VS Code Shortcuts Every Developer Should Know (2025 Update)

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has become the go-to editor for developers across the globe. Lightweight, fast, and rich in features — what makes it even more powerful are its keyboard shortcuts. Whether you’re coding in JavaScript, Python, or working on a Markdown file, these shortcuts will save you time and boost productivity.

Here’s the 2025 updated list of the most essential VS Code shortcuts every developer should master.

🧠 Basic Editing Shortcuts

These shortcuts help streamline everyday text editing:

• Copy Line Up/Down
  Alt + Shift + ↑ / ↓
• Move Line Up/Down
  Alt + ↑ / ↓
• Delete Line
  Ctrl + Shift + K
• Insert Line Below/Above
  Ctrl + Enter / Ctrl + Shift + Enter
• Select Entire Line
  Ctrl + L

These become second nature and are especially useful when editing large files or refactoring code.

🎯 Search and Navigation

Navigate through your project like a ninja:

• Quick Open File
  Ctrl + P
• Go to Line
  Ctrl + G
• Go to Symbol
  Ctrl + Shift + O
• Search Across Files
  Ctrl + Shift + F
• Navigate Back/Forward
  Alt + ← / →

These shortcuts are a lifesaver when working with large codebases or unfamiliar projects.

🔍 Code Intelligence & Editing

Leverage VS Code’s smart features more efficiently:

• IntelliSense Suggestions
  Ctrl + Space
• Rename Symbol
  F2
• Format Document
  Shift + Alt + F
• Peek Definition
  Alt + F12
• Go to Definition
  F12
• Toggle Comment
  Ctrl + /

These tools help maintain clean and understandable code, especially in team projects.

🗂️ Multi-cursor and Selection

Work with multiple lines or cursors like a pro:

• Add Cursor to Next Occurrence
  Ctrl + D
• Add Cursors to All Occurrences
  Ctrl + Shift + L
• Add Cursor Above/Below
  Ctrl + Alt + ↑ / ↓
• Select Word
  Ctrl + D
• Expand Selection
  Shift + Alt + →

Multi-cursor editing allows you to make large-scale edits quickly — from renaming variables to modifying repetitive lines.

💻 Terminal Shortcuts

Switch between coding and terminal without lifting your hands:

• Toggle Integrated Terminal
  Ctrl + ~ (tilde)
• Create New Terminal
  Ctrl + Shift + (backtick)
• Clear Terminal
  Type clear or press Ctrl + L (if bound)

This is especially helpful for developers who constantly run build commands, scripts, or version control.

🧩 Extensions and Settings

Quickly access VS Code’s powerful extension and settings system:

• Open Extensions
  Ctrl + Shift + X
• Open Settings
  Ctrl + ,
• Command Palette
  Ctrl + Shift + P

This is the ultimate shortcut — type and run any command available in VS Code!

💡 Pro Tip: Customize Your Shortcuts

Don’t like the defaults? Go to:

File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts

You can customize them based on your workflow — or even export and share your keyboard settings.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Mastering shortcuts may seem minor, but over time, they add up to hours of saved time. With these 2025 updates, VS Code continues to prove why it’s the top code editor. Start integrating these shortcuts into your daily routine, and you’ll see a noticeable boost in your coding speed and efficiency.

Happy coding! 🚀