Linux Files App Shortcuts
Linux Files App keyboard shortcuts with key combinations, actions, and usage notes.
How to use this reference
Use this category reference to find shortcuts for the platform shown. Start with the section for your operating system, read the action and description, and try the shortcut in an appropriate application. Keys joined with a plus sign are held together; alternatives let you choose the combination that works on your keyboard. A gesture requires a compatible touchpad or touch screen rather than a physical keyboard.
Before practicing, check which window has focus. Text fields, browser tabs, terminal sessions, and system dialogs can interpret the same keys differently. Save any open work before testing commands that close a window, delete content, or change system settings. Accessibility commands may need to be enabled in settings first, and a laptop may require the Fn key for function keys. If a combination is intercepted by an application or a custom keymap, consult its built-in help and your operating system settings. Follow the full platform guide for related commands and additional context.
Ubuntu Linux
| Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Open New Window | Ctrl + N | Open a new Nautilus (Files) window |
| Open New Tab | Ctrl + T | Open a new tab in the Nautilus Files app |
| Close Tab | Ctrl + W | Close the current Nautilus tab |
| Go Home | Alt + Home | Navigate to your Home folder |
| Go to Parent Folder | Alt + Up | Navigate up one directory level |
| Go Back | Alt + Left | Navigate to the previous folder in history |
| Go Forward | Alt + Right | Navigate forward in folder history |
| Open Location / Path Bar | Ctrl + L | Open the path entry bar to type a folder path directly |
| Search | Ctrl + F | Open the search bar in Nautilus |
| Rename | F2 | Rename the selected file or folder |
| New Folder | Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder in the current directory |
| Show Hidden Files | Ctrl + H | Toggle visibility of hidden files and folders (those starting with a dot) |
| Select All | Ctrl + A | Select all files in the current folder |
| Properties | Alt + Return | Open the Properties dialog for the selected file or folder |
| Move to Trash | Delete | Move the selected item(s) to Trash |
| Permanently Delete | Shift + Delete | Permanently delete the selected item(s) without going to Trash |
| Switch to Icon View | Ctrl + 1 | Switch to icon grid view |
| Switch to List View | Ctrl + 2 | Switch to detailed list view |
| Zoom In | Ctrl + + | Increase icon size in the file browser |
| Zoom Out | Ctrl + - | Decrease icon size in the file browser |