Google Keep Keyboard Shortcuts: Full List

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Google Keep has a set of keyboard shortcuts that let you navigate, create, pin, archive, and delete notes without touching the mouse. This article lists every shortcut that works in the current web version of Google Keep, explains how to enable them, and answers common questions about using them.

Enabling Keyboard Shortcuts in Google Keep

Keyboard shortcuts are turned off by default in Google Keep on the web. To turn them on:

Open keep.google.com in a desktop browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari).
Click the gear icon in the top-right corner.
Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
In the Settings panel, toggle on Keyboard shortcuts.

Once enabled, shortcuts work immediately. If you use Keep on a mobile device (Android or iOS), there are no keyboard shortcuts because there is no physical keyboard by default—though external keyboards on some Android tablets may still not trigger them.

The Complete List of Google Keep Shortcuts

These shortcuts work on the web version of Google Keep (Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS; on Mac, use Cmd instead of Ctrl).

Create new note: c
Create new list: l
Search notes: / (forward slash)
Toggle sidebar (navigation menu): # (hash)
Pin or unpin a note: p
Archive a note: e
Delete a note: # (hash, when note is open) — note: this is the same as toggling sidebar, but in the note view it deletes the note. This can be confusing; many users avoid it.
Copy note to Google Docs: d
Add label to note: l (when note is open) — this conflicts with “create new list” if you are not in a note. In practice, l creates a list when no note is open, and adds a label when a note is open.
Add reminder: r
Undo last action: Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on Mac)
Redo last action: Ctrl+Y (or Cmd+Shift+Z on Mac)
Bold text: Ctrl+B
Italicize text: Ctrl+I
Underline text: Ctrl+U
Strikethrough text: Ctrl+Shift+X
Move to previous note: Ctrl+Up or Ctrl+Shift+Up (depending on version)
Move to next note: Ctrl+Down or Ctrl+Shift+Down
Open selected note: Enter
Close the note editor: Esc

Note: The official Google Keep help page lists # for both “toggle sidebar” and “delete note”. In practice, when you are viewing a note, pressing # deletes it. This is a known quirk and can lead to accidental deletions. Always use Ctrl+Z immediately if you delete something by mistake.

How to Use Shortcuts Efficiently

The most powerful shortcuts are the single-letter ones because they work without any modifier key. For example, pressing c immediately creates a new note and puts your cursor in the title field. Pressing l creates a new checklist. Pressing / moves your cursor to the search box.

To edit a note, you don’t need to click on it first—you can use Ctrl+Up and Ctrl+Down to move through your notes, then press Enter to open the selected one. This is especially useful when you have many notes and want to quickly scan them.

When you are inside a note, the shortcut p pins it, e archives it, and r adds a reminder. These actions are instant and don’t require confirmation. If you archive or delete by mistake, use Ctrl+Z to undo.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If shortcuts don’t work, the most common cause is that they are disabled in Settings. Check that the toggle is on. Another issue is that you might be using a browser extension that intercepts keys (like a password manager or a translation tool). Try disabling extensions one by one to see if one is blocking the shortcut.

On a Mac, remember that Ctrl is replaced by Cmd for most shortcuts, but the single-letter shortcuts like c and p work the same. However, some browsers on Mac use Cmd for system shortcuts (like Cmd+L for the address bar), so if a shortcut doesn’t work, try using the on-screen menu first.

If you are using Google Keep in a browser that is not Chrome (like Firefox or Safari), some shortcuts might not work because Google only fully supports Chrome. In that case, try Chrome or use the on-screen buttons.

Comparison: Google Keep vs. Other Note Apps

Google Keep has far fewer shortcuts than dedicated note-taking apps like Notion or Obsidian. For instance, Notion has hundreds of shortcuts, while Keep has about 20. This is because Keep is designed to be simple and minimal. However, Keep’s shortcuts are easier to remember because they are mostly single letters that correspond to the action (e.g., c for create, p for pin, e for archive).

If you need advanced formatting shortcuts (like headings or code blocks), Keep doesn’t support them—you’ll need to use a different app. But for quick notes and checklists, Keep’s shortcuts are sufficient.

Limitations and Tips

Shortcuts only work when the focus is on the note list or a note, not when you are typing in a text field (unless the shortcut is a text formatting one like Ctrl+B). If you press c while typing, it will just type the letter ‘c’—you need to click outside the note or press Esc first.

There is no shortcut to change the note color or to add a drawing. Those actions require the mouse. Also, the # key for deleting is risky—if you press it accidentally, you lose the note (though you can undo). Many users prefer to use the mouse for deletion.

Google Keep does not have a shortcut to duplicate a note or to merge notes. If you need those features, you’ll have to do them manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enable keyboard shortcuts in Google Keep?

Click the gear icon in the top-right corner, select Settings, and toggle on “Keyboard shortcuts”. This is a per-browser setting, so you need to do it on each device/browser you use.

Why don’t my keyboard shortcuts work?

First, check that shortcuts are enabled in Settings. Then, make sure you are not typing in a text field. If you are, press Esc to exit. Also, try disabling browser extensions that might interfere. Finally, if you are on a Mac, use Cmd instead of Ctrl for modifier-based shortcuts.

Is there a shortcut to create a checklist?

Yes, press l when no note is open. This creates a new list. If you are already in a note, l adds a label, so make sure you press it from the main view.

Can I use keyboard shortcuts on the Google Keep mobile app?

No, the mobile apps (Android and iOS) do not support keyboard shortcuts. You can use an external keyboard with some Android tablets, but Google Keep does not officially support shortcuts on mobile.

What is the shortcut to delete a note?

While viewing a note, press #. This is the same key that toggles the sidebar when you are not in a note. Be careful—it deletes immediately without confirmation. You can undo with Ctrl+Z.

How do I undo an accidental deletion?

Press Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on Mac) immediately after the deletion. This works for archiving, pinning, and other actions as well. If you have closed the note, you can go to the trash in the sidebar and restore it from there.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.