User Guide
Keyboard Shortcuts
Master Volt's keyboard shortcuts and customize them
Keyboard Shortcuts
Volt is designed for keyboard efficiency. Learn and customize all available shortcuts.
Global Shortcuts
These work anywhere in your system:
Default Shortcuts
| Shortcut (Windows/Linux) | Shortcut (macOS) | Action |
|---|---|---|
Ctrl + Space | Cmd + Space | Activate Volt |
Ctrl + Shift + Space | Cmd + Shift + Space | Activate in Command Mode |
In-App Shortcuts
When Volt is open:
Navigation
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
↑ ↓ | Navigate up/down |
← → | Navigate left/right in input |
Home | Jump to first result |
End | Jump to last result |
PgUp PgDn | Scroll results page |
Actions
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Enter | Execute selected item |
Ctrl/Cmd + Enter | Execute in background |
Shift + Enter | Execute as administrator |
Esc | Close Volt |
Tab | Autocomplete suggestion |
Input Control
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Ctrl/Cmd + K | Clear input |
Ctrl/Cmd + A | Select all text |
Ctrl/Cmd + C | Copy result |
Ctrl/Cmd + V | Paste into search |
Backspace | Delete character |
Ctrl/Cmd + Backspace | Delete word |
View Control
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Ctrl/Cmd + , | Open Settings |
Ctrl/Cmd + R | Reload Volt |
Ctrl/Cmd + Q | Quit Volt |
F1 | Show help |
Result Actions
Shortcuts for working with results:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Space | Preview item |
Ctrl/Cmd + O | Open containing folder |
Ctrl/Cmd + I | Show item info |
Ctrl/Cmd + D | Add to favorites |
Ctrl/Cmd + Del | Remove from history |
Customizing Shortcuts
Via Settings UI
- Open Volt Settings (
Ctrl/Cmd + ,) - Navigate to Shortcuts tab
- Click on the shortcut you want to change
- Press your desired key combination
- Click Save
Via Config File
For advanced users, edit config.json:
{
"shortcuts": {
"global": {
"activate": "Ctrl+Space",
"activateCommand": "Ctrl+Shift+Space"
},
"inApp": {
"execute": "Enter",
"executeBackground": "Ctrl+Enter",
"clear": "Ctrl+K"
}
}
}Location:
- Windows:
%APPDATA%\Volt\config.json - macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/Volt/config.json - Linux:
~/.config/volt/config.json
Shortcut Conflicts
Resolving Conflicts
If your shortcuts conflict with other apps:
- Change Volt's shortcut in Settings
- Disable conflicting app's shortcut
- Use alternative modifier keys (e.g.,
Altinstead ofCtrl)
Common Conflicts
| Conflict | Solution |
|---|---|
macOS Spotlight (Cmd+Space) | Disable Spotlight in System Settings → Keyboard |
Windows Search (Win+S) | Use Ctrl+Space instead |
| IDE shortcuts | Use alternative modifiers in Volt |
Advanced Shortcuts
Modifier Keys
Combine modifiers for more actions:
Ctrl/Cmd- Primary modifierShift- Alternative actionAlt/Option- Extended actionCtrl + Shift- Special action
Context-Specific
Some shortcuts only work with specific result types:
Files:
Enter- Open fileShift + Enter- Open with specific appCtrl + Enter- Open in new window
Applications:
Enter- Launch appCtrl + Enter- Launch as adminShift + Enter- Launch multiple instances
Web Search:
Enter- Search in default browserShift + Enter- Search in incognitoCtrl + Enter- Copy search URL
Cheat Sheet
Print this for quick reference:
Essential Shortcuts
Activation: Ctrl/Cmd + Space
Clear Input: Ctrl/Cmd + K
Settings: Ctrl/Cmd + ,
Navigate: ↑ ↓
Execute: Enter
Close: EscPower User
Background Run: Ctrl/Cmd + Enter
Admin Mode: Shift + Enter
Preview: Space
Open Folder: Ctrl/Cmd + O
Copy Result: Ctrl/Cmd + CNext Steps
- Install Extensions for more shortcuts
- Customize Appearance
- Learn Advanced Features