Asana Keyboard Shortcuts: Full List & How to Use Them
Asana keyboard shortcuts let you navigate, create tasks, and edit details without lifting your hands from the keyboard. This article lists the most useful shortcuts for Asana’s web app, explains how to customize them, and answers common questions about using them effectively.
Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts in Asana?
Keyboard shortcuts reduce the number of clicks needed for repetitive actions. Instead of moving the mouse to click a button, you press two or three keys. For heavy Asana users, this can save several seconds per action, which adds up over a day. Shortcuts also help people who have difficulty using a mouse, and they keep your focus on the task list rather than on navigation.
How to View the Shortcut List in Asana
Asana has a built-in reference for all shortcuts. Press Ctrl + / on Windows or Cmd + / on Mac. A pop-up window appears with the full list, organized by category. You can also click your profile photo in the top-right corner, select Settings, then Keyboard shortcuts to see the same list. This is the most reliable way to find the current shortcuts, because Asana occasionally adds or changes them.
Essential Asana Keyboard Shortcuts
The following shortcuts work in the Asana web app on both Windows and Mac. Mac users should replace Ctrl with Cmd unless noted otherwise.
- Create a new task: Press Tab then T (or just T in some views). This opens a task entry box at the top of the list.
- Create a new project: Press Tab then P.
- Create a new team: Press Tab then E.
- Search: Press Ctrl + K (or Cmd + K on Mac). This opens the global search bar.
- Go to My Tasks: Press G then M.
- Go to Inbox: Press G then I.
- Go to Home: Press G then H.
- Go to a project: Press G then P, then type the project name.
- Complete a task: Press Shift + C when the task is selected.
- Edit a task: Press Enter when the task is selected.
- Close a task or dialog: Press Esc.
- Undo an action: Press Ctrl + Z (or Cmd + Z).
- Redo an action: Press Ctrl + Y (or Cmd + Shift + Z).
- Duplicate a task: Press Ctrl + D (or Cmd + D) when the task is open.
- Delete a task: Press Ctrl + Backspace (or Cmd + Backspace) when the task is open.
Navigating Lists and Boards with Shortcuts
In list and board views, you can move between tasks without a mouse.
- Move up/down: Use the Up and Down arrow keys.
- Move left/right (board view): Use Left and Right arrow keys.
- Expand/collapse subtasks: Press Shift + Enter on a selected task.
- Open task details: Press Enter on the selected task.
These arrow-key shortcuts work when the task list has focus. If they don’t respond, click once on the list area to give it focus.
Customizing Asana Shortcuts
Asana does not allow you to remap its built-in shortcuts. You cannot change the key combination for a specific action. However, you can use browser extensions or system-level tools to create custom shortcuts that trigger Asana actions. For example, you can set up a macro that presses Ctrl + K when you type a certain phrase. This is not an official Asana feature, and it may not work reliably across browser updates. For most users, the default shortcuts are sufficient.
Common Problems and Fixes
If a shortcut doesn’t work, check the following:
- Are you in the right view? Some shortcuts only work in list or board view, not in calendar or timeline.
- Is your cursor in a text field? If you are typing in a task name or comment, shortcuts like T will type the letter instead of creating a task. Click outside the text field first.
- Is the browser window active? If you have multiple tabs, shortcuts apply to the active tab. Click on the Asana tab to make sure it has focus.
- Are you using the web app? The desktop app may have slightly different shortcuts. The list above is for the web version.
- Have you refreshed? Asana updates its interface regularly. A refresh can fix temporary glitches.
Comparison with Other Project Management Tools
Asana’s shortcut system is similar to that of other web-based tools like Trello and Monday.com. Trello uses B for boards, C for cards, and / for quick search. Monday.com has a shortcut overlay accessible with Shift + ?. Asana’s two-key sequences (like G then M) are a bit more complex, but they allow a wider range of actions without clashing with normal typing. If you switch between tools, the different shortcut sets can take time to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Asana shortcuts work on a Mac?
Yes, almost all shortcuts work on Mac, but you use the Cmd key instead of Ctrl for combinations. For example, Cmd + K opens search, and Cmd + Enter opens a task. The shortcut list in Asana automatically shows the correct key for your operating system.
Can I create a task without using the mouse?
Yes, press Tab then T in the web app. This opens a quick-add box at the top of the list. Type the task name and press Enter to create it. You can also assign a due date by typing today or tomorrow in the same box.
Why does pressing T not create a task?
If you are typing in a text field, the shortcut is ignored. Click on an empty area of the page first, then press Tab and T. Also, make sure you are in a project or My Tasks view, not in a report or dashboard.
Is there a shortcut to undo a completed task?
Yes, press Ctrl + Z (or Cmd + Z) immediately after completing a task. Asana will undo the completion and restore the task to its previous state. This works for most actions, including moving tasks and editing fields.
Are there shortcuts for the mobile app?
No, the Asana mobile app does not support keyboard shortcuts because it is touch-based. However, you can use an external keyboard with an iPad and the same shortcuts as the web app, provided you are using the Asana web app in a browser.
How do I print the shortcut list?
Open the shortcut overlay with Ctrl + /, then take a screenshot or use your browser’s print function. Asana does not have a dedicated print button for shortcuts, but the overlay is printable via the browser’s print dialog.
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