← Back

Keyboard Shortcuts Reference

← Back to all docs

Keyboard Shortcuts Reference

Complete guide to all keyboard shortcuts in ArkT for faster diagram creation

referencebeginner⏱️5 min
Home/Documentation/Keyboard Shortcuts Reference

Complete guide to all keyboard shortcuts in ArkT for faster diagram creation

⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts Reference

Master ArkT with powerful keyboard shortcuts that speed up your workflow. This reference guide covers all available shortcuts across the application.

Key Benefits

Work 5-10x faster than using mouse alone

Maintain flow without switching between keyboard and mouse

Build muscle memory for efficient diagramming

Accessible keyboard-first workflow

Platform Differences

ArkT adapts keyboard shortcuts based on your operating system:

Mac Users

Use Cmd as the primary modifier key

Windows/Linux Users

Use Ctrl as the primary modifier key

💡 Note

All shortcuts listed below show both Mac and Windows/Linux variants where they differ.

Node Creation Shortcuts

Quick Creation

Create new ArkT node

N

Create text node

T

Trigger the free line tool

L

Create a virtual node

V

Create an integration node

I

Editing & Management Shortcuts

Management Actions

Open templates manager

Shift+T

Open create template dialog

Shift+C

Open settings

Shift+S

Open collaboration dialog

Shift+Q

Open ask AI side-panel

Shift+A

Open export dialog

Shift+E

Open import dialog

Shift+I

Command & Clipboard Shortcuts

Essential Commands

Open the command palette

Cmd/Ctrl+K

Copy selected items

Cmd/Ctrl+C

Paste copied items

Cmd/Ctrl+V

Undo last action

Cmd/Ctrl+Z

Redo last undone action

Cmd/Ctrl+Y

Key UI Elements

Understanding these UI elements helps you make the most of keyboard shortcuts:

Add Node Button

Left sidebar - Creates new node at canvas center (Alternative to "N" keyboard shortcut)

Properties Panel

Right sidebar - Shows properties of selected element (Toggle with Cmd/Ctrl + P)

Command Palette

Overlay (center) - Quick access to all commands (Open with Cmd/Ctrl + K)

Breadcrumb Navigation

Top bar - Shows current diagram path (Click to navigate or use Cmd/Ctrl + ↑)

Learning Keyboard Shortcuts

💡 Pro Tips

Start small - Learn 3-5 shortcuts at a time, then practice until they become automatic

Focus on frequency - Start with the most frequently used shortcuts (copy, paste, delete, undo)

Keep reference handy - Keep this page open in a separate tab while learning

Practice daily - Consistent use builds muscle memory faster than occasional use

Common Use Cases

Rapid Prototyping

Use keyboard shortcuts during design sessions to quickly build diagrams

Flow State

Create diagrams without lifting hands from keyboard to maintain concentration

Current Limitations

⚠️ Known Limitations

Shortcuts are not customizable in the current version

Some complex operations still require mouse interaction (e.g., precise node positioning)

9 of 10

Related Articles

Connect Your GitHub Account

Learn how to securely connect GitHub for enhanced integrations

referencebeginner
5 min

Create Your First Node

Master the basics of node creation in ArkT diagrams

basicsbeginner
5 min

Edge Connections

Learn how to connect nodes with directional edges

basicsbeginner
7 min

On This Page

IntroductionPlatform DifferencesNode CreationEditing & ManagementCommands & ClipboardUI ElementsBest Practices