docked.

See [In a meeting](https://plexiidesk.com/help).

## Chat

| To do this | On a Mac | On Windows |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Send your message | `Enter` | `Enter` |
| Start a new line | `⇧` `Enter` | `Shift` `Enter` |
| Move through the @ list of people | `↓` and `↑` | `↓` and `↑` |
| Mention the highlighted person | `Enter` or `Tab` | `Enter` or `Tab` |
| Save a message you are editing | `Enter` | `Enter` |
| Stop editing without saving | `Esc` | `Esc` |

See [Write, react and manage messages](https://plexiidesk.com/help).

## Attention and focus

### Capture something

Press `⌘` `K` (`Ctrl` `K` on Windows), type **@attention** and what you want to remember, then press `Enter`. The Capture window opens with your words in it. This works while Attention is turned on. See [Capture something into Attention](https://plexiidesk.com/help).

In the Capture window:

| To do this | On a Mac | On Windows |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Go on to check how it will be filed | `Enter` | `Enter` |
| File it straight away, exactly as you typed it, under Remember | `⌘` `Enter` | `Ctrl` `Enter` |
| Close the window | `Esc` | `Esc` |

When you check how it will be filed, and you are not typing in a box:

| Key | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| `1` to `8` | Choose the category: 1 To Do, 2 Review, 3 Decide, 4 Respond, 5 Meet, 6 Discuss, 7 Remember, 8 Know. |
| `←` and `→` | Step through the categories. |
| `Enter` | File the item. |
| `Esc` | Close a field you opened to change, if there is one. Otherwise, go back to your words. |

### Work with Attention items

- **Edit an item:** in the **Edit item** window, press `⌘` `Enter` (`Ctrl` `Enter` on Windows) to save, or `Esc` to close it without saving.
- **Select several items:** on the Attention page, hold `Shift` and drag a box over the rows you want.

See [Close, snooze, archive and edit an item](https://plexiidesk.com/help).

### Focus sessions

When a focus session ends and PlexiDesk asks what you want to do next, `Esc` chooses **Done for now**. See [Start a focus session](https://plexiidesk.com/help).

## Common questions

**A shortcut does nothing when I press it.** You are probably typing in a box, or working inside a widget. Click an empty part of the screen, or press `Esc`, and try again. Single letters on a desk also do nothing while a menu or window is open.

**How do I go back on Windows?** Click the back arrow at the left of the header, or press your mouse's back button. `⌘` `←` and `⌘` `→` are Mac shortcuts.

**Can I change a shortcut?** You can change the single letters that add widgets on a desk, in the Keyboard shortcuts panel. See [Add widgets with a single key](https://plexiidesk.com/help/quick-add-keys). The other shortcuts are fixed.

**I pressed a letter on a desk and it typed into a widget.** Single letters add widgets only when you are not typing. Press `Esc` or click an empty part of the desk, then press the letter.

**Where are the shortcuts for documents, spreadsheets and presentations?** Open the document and press `⌘` `/` (`Ctrl` `/` on Windows) to see that editor's own list. See [Keyboard shortcuts in Office](https://plexiidesk.com/help).

**Are there shortcuts for tables?** Yes. You can move between a table's cells from the keyboard and copy or paste blocks of cells, as you would in a spreadsheet. See [Move around a table and copy cells](https://plexiidesk.com/help/widget-table-keyboard).

## Related tasks

- [The command palette](https://plexiidesk.com/help/command-palette)
- [Add widgets with a single key](https://plexiidesk.com/help/quick-add-keys)
- [Keyboard shortcuts in Office](https://plexiidesk.com/help)
- [Right-click menus](https://plexiidesk.com/help/right-click-menus)
- [Move around the canvas](https://plexiidesk.com/help/canvas-navigation)
- [Undo and redo](https://plexiidesk.com/help/undo-redo)