Linux Mint Keyboard Shortcuts: Complete List for Every User (2026)

Linux Mint keyboard shortcuts are key combinations that let you perform system actions opening the terminal, switching workspaces, taking screenshots, and more without touching the mouse. They work across Linux Mint’s desktop environments, including Cinnamon, XFCE, and MATE.

Whether you just switched from Windows or have been using Linux Mint for years, knowing the right keyboard shortcuts can cut the time you spend on repetitive tasks dramatically.

This guide covers every default shortcut built into Linux Mint from general system commands and the Nemo file manager to terminal controls, window management, and screenshot tools. If you’re coming from Windows, you’ll find most shortcuts familiar: Ctrl+C still copies, Ctrl+V still pastes, and the Super key (Windows key) still opens the application menu.

Before diving in, here are the 5 shortcuts every Linux Mint user should memorize first:

You can also download the complete Linux Mint shortcuts PDF at the bottom of this page useful for printing or keeping as a desktop reference.

General System Shortcuts

These shortcuts work system-wide across all applications in Linux Mint’s Cinnamon desktop environment.

Nemo File Manager Shortcuts

These shortcuts work inside the Nemo file manager, which is the default file manager in Linux Mint Cinnamon.

Window & Workspace Management Shortcuts

These shortcuts control window positioning, sizing, and workspace switching in the Cinnamon desktop environment.

Current Application Window Shortcuts

These shortcuts control the active application window directly.

Screenshots & Screen Recording Shortcuts

These shortcuts capture your screen or record your desktop in Linux Mint.

Lock Screen, Logout & System Shortcuts

These shortcuts control system-level actions including locking, logging out, and restarting the Cinnamon desktop.

Terminal Window Shortcuts

These shortcuts control the terminal emulator window itself tabs, zoom, copy/paste, and display. They work in the default Linux Mint terminal, MATE Terminal, Tilix, and Xterm.

Terminal Cursor Movement Shortcuts

These shortcuts move your cursor within the current command line without using the arrow keys.

Terminal Text Editing Shortcuts

These shortcuts let you edit commands directly on the command line without a mouse.

Terminal Command History Shortcuts

These shortcuts let you recall, search, and reuse previously run commands in your Bash history.

Terminal Process Control Shortcuts

These shortcuts manage running processes directly from the terminal.

Bash Auto-Complete Shortcuts

These shortcuts speed up command entry using Bash’s built-in auto-completion system.

Nano Text Editor Shortcuts

Nano is the default command-line text editor in Linux Mint. Open any file with: nano filename

Vim / Vi Text Editor Shortcuts

Vim has two primary modes: Normal mode (navigation and commands) and Insert mode (typing text). Press i to enter Insert mode. Press Esc to return to Normal mode.

Modes & File Operations

Navigation

Editing

Search & Replace

Display

Tmux Shortcuts

All Tmux shortcuts use the prefix key Ctrl + B first. Press Ctrl + B, release, then press the second key. Install with: sudo apt install tmux

Sessions & Windows

Panes

Copy Mode

Miscellaneous

SSH Shortcuts

These shortcuts work during active SSH sessions in the terminal.

Tilix Terminal Shortcuts

Tilix is a popular tiling terminal emulator available in Linux Mint. Install with: sudo apt install tilix

MATE Terminal Shortcuts

MATE Terminal is the default terminal in Linux Mint MATE edition.

Xterm Shortcuts

Xterm is a lightweight terminal emulator available in Linux Mint.

📄 Download the Free Linux Mint Shortcuts PDF

Get the complete shortcuts reference as a printable PDF all categories, all shortcuts, one clean document.

How to Customize Keyboard Shortcuts in Linux Mint

Linux Mint lets you change any default shortcut and create entirely new ones no terminal required. Here is how to do it across all
three desktop environments.

How to Change Shortcuts in Cinnamon (Default Desktop)

Step 1: Open the Menu and search for “Keyboard,” then click Keyboard under System Settings.
Step 2: Click the Shortcuts tab at the top of the Keyboard window.
Step 3: You will see all shortcuts organised into categories on the left System, Launchers, Window Management, Workspaces,
Screenshots, and more. Click any category to expand it.
Step 4: Click the shortcut you want to change. The row will highlight and show “New accelerator…”
Step 5: Press your new key combination. It saves automatically. If the combination is already in use, Linux Mint will warn you before overwriting it.
Step 6: To remove a shortcut entirely, click the shortcut row and press Backspace.

How to Add a Custom Keyboard Shortcut in Cinnamon

Step 1: Go to Menu → System Settings → Keyboard → Shortcuts.
Step 2: Scroll to the very bottom of the shortcut list and click “Add custom shortcut.”
Step 3: Enter a name for your shortcut (e.g. “Open Firefox”).
Step 4: Enter the command to run (e.g. firefox). Common commands:
— Open Files app: nemo
— Open Firefox: firefox
— Open Text Editor: xed
— Open Calculator: gnome-calculator
— Run a script: /home/yourname/scripts/myscript.sh
Step 5: Click the “unassigned” button next to your new shortcut and press your desired key combination.
Step 6: Click Add. Your custom shortcut is now active system-wide.

How to Change Shortcuts in XFCE (Linux Mint XFCE Edition)

Step 1: Go to Menu → Settings → Settings Manager.
Step 2: Click Keyboard, then select the Application Shortcuts tab.
Step 3: To edit an existing shortcut, double-click it and press your new key combination.
Step 4: To add a new shortcut, click the Add button, enter the command, then press the key combination when prompted.
Step 5: To remove a shortcut, select it and click Remove.

Note: Window manager shortcuts (tiling, workspace switching) are managed separately under Settings → Window Manager → Keyboard.

How to Change Shortcuts in MATE (Linux Mint MATE Edition)

Step 1: Go to Menu → System → Preferences → Hardware → Keyboard Shortcuts.
Step 2: Click the shortcut you want to change. The Action column will show “New shortcut…”
Step 3: Press your new key combination. It saves automatically.
Step 4: To clear a shortcut, press Backspace while the row is selected.

Note: Custom shortcuts in MATE are managed under Menu → System → Preferences → Hardware → Keyboard Shortcuts → scroll to the Custom Shortcuts section at the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions About Linux Mint Keyboard Shortcuts

How do I open the terminal in Linux Mint?

Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal instantly from anywhere on the desktop. This works by default in the Cinnamon desktop environment. If the shortcut isn’t working, go to Menu → System Settings → Keyboard → Shortcuts → Launchers and confirm it is assigned to your terminal emulator.

What does Ctrl + Alt + Delete do in Linux Mint?

Unlike Windows where Ctrl + Alt + Delete opens the Task Manager, in Linux Mint it logs you out of your current session. If you want to force-quit a frozen application instead, use the Nemo file manager’s built-in process viewer or open the terminal and run the xkill command.

How do I lock my screen in Linux Mint?

Press Ctrl + Alt + L to lock your screen immediately. This is the fastest way to secure your session when stepping away. You can also customise this shortcut in System Settings → Keyboard → Shortcuts → System.

How do I take a screenshot in Linux Mint?

Press Print Screen to capture the full screen. Use Alt + Print Screen to capture only the active window, or Ctrl + Print Screen to copy a screenshot directly to your clipboard without saving a file. Screenshots are saved to your Pictures folder by default.

How do I customize keyboard shortcuts in Linux Mint?

Go to Menu → System Settings → Keyboard → Shortcuts. You’ll see all default shortcuts organised by category System, Launchers, Window Management, and more. Click any shortcut and press your desired key combination to reassign it. To create a brand new custom shortcut, scroll to the bottom of the list and click the Add Custom Shortcut button, then enter a name, the command to run, and your chosen key combination.

What is the Super key in Linux Mint?

The Super key is the Windows key on most keyboards. In Linux Mint’s Cinnamon desktop, pressing it alone opens the application menu the same way the Start button works in Windows. It is also used as a modifier key in several shortcuts, such as Super + D to show the desktop and Super + E to open the Nemo file manager.

Are Linux Mint shortcuts the same as Ubuntu shortcuts?

Many shortcuts overlap because both Linux Mint and Ubuntu are Debian-based and share common applications like the terminal and file manager. However, Linux Mint uses the Cinnamon desktop environment by default, while Ubuntu uses GNOME so window management and workspace shortcuts differ. For example, Cinnamon uses Ctrl + Alt + Arrow keys to switch workspaces, while GNOME uses Super + Page Up / Page Down.

Can I download a Linux Mint shortcuts PDF?

Yes. A free printable PDF of all Linux Mint keyboard shortcuts is available at the above of this page. It covers all categories in this guide system shortcuts, Nemo file manager, window management, screenshots, and more formatted for easy printing or use as a desktop reference.

Final Thoughts

Keyboard shortcuts are one of the smallest changes you can make to your workflow with one of the biggest payoffs. You do not need to memorize all 300+ shortcuts on this page at once nobody does. The best approach is to pick 5 shortcuts you do not currently use, practice them for one week until they become automatic, then add 5 more.

If you are switching from Windows, start with the 4 key differences covered in the comparison table above. If you are a long-time Linux Mint user, the terminal shortcuts especially the Bash history search with Ctrl + R and the cursor movement shortcuts are where most people find the biggest productivity gains.

Linux Mint’s Cinnamon desktop is one of the most keyboard-friendly environments in the Linux world. Every shortcut on this page is customizable if any combination does not feel natural, head to System Settings → Keyboard → Shortcuts and make it yours.

Download the free PDF above to keep this reference handy without needing to return to this page every time.

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