Google Keep Keyboard Shortcuts: The Complete List (Windows, Mac & Android)
Google Keep keyboard shortcuts are single-key and combination commands that let you create, navigate, and organize notes without touching your mouse. They work the same way across Windows, Mac, and Android (Chromebook included), with one difference: Mac swaps the Ctrl key for ⌘ (Command).
The three most-used shortcuts: press C to compose a new note, L to start a new list, and ? to open the full shortcut menu inside the app. Below is the complete, up-to-date list of all 23 Google Keep shortcuts, verified against Google’s official documentation, plus a free PDF cheat sheet you can download.
How to open the keyboard shortcut menu in Google Keep
You don’t need to enable shortcuts in Google Keep they’re on by default. To see the full list inside the app at any time:
- Open Google Keep at keep.google.com in your browser.
- Click the Settings gear icon in the top-right corner.
- Select Keyboard shortcuts from the menu.
Or simply press ? from the Keep home screen to open the same shortcut list instantly.
Navigation shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Navigate to next note | J |
| Navigate to previous note | K |
| Move note to next position | Shift + J |
| Move note to previous position | Shift + K |
| Navigate to next list item | N |
| Navigate to previous list item | P |
| Move list item to next position | Shift + N |
| Move list item to previous position | Shift + P |
Application shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Compose a new note | C |
| Compose a new list | L |
| Search notes | / |
| Select all notes | Ctrl + A |
| Open keyboard shortcut help | ? |
| Send feedback | @ |
Action shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Archive note | E |
| Trash note | # |
| Pin or unpin notes | F |
| Select note | X |
| Open note | Enter |
| Toggle between list and grid view | Ctrl + G |
Editing shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Finish editing | Esc or Ctrl + Enter |
| Toggle checkboxes | Ctrl + Shift + 8 |
| Indent / dedent list item | Ctrl + ] / Ctrl + [ |
Google Keep shortcuts on Mac (and how they differ)
Google Keep keyboard shortcuts are nearly identical on Windows and Mac. The only difference: every shortcut that uses Ctrl on Windows uses ⌘ (Command) on Mac. All single-key shortcuts (C, L, J, K, E, F, and so on) are exactly the same on both.
Here are the only shortcuts that change between the two systems:
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Select all notes | Ctrl + A | ⌘ + A |
| Toggle list / grid view | Ctrl + G | ⌘ + G |
| Finish editing | Ctrl + Enter | ⌘ + Enter |
| Toggle checkboxes | Ctrl + Shift + 8 | ⌘ + Shift + 8 |
| Indent / dedent list item | Ctrl + ] / [ | ⌘ + ] / [ |
Every other Google Keep shortcut works the same on Mac as it does on Windows.
Do Google Keep keyboard shortcuts work on Android and mobile?
Google Keep keyboard shortcuts work on Android only when a physical keyboard is connected for example, a tablet with a keyboard case or a phone paired with a Bluetooth keyboard. They do not work with the on-screen touch keyboard.
When a physical keyboard is attached, the shortcuts match the Windows set (C for a new note, L for a new list, and so on). To view the available shortcuts on Android, connect your keyboard and press ? inside the Keep app.
On the iOS app, Keep offers very limited keyboard support; the touch interface is the primary way to navigate. For full keyboard control, use Google Keep in a desktop browser at keep.google.com.
Why are my Google Keep keyboard shortcuts not working?
If Google Keep shortcuts aren’t responding, it’s usually one of these causes:
- Your cursor is inside a note or text field. Most shortcuts (like C, L, E, F) only work from the main Keep board, not while you’re typing inside a note. Press Esc to exit the note first, then try the shortcut.
- You’re using the on-screen keyboard on mobile. Shortcuts need a physical keyboard. On a phone or tablet without one, they won’t register.
- A browser extension is intercepting the key. Some extensions capture single-key presses (like / or ?). Try Keep in an incognito window to check.
- Your keyboard language or layout differs. A few shortcuts may not map correctly on non-US layouts or certain international keyboards.
- You’re not in the desktop interface. The full shortcut set lives in the browser version at keep.google.com. Apps offer reduced support.
If you’re unsure which shortcut does what, press ? anywhere on the Keep board to open the live, official list.
Frequently asked questions
How many keyboard shortcuts does Google Keep have?
Google Keep has 23 keyboard shortcuts, organized into navigation, application, action, and editing commands. You can view the full list inside the app by pressing ? on the Keep home screen.
What is the shortcut to create a new note in Google Keep?
Press C from the Keep home screen to compose a new note instantly.
What is the shortcut to make a list in Google Keep?
Press L to start a new checklist. This works from the main Keep board, not while editing an existing note.
Do Google Keep keyboard shortcuts work on Mac?
Yes. Google Keep shortcuts are identical on Mac except that every shortcut using Ctrl on Windows uses ⌘ (Command) on Mac. All single-key shortcuts are the same on both.
Do Google Keep keyboard shortcuts work on Android?
Only with a physical keyboard connected, such as a Bluetooth keyboard or a tablet keyboard case. They don’t work with the on-screen touch keyboard.
Why aren’t my Google Keep shortcuts working?
The most common reason is that your cursor is inside a note most shortcuts only work from the main Keep board. Press Esc to exit the note, then try again.
Summary: the Google Keep shortcuts worth memorizing
You don’t need all 23 shortcuts on day one. Start with these five and the rest will follow naturally:
- C — compose a new note
- L — start a new list
- / — search your notes
- F — pin or unpin a note
- ? — open the full shortcut menu
These work identically on Windows and Mac (with ⌘ replacing Ctrl on Mac), and on Android with a physical keyboard attached. Keep this page bookmarked, or download the PDF cheat sheet above to keep every shortcut within reach.
Once Keep shortcuts feel natural, the same muscle memory carries over to the rest of Google Workspace.
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