Cheat sheet guide
GNU nano shortcuts worth learning first
This page collects 22 searchable GNU nano keyboard shortcuts across 4 categories. Start with the shortcuts for File, Editing, Search & Replace, Navigation, then print the cheat sheet once the important ones are worth keeping nearby.
- Save file (write out)CtrlO
- Cut lineCtrlK
- Search (where is)CtrlW
- Beginning of lineCtrlA
- ExitCtrlX
- Read file into bufferCtrlR
File
4 shortcuts
Save file (write out)
CtrlO
WinCtrlOMac⌃OLinuxCtrlO
Exit
CtrlX
WinCtrlXMac⌃XLinuxCtrlX
Read file into buffer
CtrlR
WinCtrlRMac⌃RLinuxCtrlR
Show help
CtrlG
WinCtrlGMac⌃GLinuxCtrlG
Editing
7 shortcuts
Cut line
CtrlK
WinCtrlKMac⌃KLinuxCtrlK
Paste (uncut)
CtrlU
WinCtrlUMac⌃ULinuxCtrlU
Copy line
Alt6
WinAlt6Mac⌥6LinuxAlt6
Mark text (set selection)
Ctrl6
WinCtrl6Mac⌃6LinuxCtrl6
Undo
AltU
WinAltUMac⌥ULinuxAltU
Redo
AltE
WinAltEMac⌥ELinuxAltE
Insert next character literally
AltV
WinAltVMac⌥VLinuxAltV
Search & Replace
4 shortcuts
Search (where is)
CtrlW
WinCtrlWMac⌃WLinuxCtrlW
Search next
AltW
WinAltWMac⌥WLinuxAltW
Replace
Ctrl\
WinCtrl\Mac⌃\LinuxCtrl\
Go to line and column
Ctrl_
WinCtrl_Mac⌃_LinuxCtrl_
Navigation
7 shortcuts
Beginning of line
CtrlA
WinCtrlAMac⌃ALinuxCtrlA
End of line
CtrlE
WinCtrlEMac⌃ELinuxCtrlE
Previous page
CtrlY
WinCtrlYMac⌃YLinuxCtrlY
Next page
CtrlV
WinCtrlVMac⌃VLinuxCtrlV
Go to first line
Alt\
WinAlt\Mac⌥\LinuxAlt\
Go to last line
Alt/
WinAlt/Mac⌥/LinuxAlt/
Show cursor position
CtrlC
WinCtrlCMac⌃CLinuxCtrlC
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to find GNU nano shortcuts on this page?
Use the search box or press /, then type an action such as save file (write out).
Can I print this GNU nano shortcut cheat sheet?
Yes. Use the Print / PDF button or your browser print command to save a compact cheat sheet.
Does this page include Windows and Mac shortcuts for GNU nano?
Yes. Use the OS tabs to switch between Windows and macOS shortcuts. For example, Save file (write out) is Ctrl+O on Windows and ⌃O on macOS where available.
