Keyboard Shortcuts

Return is designed to keep your hands on the keyboard. This is the complete list of every shortcut available.

Global

These work from anywhere in the application.

ShortcutAction
Cmd+NNew document
Cmd+OOpen document
Cmd+SSave document
Cmd+,Open Settings
Cmd+KFocus Omnibox
Cmd+Shift+BToggle Chat panel
F1 or Cmd+Shift+/Open Documentation
EscapeDismiss active dialog or panel

Formatting

Select text first, then press:

ShortcutAction
Cmd+BToggle bold
Cmd+IToggle italic
Cmd+EToggle inline code
Cmd+Shift+KInsert / edit link

These toggle — press once to apply, press again on formatted text to remove.

Editing

ShortcutAction
Cmd+ZUndo
Cmd+Shift+ZRedo
Cmd+MQuick annotation (highlight selection with color)
Cmd+Shift+LCycle list type (bullet → numbered → letter)
BackspaceAt start of empty formatted block: revert to plain text
ShortcutAction
Cmd+FFind in document (opens search bar)
Cmd+GGo to line number
EscapeExit edit mode on formatted text

Lists

ShortcutAction
EnterContinue list (new item)
BackspaceOn empty list item: exit list
TabIndent list item (where supported)
Shift+TabOutdent list item

Tables

ShortcutAction
TabMove to next cell
Shift+TabMove to previous cell

Panels

ShortcutAction
Cmd+BToggle Explorer panel (outside editor)
Cmd+Shift+BToggle Chat panel
Cmd+,Open Settings

Omnibox

ShortcutAction
Cmd+KFocus Omnibox
EnterSend message or run command
Up/DownNavigate command suggestions
EscapeClose suggestions

Documentation

ShortcutAction
Shift+clickOpen article in new tab

Tips

Cmd+B has two roles. When your cursor is in the editor with text selected, it toggles bold. When nothing is selected or you’re outside the editor, it toggles the Explorer panel.

Escape is universal. It closes modals, dismisses search, exits edit mode on formatted text, and closes suggestion menus. When in doubt, press Escape.

The Omnibox is always one shortcut away. Cmd+K focuses it from anywhere. Type a question for AI, or start with / for commands.