TopolearnA dozen shortcuts make notebook work several times faster than reaching for menus.
Notebooks have two modes, and the same key means different things in each.
Edit mode (cursor in a cell, cell border highlighted for editing): keys type text. Tab completes names, Shift+Tab shows the signature and docstring of the function under the cursor, and Ctrl+/ toggles comments. Press Esc to leave.
Command mode (no cursor, cell selected): keys act on cells. Press Enter to start editing the selected cell.
Running cells works in both modes:
- Shift+Enter: run and move to the next cell;
- Ctrl+Enter (Cmd+Enter on macOS): run and stay;
- Alt+Enter: run and insert a cell below.
Command-mode essentials:
A/B: insert a cell above / below;D, D(press twice): delete the cell;Z: undo the deletion;M/Y: turn the cell into Markdown / code;C,X,V: copy, cut, paste cells; Shift+Up/Down selects several;Shift+M: merge selected cells;0, 0: restart the kernel;I, I: interrupt a running cell.
In JupyterLab, Ctrl+Shift+C (Cmd+Shift+C) opens the command palette, a searchable list of every action with its shortcut, so you can discover the rest. Shortcuts are customizable in Settings > Settings Editor > Keyboard Shortcuts.
A frequent beginner surprise: typing b or m while in command mode changes the notebook instead of typing a letter; check which mode you are in.
Remember
- Esc enters command mode, Enter enters edit mode
- Shift+Enter runs and advances; A/B insert cells; D,D deletes; M/Y switch cell type
- The command palette lists every action and shortcut
Watch out for
- Typing while in command mode and accidentally deleting or converting cells; press Z to undo a deletion.