Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers globally, known for its speed, simplicity, and efficiency. One of the best ways to maximize your productivity while using Chrome is by mastering its keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts help you navigate the browser quickly, manage tabs, and perform various actions without relying on a mouse.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most useful Google Chrome shortcut keys for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Basic Browser Navigation Shortcuts
Action |
Windows/Linux |
Mac |
Open a new tab |
Ctrl + T |
Cmd + T |
Open a new window |
Ctrl + N |
Cmd + N |
Open an incognito window |
Ctrl + Shift + N |
Cmd + Shift + N |
Close the current tab |
Ctrl + W or Ctrl + F4 |
Cmd + W |
Reopen the last closed tab |
Ctrl + Shift + T |
Cmd + Shift + T |
Switch to the next tab |
Ctrl + Tab |
Cmd + Option + Right Arrow |
Switch to the previous tab |
Ctrl + Shift + Tab |
Cmd + Option + Left Arrow |
Go to a specific tab |
Ctrl + 1 to Ctrl + 8 |
Cmd + 1 to Cmd + 8 |
Open the browser’s homepage |
Alt + Home |
Cmd + Shift + H |
Close the browser |
Alt + F4 |
Cmd + Q |
Browsing and Searching Shortcuts
Action |
Windows/Linux |
Mac |
Refresh the current page |
Ctrl + R or F5 |
Cmd + R |
Force reload (bypass cache) |
Ctrl + Shift + R |
Cmd + Shift + R |
Open a link in a new tab |
Ctrl + Click |
Cmd + Click |
Open a link in a new window |
Shift + Click |
Shift + Click |
Open the “Find” bar |
Ctrl + F |
Cmd + F |
Jump to the next match in “Find” |
Enter |
Cmd + G |
Jump to the previous match in “Find”` |
Shift + Enter |
Cmd + Shift + G |
Open the address bar (Omnibox) |
Ctrl + L or Alt + D |
Cmd + L |
Search from the address bar |
Type text and press Enter |
Same |
Tab and Window Management Shortcuts
Action |
Windows/Linux |
Mac |
Pin or unpin a tab |
Right-click tab > Pin |
Same |
Duplicate the current tab |
Ctrl + Shift + K |
Cmd + Shift + K |
Bookmark the current tab |
Ctrl + D |
Cmd + D |
Open the bookmarks manager |
Ctrl + Shift + O |
Cmd + Shift + O |
Open the downloads page |
Ctrl + J |
Cmd + Shift + J |
Open the history page |
Ctrl + H |
Cmd + Y |
Zooming and View Options
Action |
Windows/Linux |
Mac |
Zoom in |
Ctrl + Plus (+) |
Cmd + Plus (+) |
Zoom out |
Ctrl + Minus (-) |
Cmd + Minus (-) |
Reset zoom level |
Ctrl + 0 |
Cmd + 0 |
Toggle full-screen mode |
F11 |
Cmd + Ctrl + F |
Developer Tools Shortcuts
Action |
Windows/Linux |
Mac |
Open Developer Tools |
Ctrl + Shift + I or F12 |
Cmd + Option + I |
Open the JavaScript Console |
Ctrl + Shift + J |
Cmd + Option + J |
View page source |
Ctrl + U |
Cmd + Option + U |
Inspect an element |
Right-click > Inspect |
Right-click > Inspect |
Media and Miscellaneous Shortcuts
Action |
Windows/Linux |
Mac |
Mute a tab |
Ctrl + M |
Cmd + Shift + M |
Save the current page |
Ctrl + S |
Cmd + S |
Print the current page |
Ctrl + P |
Cmd + P |
Open Chrome Settings |
Alt + E or Alt + F |
Cmd + Comma (,) |
Open Task Manager |
Shift + Esc |
Cmd + Option + Esc |
Conclusion
Knowing and using Google Chrome shortcut keys can significantly enhance your browsing experience by saving time and improving productivity. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional working with web tools, these shortcuts help you perform tasks more efficiently. Practice them regularly, and you’ll navigate Chrome like a pro!