Cubase Keyboard Shortcuts: Complete Cheat Sheet for Windows & Mac

Cubase keyboard shortcuts (called “Key Commands” in Cubase) are key combinations that trigger commands instantly instead of digging through menus. The most essential are Space (Play/Stop), Ctrl/Cmd + Z (Undo), the number keys 1–9 (tool selection), and Ctrl/Cmd + S (Save). Every shortcut in Cubase is fully customizable through Edit > Key Commands.

This guide lists 100+ Cubase shortcuts for both Windows and Mac, side by side, organized by category transport, editing, tools, the Key Editor, MixConsole, zoom, and more plus how to customize them, how to build macros, and a free downloadable PDF.

⬇ Download the Cubase Shortcuts PDF (Free) — print it and pin it next to your studio monitor.

What Are Cubase Key Commands?

In Cubase, keyboard shortcuts are officially called Key Commands. A Key Command links a keystroke (or combination) to a specific function, letting you access it instantly instead of navigating menus. According to Steinberg, almost any action in Cubase can be assigned to a Key Command, and many useful commands are left unassigned by default so you can map them yourself.

Because keyboard shortcuts are fully configurable, two producers can run the same Cubase version with completely different shortcut layouts one reason learning the Key Commands editor (covered below) is worth a few minutes of your time.

Most-Used Cubase Shortcuts (Quick-Start Top 20)

Transport & Playback Shortcuts

Edit Shortcuts

Tools Shortcuts (Number Keys 1–9)

Key Editor (Piano Roll) Shortcuts

MixConsole & Mixing Shortcuts

Automation Shortcuts

Devices & Windows Shortcuts

Zoom Shortcuts

Window Zones Shortcuts

Nudge Shortcuts

Project & Marker Shortcuts

How to Customize Cubase Shortcuts (Key Commands Editor)

Cubase lets you reassign almost any command to the keys that feel natural to you. Here’s how:

1. Open Edit > Key Commands (on Mac, you may find it under the Cubase menu).
2. In the Commands list, browse by category or type a command name into the search field.
3. Select the command, click in the Type in Key field, and press your desired key combination.
4. Click Assign. The new shortcut appears in the Keys list.
5. If the combination is already used, Cubase warns you pick another or reassign deliberately.
6. Click OK to save.

To remove a shortcut, select it in the Keys list and click Remove. To reset everything to factory defaults, use the preset/reset options in the same dialog. You can also export your layout to a file and import it on another machine handy when moving studios or sharing a setup.

How to Create Macros in Cubase

A macro chains several commands into a single keystroke. They’re built in the same Key Commands dialog, in the Macros section.

1. Open Edit > Key Commands and find the Macros area.
2. Click New Macro and give it a name.
3. With the macro selected, choose a command from the list and click Add Command. Repeat to build the sequence in order.
4. Assign a shortcut to the macro just like any other command.

Are Cubase Shortcuts the Same on Windows and Mac?

Almost entirely, yes. The standard platform swap applies: Ctrl (Windows) becomes Cmd (Mac), and Alt (Windows) becomes Option (Mac). Every other key assignment stays the same. A handful of system-level shortcuts can differ because of macOS conventions, but the tables above already show both columns so you don’t have to translate anything yourself.

Do Shortcuts Differ Between Cubase Pro, Artist, and Elements?

The core shortcuts transport, editing, tools, zoom, save are identical across Cubase Pro, Artist, and Elements. The difference is feature scope: a few commands map to features only included in higher editions (for example, certain Pro-only mixing and editing tools). If a shortcut here does nothing in your edition, that feature likely isn’t included the key assignment itself hasn’t changed.

These shortcuts also carry over cleanly between recent versions (Cubase 12, 13, 14, and 15), since Steinberg keeps default Key Commands consistent release to release.

Download the Cubase Shortcuts PDF (Free)

Want an offline copy? Download the full list as a printable PDF and keep it next to your keyboard while you learn.

⬇ Download the Cubase Shortcuts PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize keyboard shortcuts in Cubase?

Yes. Open Edit > Key Commands, search for the command, click in the Type in Key field, press your combination, and click Assign. You can reassign almost any command, build custom macros, and import or export entire shortcut layouts.

Are Cubase shortcuts the same on Windows and Mac?

Mostly. Ctrl on Windows becomes Cmd on Mac, and Alt becomes Option. All other keys are identical. Only a few system-level shortcuts differ due to macOS conventions.

What is the most important Cubase shortcut to learn first?

Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z on Mac) for Undo is essential. After that, Space for play/stop, the number keys 1–9 for tool selection, and Ctrl/Cmd + S to save cover the most frequent actions in any session.

How do I open the Key Commands editor in Cubase?

Go to Edit > Key Commands (or the Cubase menu on some Mac versions). The editor lists every command by category, with a search field to find any command quickly.

Can I use macros in Cubase shortcuts?

Yes. The Key Commands dialog includes a Macros section where you chain multiple commands into one shortcut for example, select all events, quantize them, and open the MixConsole in a single keypress.

How do I reset Cubase shortcuts to default?

Open Edit > Key Commands and use the preset/reset option in the dialog to restore the factory default Key Commands. You can export your current layout first if you want to keep a backup.

Do Cubase shortcuts work in Cubase 12, 14, and 15?

Yes. Default Key Commands stay consistent across recent versions, so the shortcuts in this guide work in Cubase 12, 13, 14, and 15. Any custom shortcuts you create can also be exported and reused across versions.

Final Thoughts

Mastering Cubase shortcuts isn’t about memorizing all 100+ at once it’s about building a handful of habits that compound. Start with the Quick-Start Top 20, lean on the number keys 1–9 for tools, and once those feel automatic, head into Edit > Key Commands to remap the rest to keys that suit how you work. A few weeks in, you’ll be reaching for the keyboard before your hand even finds the mouse.

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