title: Clipboard Shortcuts
description: Quick keyboard shortcuts for clipboard operations
category: Clipboard
difficulty: beginner
Clipboard Shortcuts
Use keyboard shortcuts for fast copy, cut, paste, and other clipboard operations.
Quick Summary
| What | Description |
|---|
| Purpose | Fast clipboard operations |
| Methods | Modifier keys, gestures, palette |
| Setup | Add Ctrl key as extra key |
Standard Shortcuts
With Ctrl Key
Add Ctrl as an extra key to use standard shortcuts:
| Shortcut | Action |
| Ctrl+C | Copy selected text |
| Ctrl+X | Cut selected text |
| Ctrl+V | Paste |
| Ctrl+A | Select all |
| Ctrl+Z | Undo |
| Ctrl+Y | Redo |
Setting Up Ctrl Key
- 1. Go to Settings > Activities > Extra Keys
- 2. Add Ctrl to left or right side
- 3. Ctrl key appears on bottom row
- 4. Tap Ctrl, then the letter key
Gesture Shortcuts
Circle Gestures
Draw circles for undo/redo:
| Gesture | Action |
| Counter-clockwise circle | Undo |
| Clockwise circle | Redo |
See Circle Gestures for details.
Ctrl Key Subkeys
Swipe from Ctrl key for quick access:
| Direction | Action |
| Swipe Up (N) | Select All (Ctrl+A) |
| Swipe Right (E) | Copy (Ctrl+C) |
| Swipe Down (S) | Paste (Ctrl+V) |
| Swipe Left (W) | Cut (Ctrl+X) |
Paste from Clipboard
To paste the most recently copied text:
- • Use Ctrl+V (with Ctrl extra key)
- • Or swipe S on Ctrl key (Ctrl→S subkey)
To paste from clipboard history, open the clipboard panel (Ctrl SW swipe) and tap an item.
Customizing Shortcuts
Per-Key Actions
Assign clipboard actions to swipe directions:
- 1. Go to Settings > Activities > Per-Key Customization
- 2. Select a key (e.g., Shift)
- 3. Choose a direction
- 4. Select action (Copy, Paste, etc.)
Example setup:
| Key | Direction | Action |
| Shift | NE | Copy |
| Shift | SE | Paste |
| Shift | SW | Cut |
See Per-Key Actions.
All Clipboard Actions
| Action | Standard | Gesture | Palette |
| Copy | Ctrl+C | Ctrl→E | "copy" |
| Cut | Ctrl+X | Ctrl→W | "cut" |
| Paste | Ctrl+V | Ctrl→S | "paste" |
| Select All | Ctrl+A | Ctrl→N | "select" |
| Undo | Ctrl+Z | CCW circle | "undo" |
| Redo | Ctrl+Y | CW circle | "redo" |
| History | - | Ctrl→SW | "history" |
Tips and Tricks
- • Muscle memory: Practice Ctrl subkeys for speed
- • One-handed: Use command palette when one-handed
- • Editing flow: Combine with selection-delete for efficiency
- • Custom shortcuts: Set up per-key actions for your workflow
[!TIP]
If you frequently copy/paste, add Ctrl key and learn the subkey shortcuts.
Without Ctrl Key
If you don't want the Ctrl key:
| Action | Alternative |
| Copy | Command palette or app menu |
| Paste | Paste key or app menu |
| Undo | Circle gesture or app menu |
| Select All | Command palette or app menu |
Settings
| Setting | Location | Description |
| Extra Keys | Activities section | Add Ctrl key |
| Per-Key Customization | Activities section | Custom shortcuts |
Common Questions
Q: Why isn't Ctrl+C working?
A: First tap Ctrl, then tap C. They're not simultaneous presses.
Q: Can I hold Ctrl like on a computer?
A: The modifier is "sticky" - tap once, it applies to next key. No need to hold.
Q: How do I make shortcuts faster?
A: Use Ctrl subkeys (swipe from Ctrl) instead of two taps.
Related Features
- • Extra Keys - Add Ctrl key
- • Per-Key Actions - Custom shortcuts
- • Circle Gestures - Undo/redo gestures
- • Clipboard History - Access history