Keyboard Shortcuts

Volt is designed for keyboard efficiency. Learn and customize all available shortcuts.

Global Shortcuts

These work anywhere in your system:

Default Shortcuts

In-App Shortcuts

When Volt is open:

Navigation

Actions

Input Control

View Control

Result Actions

Shortcuts for working with results:

Plugin Triggers

Built-in plugins activate via prefix characters or keywords — typing these as the first token routes your query to the right plugin:

See Built-in Features for the full plugin list and File Search for the complete operator reference.

Special Views Navigation

When you're inside a dedicated view (Calculator, Emoji Picker, Settings, etc.):

Customizing Shortcuts

Via Settings UI

1. Open Volt Settings (Ctrl/Cmd + ,)
2. Navigate to Shortcuts tab
3. Click on the shortcut you want to change
4. Press your desired key combination
5. Click Save

Via Config File

For advanced users, edit config.json:

{
  "shortcuts": {
    "global": {
      "activate": "Ctrl+Space"
    },
    "inApp": {
      "execute": "Enter",
      "executeBackground": "Ctrl+Enter",
      "clear": "Ctrl+K"
    }
  }
}

Location:

• Windows: %APPDATA%\volt\settings.json
• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/volt/settings.json
• Linux: ~/.config/volt/settings.json

Shortcut Conflicts

Resolving Conflicts

If your shortcuts conflict with other apps:

1. Change Volt's shortcut in Settings
2. Disable conflicting app's shortcut
3. Use alternative modifier keys (e.g., Alt instead of Ctrl)

Common Conflicts

Advanced Shortcuts

Modifier Keys

Combine modifiers for more actions:

• Ctrl / Cmd - Primary modifier
• Shift - Alternative action
• Alt / Option - Extended action
• Ctrl + Shift - Special action

Context-Specific

Some shortcuts only work with specific result types:

Files:

• Enter - Open file
• Shift + Enter - Open with specific app
• Ctrl + Enter - Open in new window

Applications:

• Enter - Launch app
• Ctrl + Enter - Launch as admin
• Shift + Enter - Launch multiple instances

Web Search:

• Enter - Search in default browser
• Shift + Enter - Search in incognito
• Ctrl + Enter - Copy search URL

Cheat Sheet

Print this for quick reference:

Essential Shortcuts

Activation:      Ctrl/Cmd + Space
Context Menu:    Ctrl/Cmd + K
Settings:        Ctrl/Cmd + ,
Navigate:        ↑ ↓
Execute:         Enter
Close:           Esc

Power User

Background Run:  Ctrl/Cmd + Enter
Admin Mode:      Shift + Enter
Preview:         Space
Open Folder:     Ctrl/Cmd + O
Copy Result:     Ctrl/Cmd + C

Next Steps

• Built-in Features — All built-in plugins
• Configuration — Customize themes, hotkeys, and more
• Extensions — Install or build extensions