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Keyboard Shortcuts

This guide covers useful shortcuts and keyboard-assisted mouse actions in Heptabase's desktop and web apps. Find the section for the area you are working in. In the web app, your browser may handle some combinations first. Actions marked “desktop app” apply to the desktop version.

Cmd/Ctrl means Command on Mac or Ctrl on Windows/Linux. Option/Alt means Option on Mac or Alt on Windows/Linux. Where the modifier keys differ between platforms, the tables list them separately.

The same shortcut can do different things depending on focus. For example, Cmd/Ctrl + Enter can check a to-do in the editor or send a message in a chat composer. For whiteboard and list shortcuts, finish typing and select the object you want to work with first. Editing, deleting, and adding to whiteboards require the corresponding permissions.

Search and navigation​

ActionMacWindows/Linux
Open the command paletteCmd + KCtrl + K
Open global searchCmd + OCtrl + O
Search the current whiteboardCmd + PCtrl + P
Create a card and edit it in a popupCmd + NCtrl + N
Open New sessionCmd + JCtrl + J
Go to today's JournalCmd + Shift + DCtrl + Shift + D
Go back to the previous location (desktop app)Cmd + [Alt + ←
Go forward to the next location (desktop app)Cmd + ]Alt + →
Open settingsCmd + ,Ctrl + ,
Switch between light and dark themesCmd + Option + LCtrl + Shift + L

New session is available in your personal workspace if your account has access to this feature.

Hold Option/Alt + Shift and press a number to switch areas:

NumberArea
1Inbox
2Journal
3Whiteboards (opens the whiteboard map in your personal workspace)
4Card Library
5Tags
6Highlights
7Chat

The Journal, Tags, and Highlights shortcuts apply to your personal workspace.

Working with search results​

Press Cmd/Ctrl + O to search, then use ↑/↓ to select a result.

ActionShortcut
Open the selected resultEnter
Open a supported result in a new tabCmd/Ctrl + Enter
Add a supported result to the side panelOption/Alt + Enter
Add a card result to the current whiteboardCmd/Ctrl + Shift + Enter

Adding to the current whiteboard requires an editable whiteboard to be open. If you select “Create new card,” you can also create the card directly on the whiteboard or in the side panel.

In whiteboard search (Cmd/Ctrl + P), Enter locates the selected object. Option/Alt + Enter adds a supported result to the side panel.

Tabs, windows, and panels​

ActionMacWindows/Linux
Next tabCtrl + TabCtrl + Tab
Previous tabCtrl + Shift + TabCtrl + Shift + Tab
Close the current unpinned tabCmd + WCtrl + W
Open a new window (desktop app)Cmd + Shift + NCtrl + Shift + N
Close the current window (desktop app)Cmd + Shift + WCtrl + Shift + W
Show/hide the left sidebarCmd + \Ctrl + \
Show/hide the right sidebarCmd + Option + \Ctrl + Alt + \
Show/hide the side panel for card referencesCmd + Option + =Ctrl + Shift + =
Open/close the Chat panel on the rightCmd + 1Ctrl + 1
Open/close the Card Library panel on the rightCmd + 2Ctrl + 2
Open/close the most recently used other right sidebar panelCmd + 3Ctrl + 3

Cmd/Ctrl + 3 returns to the most recently used other panel, such as Journal, Highlights, or Info. It defaults to Journal if none has been used. Available panels depend on the current page.

In a card tab, press Cmd + Option + N (Mac) or Ctrl + Alt + N (Windows/Linux) to create a new main card and keep the previous main card in the side panel. This lets you take notes while reading.

Organizing and opening cards​

These actions apply to the open card or to selections in areas that support card operations.

ActionShortcut
Add/move to a whiteboardCmd/Ctrl + M
Manage tagsCmd/Ctrl + T
Add to InboxCmd/Ctrl + Shift + I
Show card infoOption/Alt + Shift + I
Copy the card's Heptabase linkCmd/Ctrl + L
Add a supported card to the side panelOption/Alt + Enter

To add a card to Inbox from a whiteboard, select one card that supports this action.

Popups, new tabs, and the current whiteboard​

Where you areShortcutResult
A card selected on a whiteboard, or a regular card content areaCmd/Ctrl + EnterOpen the card in a popup
A card already open in a popupCmd/Ctrl + EnterOpen the card in a tab
Cards selected on a whiteboardCmd/Ctrl + Shift + EnterOpen a card tab; with multiple cards selected, the first becomes the main card and the remaining supported cards go in its side panel
A card popup or reference card beside a whiteboardCmd/Ctrl + Shift + EnterAdd the card to the current editable whiteboard
One card selected in Card Library's grid viewEnterOpen it in a popup
Cards selected in Card Library's grid viewCmd/Ctrl + EnterOpen a card tab; the remaining supported cards go in its side panel

When using these combinations in a card content area, avoid content that handles Enter first, such as to-dos, toggles, mention menus, and code blocks.

In Card Library's grid view, use Shift + Click or Cmd/Ctrl + Click to add/remove cards from the selection. In a regular card content area without a current whiteboard to add to, Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + Enter also opens the card in a tab.

After selecting deletable cards in Card Library's grid view, press Cmd/Ctrl + Backspace or Cmd/Ctrl + Delete to open the deletion confirmation.

Cards on a whiteboard also support these mouse actions:

ActionMouse action
Open in a popupCmd/Ctrl + Click
Open in a card tabCmd/Ctrl + Shift + Click
Add to the side panelOption/Alt + Click

In a whiteboard's “Add/move to whiteboard” palette, Enter moves the selected objects. Cmd/Ctrl + Enter adds supported objects to the destination while keeping them on the original whiteboard.

Editor​

Mentions, embeds, and text formatting​

ActionShortcut/input
Open the block command menuType /
Search for and mention cards, whiteboards, dates, and moreType @ or [[; @ and 「「 also work
Insert the selected mention-menu itemEnter
Insert a supported mention-menu item as an embedShift + Enter in the mention menu
Add a hyperlink to selected textCmd/Ctrl + K
Apply a copied URL to selected textSelect text, then paste the URL
Inline codeCmd/Ctrl + E
StrikethroughCmd/Ctrl + Shift + S
Inline mathCmd/Ctrl + Shift + E
Apply/remove the last-used text or background colorCmd/Ctrl + Shift + H
Paste and match the current styleCmd/Ctrl + Shift + V
Copy the current or selected blocks as MarkdownCmd/Ctrl + Shift + C

The mention menu shows Embed only when the selected item can be embedded. Use Enter for the “Create new card” option. You can also use an arrow key beside a mention to select it, then press Enter to open it.

In the desktop app's editor, Cmd/Ctrl + Click opens an external web link in your default browser. Option/Alt + Click adds supported links to the side panel.

Find and replace​

First focus the card editor you want to search.

ActionMacWindows/Linux
Find in the cardCmd + FCtrl + F
Open find and replaceCmd + Option + FCtrl + Alt + F
Search field: next matchEnterEnter
Search field: previous matchShift + EnterShift + Enter
Replacement field: replace the current matchEnterEnter
Close find/replaceEscEsc

Replace is available for editable content.

Selecting and organizing blocks​

ActionShortcut/mouse action
Select the current blockEsc
Select blocks and open the block actions menuCmd/Ctrl + /
Select all blocks at onceCmd/Ctrl + Shift + A
Select the previous/next blockSelect a block, then press ↑/↓
Extend/reduce the block selectionSelect a block, then press Shift + ↑/Shift + ↓
Select the blocks between two positionsClick the first block, then Shift + Click another block
Move blocks up/downCmd/Ctrl + Shift + ↑/Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + ↓
Duplicate the current or selected blocksCmd/Ctrl + D
Copy blocks while draggingOption/Alt + Drag a block
Indent/unindent list itemsTab/Shift + Tab
Check/uncheck to-dosCmd/Ctrl + Enter
Collapse/expand toggles or bullet list items with child contentCmd/Ctrl + Enter
Expand/collapse selected toggle blocks→/←
Leave a code block and add a regular paragraphShift + Enter

At the very start of a code block, Shift + Enter adds the paragraph above the block; elsewhere, it adds it below. In a regular paragraph, Shift + Enter inserts a line break within the same block.

Cmd/Ctrl + A expands the selection in stages depending on the current selection. To select all of the card's blocks directly, use Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + A.

Convert block types directly​

Hold Cmd + Option on Mac or Ctrl + Shift on Windows/Linux, then press a number:

NumberConvert to
0Text
1, 2, 3H1, H2, H3 heading
4To-do list
5Bullet list
6Numbered list
7Toggle
8Code block
9Math block

Format content as you type​

Type these block patterns at the start of a paragraph. “Then Space” means pressing the space bar once after the pattern.

InputResult
[] or [ ], then SpaceUnchecked to-do
[x], then SpaceChecked to-do
-, +, or *, then SpaceBullet list
1., then SpaceNumbered list; other starting numbers also work
a., then SpaceLetter-numbered list
i., then SpaceRoman-numbered list
>, then SpaceToggle
# through ######, then SpaceH1 through H6 heading
# through ###### on the first line of a toggle, then SpaceToggle heading
", “, or |, then SpaceQuote block
Three consecutive backticks (```)Code block; no trailing Space needed
---Divider; no trailing Space needed

Within text, use **bold**, *italic*, ***bold italic***, ~~strikethrough~~, or a pair of backticks around inline code.

Typing ->, =>, <=>, >=, or <= produces →, ⇒, ⇔, ≥, or ≤, respectively. -- and ... become — and …. Immediately after an automatic formatting conversion, press Backspace to undo that conversion.

Tables inside cards​

ActionShortcut/mouse action
Move to the next/previous cellTab/Shift + Tab
Add a row from the table's last cellTab
Start extending a selection at a cell boundary, or extend an existing cell selectionShift + Arrow key
Expand the selection in stages to cell, row, and whole tablePress Esc repeatedly
Open actions for the current cell, row, or columnShift + F10
Duplicate a selected row/columnSelect it with the row/column handle, then press Cmd/Ctrl + D
Clear selected cell contentsBackspace or Delete
Delete whole rows/columnsSelect complete rows/columns, then press Cmd/Ctrl + Backspace or Cmd/Ctrl + Delete

Whiteboards​

Tools and object creation​

Single-letter whiteboard shortcuts select a tool. Then click or drag on the canvas to create the object.

Tool/actionShortcut/mouse action
Select toolV
Connect toolC
New card toolN
Text element toolT
Mindmap toolM
Section toolG
Sub-whiteboard toolW
Upload files to the whiteboardCmd/Ctrl + U
Create a card at a specific positionDouble-click empty canvas
Create a text element at a specific positionCmd/Ctrl + Double-click empty canvas
Create a card directlyMac: Cmd + Option + N; Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Alt + N
Create a section around selected objectsCmd/Ctrl + G

When creating a card directly, it appears to the right of the whiteboard object you are editing, or in the center of the current viewport if no object is being edited.

Panning, zooming, and quick look​

ActionShortcut/mouse action
Pan the whiteboardHold Space and drag with the left mouse button, or drag with the right mouse button
Scroll horizontallyShift + Mouse wheel
Zoom around the pointerCmd/Ctrl + Mouse wheel
Fit the entire whiteboard in viewShift + 1
Fit selected objects in viewShift + 2
Mac: zoom in/outCmd + ↑/Cmd + ↓
Navigate between whiteboard objectsArrow keys
Open/close quick look for a selected objectTap Space
Start editing a selected editable objectEnter
Return from editing to object selection; press again to deselectEsc

Quick look works for supported objects. In mouse navigation mode, the mouse wheel alone also zooms the whiteboard.

Organizing whiteboard objects​

ActionShortcut/mouse action
Add/remove objects from the selectionShift + Click
Duplicate and drag cards and other supported objectsOption/Alt + Drag
Extend the snapping range of alignment guides while draggingHold Shift while dragging
Nudge objects (Mac)Option + Arrow key; add Shift for a larger step
Nudge objects horizontally (Windows/Linux)Ctrl + ←/Ctrl + →
Nudge objects with a larger step (Windows/Linux)Ctrl + Shift + Arrow key
Collapse/expand foldable objectsCmd/Ctrl + Option/Alt + Enter
Add selected cards to the side panelOption/Alt + Enter
Copy Heptabase links to selected objectsCmd/Ctrl + L
Remove objects from the current whiteboardBackspace or Delete
Move selected cards from Card Library to the trashCmd/Ctrl + Backspace or Cmd/Ctrl + Delete
Open deletion confirmation for selected chats (chat objects on the whiteboard)Cmd/Ctrl + Backspace or Cmd/Ctrl + Delete
Save a version of the current whiteboard manuallyMac: Cmd + Option + S; Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + S

Nudging uses a step of 1, or 10 with Shift. Removing a card from a whiteboard removes its appearance on that whiteboard; deleting it from Card Library affects the card itself. Saving a version manually applies to your own whiteboards and requires access to version backups.

Mindmaps​

ActionShortcut
Return from text editing to node selectionEsc
Navigate between nodesArrow keys
Create the next sibling nodeEnter while editing a non-empty text node
Create a child nodeTab
Select the parent nodeShift + Tab
Delete selected nodesBackspace or Delete

The root node has no siblings, so Enter at the root creates a child node. On a selected node that is not yet being edited, Enter may first start editing.

When a single non-root node with children is selected, deletion confirmation defaults to keeping its children and moving them up one level. To delete its children as well, select Delete the complete branch.

Whiteboard map​

On the whiteboard map, use arrow keys to change the selection, Cmd/Ctrl + M to move the selected whiteboard, or Backspace/Delete to open deletion confirmation. Deletion here affects the whiteboard itself, unlike removing an object inside a whiteboard.

Journal and Inbox​

Journal​

ActionMacWindows/Linux
Go to todayCmd + Shift + DCtrl + Shift + D
Previous dayCmd + Option + [Ctrl + Shift + [
Next dayCmd + Option + ]Ctrl + Shift + ]
Show/hide the day's to-do area in JournalCmd + Shift + JCtrl + Shift + J

Inbox​

Focus the Inbox list and select an item first.

ActionShortcut
Previous/next item↑/↓
View the itemEnter
Mark as done; mark a completed item as unreadCmd/Ctrl + Enter
Open actions for the selected itemCmd/Ctrl + K
Set a reminderR
Close the item's right panelEsc
Manage tags for the item's cardCmd/Ctrl + T
Add the item's card to a whiteboardCmd/Ctrl + M
Undo/redo Inbox actionsCmd/Ctrl + Z/Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + Z

To-dos section​

In Inbox's To-dos section, focus the list and select a to-do first.

ActionShortcut
Previous/next to-do↑/↓
Open the to-do's source contentEnter
Complete the to-do and move to the next itemCmd/Ctrl + Enter
Open actions for the selected itemCmd/Ctrl + K
RescheduleR
Close the source panel on the rightEsc

Tag database tables​

These shortcuts apply to database tables on a tag page, which are different from tables inside a card.

ActionShortcut/mouse action
Move between cellsArrow keys
Extend/reduce a cell rangeShift + Arrow key
Extend/reduce selected rowsShift + ↑/Shift + ↓
Edit the selected cell; a title cell opens the cardEnter
Select the top-left cell of a selected row or rangeEnter
Open cards from selected rows in a tabCmd/Ctrl + Enter
Add cards from selected rows to the side panelOption/Alt + Enter
Select the whole row from a cell; press again to deselectEsc
Clear editable property valuesBackspace or Delete
Add/remove individual rows from the selectionCmd/Ctrl + Click the row's selection area
Select consecutive rowsShift + Click

Cmd/Ctrl + M, Cmd/Ctrl + T, and Cmd/Ctrl + L also work on supported selected cards, to add them to a whiteboard, manage tags, and copy links. When opening multiple rows in a tab, the first card becomes the main card and the remaining supported cards go in its side panel.

Reading and highlighting PDFs​

ActionShortcut/mouse action
Search the current PDFFocus the PDF reader, then press Cmd/Ctrl + F
Previous/next search matchShift + Enter/Enter in the search field
Previous/next pageFocus the PDF reader, then press ←/→
Zoom the PDFCmd/Ctrl + Mouse wheel
Create a highlight from selected textSelect PDF text, then press S
Create a highlight and add a noteSelect PDF text, then press A
Create a highlight and add it to a whiteboardSelect PDF text, then press D

Use S, A, and D while the text selection toolbar is visible. D adds the highlight to the current editable whiteboard, or opens a destination picker if no whiteboard is open.

Chat and templates​

Where you areActionShortcut
Chat composerSend a messageCmd/Ctrl + Enter
Editing an existing chat messageSave changesCmd/Ctrl + Enter
Editing an existing chat messageCancel changesEsc
Template pickerInsert the selected templateEnter
Template pickerEdit the selected templateCmd/Ctrl + Enter
Template pickerOpen template deletion confirmationCmd/Ctrl + Backspace
Skills paletteUse the selected skillEnter
Skills paletteEdit the selected custom skillCmd/Ctrl + Enter
Skills paletteOpen custom skill deletion confirmationCmd/Ctrl + Backspace

When opening the template picker from template management, Enter edits the template. Editing and deleting skills applies only to your own custom skills.