It's no secret that ChatGPT is already one of the most powerful writing tools around. It's great for fixing tone, style or writing the whole thing, if that's what you want. But if you’re using your mouse to click through the interface, you're not moving as fast as you could.
Similar to Gmail, Google Docs and even Photoshop, ChatGPT has a handful of keyboard shortcuts that shave seconds off every interaction. When it comes to productivity, this can add up every time you're drafting, editing or brainstorming.
Here are four of the best ChatGPT keyboard shortcuts that will change how you write.
1. Ctrl + / (Windows) / Command + / (Mac) — Open the shortcuts menu
I'll start with the "master key" of shortcuts. Pressing Ctrl + / (Windows) or Command + / (Mac) brings up ChatGPT’s full list of keyboard shortcuts. It’s the fastest way to discover what’s built in, plus, it will save you from hunting through menues when you just want to keep typing. If you don't take anything else away from this article, this is the shortcut to remember.
2. Ctrl + Shift + O — Start a new chat instantly
You came to ChatGPT to chat, so why fuss around with grabbing your mouse or the sidebar. Simply, press Ctrl + Shift + O to get started on a new chat window on the spot. For those hoping to keep all chats and Projects separate, this is a great one to use to keep moving forward without breaking flow.
I use this all the time when I need quick math help, travel planning or just want to start a chat with a new thought. One downside is there isn't a shortcut that integrates the new branching conversation mode yet. Stay tuned, I'm sure that one will be next.
3. Ctrl + Shift + S — Toggle the sidebar
If you're like me, you know that when you're deep in the writing zone, screen space matters. That's why this tip is a life saver.
Hitting Ctrl + Shift + S instantly hides or reveals the sidebar. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference if you’re reviewing long answers or juggling multiple chats.
4. Shift + Esc — Jump to the input box
Alright, ready for the hidden gem? Pressing Shift + Esc drops your cursor right into the message box. Boom! You can go from scrolling through responses without grabbing your mouse. Instead, just hit the keys and start typing your next prompt.
Bonus tip: Use the up arrow to edit your last prompt
Don't sweat the typos, they don't truly matter anyway. But if you realize you made an error and need to edit or just want to tweak what you just asked, hit the ↑ (Up Arrow) while your cursor is in the input box. It reloads your previous prompt so you can quickly fix and resend without retyping everything.
Final thoughts
These shortcuts are ones I use every day in ChatGPT. I have found them to be extremely helpful and serious time savers. Instead of breaking your writing flow to click through menus, you can summon new chats, expand your workspace or jump straight into the input box with just a couple of keys.
Once you build them into your workflow, I think you'll notice a real difference in the way ChatGPT acts as a writing tool.
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