GTA 5 Keyboard Controls & Shortcut Keys (Complete PC List)
GTA 5 keyboard controls on PC use WASD for movement, Spacebar to jump, Left Shift to sprint, F to enter or exit vehicles, and Q to take cover. Weapons are selected with number keys 1–9, the phone opens with the Up arrow, and the interaction menu opens with M. The complete list of 80+ GTA 5 keyboard shortcuts covering movement, combat, vehicles, aircraft, and cheat codes is below, with a free printable PDF.
What Are GTA 5 Keyboard Controls?
GTA 5 keyboard controls are the default key bindings that Rockstar Games assigns to in-game actions on the PC version of Grand Theft Auto V. They map every action moving, shooting, driving, flying, and using the phone to specific keys and mouse buttons, and they can be fully customized in the game’s Settings menu under Key Bindings. Console players on PlayStation and Xbox use controller button mappings instead, while PC players can use either a keyboard and mouse or a connected controller.
Complete GTA 5 Controls & Shortcuts
On Foot / Movement
| Action | PC (Keyboard/Mouse) | Xbox | PlayStation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move (fwd/left/back/right) | W / A / S / D | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Jog (tap) / Sprint (hold) | Left Shift | A | X |
| Stealth Mode | Left Ctrl | L3 (click stick) | L3 (click stick) |
| Jump / Climb / Vault / Dodge | Spacebar | A | Square |
| Enter / Exit Cover | Q | RB | R1 |
| Enter / Exit Vehicle | F | Y | Triangle |
| Reload | R | B | Circle |
| Special Ability | Caps Lock | L3 + R3 | L3 + R3 |
| Character Wheel (switch) | Alt (hold) | D-Pad Down (hold) | D-Pad Down (hold) |
| Change Camera View | V | View | Touchpad |
| Look Behind (on foot) | C | – | – |
| Context Action | E | – | – |
| Interaction Menu | M | View (hold) | Touchpad (hold) |
Note on character switch: hold the switch key, then choose Michael, Franklin, or Trevor. F8 jumps to GTA Online from the wheel on PC.
Combat & Weapons
| Action | PC | Xbox | PlayStation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Active Weapon | Left Mouse Button | RT | R2 |
| Aim Weapon / Lock On | Right Mouse Button | LT | L2 |
| Weapon Wheel | Tab (hold) | LB (hold) | L1 (hold) |
| Cycle weapon categories | Mouse Scroll | – | – |
| Throw Grenade / Sticky Bomb | G | – | – |
| Melee / Light Attack | R | – | – |
| Weapon attachment flashlight on/off | E | – | – |
Weapon selection (PC number keys):
| Key | Weapon Category |
|---|---|
| 1 | Unarmed (Fist) |
| 2 | Melee Weapon |
| 3 | Shotgun |
| 4 | Heavy Weapon |
| 5 | Special Weapon (thrown / Jerry Can) |
| 6 | Pistol |
| 7 | SMG |
| 8 | Assault Rifle |
| 9 | Sniper Rifle |
Repeated taps on the same number scroll through weapons within that class.
Land & Water Vehicles
| Action | PC | Xbox | PlayStation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerate / Reverse | W / S | RT / LT | R2 / L2 |
| Steer Left / Right | A / D (or Arrows) | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Handbrake | Spacebar | RB | R1 |
| Horn | G | L3 (click) | L3 (click) |
| Headlights (tap on/off) | H | D-Pad Right | D-Pad Right |
| Convertible roof (hold) | H (hold) | D-Pad Right (hold) | D-Pad Right (hold) |
| Look Behind | C | – | – |
| Cinematic Camera | R | – | – |
| Radio Wheel | Q | – | – |
| Next / Previous Radio Station | . / , | D-Pad Left | D-Pad Left |
| Next / Previous Custom Track | = / – | – | – |
| Fire Drive-by Weapon | Left Mouse Button | LB | L1 |
| Lean fwd/back (motorcycles) | Shift / Ctrl | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Bicycle Sprint | Caps Lock | A (tap) | X (tap) |
| Bicycle Front Brake | S | LT | L2 |
Aircraft
| Action | PC | Xbox | PlayStation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throttle On / Off | W / S | RT / LT | R2 / L2 |
| Yaw Left / Right | A / D | LB / RB | L1 / R1 |
| Roll Left / Right | Num 4 / Num 6 | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Pitch Forward / Back | Num 8 / Num 5 | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Fire Mounted Weapon | Left Mouse Button | A | X |
| Toggle Landing Gear | G | L3 (click) | L3 (click) |
| Aircraft Lights | H | D-Pad Right | D-Pad Right |
| Grappling Hook / VTOL | E | D-Pad Right | D-Pad Right |
| Weapon Camera | Insert | – | – |
Submersible
| Action | PC | Xbox | PlayStation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerate / Decelerate | W / S | RT / LT | R2 / L2 |
| Hard Turn Left / Right | A / D | LB / RB | L1 / R1 |
| Turn Left / Right | Num 4 / Num 6 | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Pitch Forward / Back | Num 8 / Num 5 | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Ascend | Left Shift | X | Square |
| Descend | Left Ctrl | A | X |
Parachute
| Action | PC | Xbox | PlayStation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deploy Parachute | Left Mouse Button | A | X |
| Pitch Forward / Back | W / S | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Turn Left / Right | A / D | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Brake Left / Right | Q / E | LB / RB | L1 / R1 |
| Precision Control | Left Shift | LB + RB | L1 + R1 |
| Detach | F | Y | Triangle |
| Smoke (hold) | X | A | X |
Mobile Phone
| Action | PC | Xbox | PlayStation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bring Up Phone | Up Arrow / Mouse Wheel click | D-Pad Up | D-Pad Up |
| Navigate | Arrow Keys / Mouse Scroll | – | – |
| Select | Enter | – | – |
| Special Option / Dialpad | Spacebar | – | – |
| Cancel / Put Away | Backspace / Right Mouse | D-Pad Down / B | D-Pad Down / Circle |
Replay / System (PC)
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Start/Stop Recording | F1 |
| Action Replay Recording | F2 |
| Cancel Recording | F3 |
| Switch to Michael | F5 |
| Switch to Franklin | F6 |
| Switch to Trevor | F7 |
| Switch to GTA Online | F8 |
| Pause | P |
| Radar Zoom / Multiplayer Info | Z |
The F5–F8 character keys are widely reported to work on PC as direct-switch hotkeys, separate from the Alt character wheel. Confirm on your build.
GTA 5 Cheat Codes (PC)
| Effect | Code |
|---|---|
| Invincibility (5 min) | PAINKILLER |
| Full Armor, HP & repair | TURTLE |
| Special ability recharge | POWERUP |
| Skyfall | SKYFALL |
| Drunk Mode | LIQUOR |
| Wanted Level Up | FUGITIVE |
| Wanted Level Down | LAWYERUP |
| Super Speed | CATCHME |
| Super Jump | HOPTOIT |
| Fast Swim | GOTGILLS |
| Parachute | SKYDIVE |
| All Weapons | TOOLUP |
| Super Punch | HOTHANDS |
| Fire Ammo | INCENDIARY |
| Explosive Ammo | HIGHEX |
| Slow-motion | SLOWMO |
| Buzzard Chopper | BUZZOFF |
| Stunt Plane | BARNSTORM |
| Crop Duster | FLYSPRAY |
| Sanchez (bike) | OFFROAD |
| PCJ-600 (bike) | ROCKET |
| Trashmaster | TRASHED |
| Comet | COMET |
| Rapid GT | RAPIDGT |
| BMX Bike | BANDIT |
Cheats disable achievements/trophies for that session and don’t work in GTA Online.
GTA 5 Keyboard Controls FAQ
How do I sprint in GTA 5 on PC?
Press and hold Left Shift to sprint in GTA 5 on PC. You can also tap it repeatedly while on foot for a burst of speed. For bicycles, sprinting is mapped to Caps Lock by default.
How do I switch characters in GTA 5 on PC?
Hold the character switch key and select Michael (F5), Franklin (F6), or Trevor (F7) using the function keys. F8 switches to GTA Online. Character switching is only available in story mode, not during certain missions.
How do I take cover in GTA 5 on PC?
Press Q to take cover behind an object on PC. GTA 5 has no free-crouch key; your character automatically crouches when taking cover behind an object about half their height.
How do I enter or exit a vehicle in GTA 5?
Press F to enter or exit a vehicle in GTA 5 on PC. The same F key works for both, as long as you are standing next to a vehicle or seated inside one.
Can I change or remap GTA 5 keyboard controls?
Yes. Open the Settings menu, go to Key Bindings, and reassign almost any action to a different key or mouse button. Custom bindings are saved to your profile and apply to both story mode and GTA Online.
What is the crouch key in GTA 5 on PC?
GTA 5 has no dedicated crouch key on PC. Crouching happens automatically when you take cover (Q) behind low objects, so there is no standalone key to press.
Do GTA 5 cheats disable achievements or trophies?
Yes. Activating any cheat code in GTA 5 disables achievements and trophies for that play session. Cheats also cannot be used in GTA Online, where they are bannable.
Is there a downloadable GTA 5 keyboard controls PDF?
Yes. A free printable PDF of all GTA 5 keyboard controls and shortcut keys is available on this page, covering movement, combat, vehicles, aircraft, and cheat codes.
Final Thoughts
Mastering GTA 5’s keyboard controls is the fastest way to feel at home in Los Santos whether you’re outrunning a five-star wanted level, pulling off a heist, or just cruising with the radio up. The defaults cover every situation, but remember you can remap almost any key in Settings → Key Bindings to suit your playstyle.
If you only memorize a handful, make them these: WASD to move, Left Shift to sprint, Spacebar to jump, F to enter or exit vehicles, and Q to take cover. Everything else becomes second nature with practice. Keep the free PDF cheat sheet handy until the muscle memory kicks in.
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