Keyboard shortcuts: Work faster in Baserow

Master Baserow’s keyboard shortcuts to navigate databases, edit data, and build applications faster. This reference guide covers shortcuts for Mac and Windows across Grid view, Application Builder, and general navigation.

Overview

Keyboard shortcuts eliminate repetitive clicking and mouse movements, allowing you to focus on your data and workflows instead of navigating. Whether you’re entering data in Grid view, building applications, or managing workspaces, these shortcuts help you work at the speed of thought. This guide organises shortcuts by task and platform, allowing you to quickly find what you need.

Utility shortcuts

General shortcuts that work throughout Baserow. Start with these high-impact shortcuts that work across Baserow:

Shortcut (Mac) Shortcut (Windows) Action
Cmd ⌘ Z Ctrl Z Undo your last action
Cmd ⌘ Shift ⇧ Z Ctrl Shift ⇧ Z Redo an undone action
Cmd ⌘ P Ctrl P Print current view or expanded record

Grid view shortcuts

Move quickly through your data in a Grid view without reaching for the mouse:

Shortcut (Mac) Shortcut (Windows) Action
→ or Tab → or Tab Move right between elements or cells in a row
← or Shift ⇧ Tab ← or Shift ⇧ Tab Move left between cells in a row
↑ ↑ Move up between cells in a column
↓ ↓ Move down between cells in a column
Space bar Space bar Open enlarged view of selected row
Esc Esc Close enlarged row view

Data editing shortcuts

Speed up data entry and editing in Grid view:

Shortcut (Mac) Shortcut (Windows) Action
Cmd ⌘ C Ctrl C Copy selected cell or range of cells
Cmd ⌘ V Ctrl V Paste content into selected cell(s)
Enter or F2 Enter or F2 Enter edit mode for selected cell
Enter (while editing) Enter (while editing) Save changes and exit edit mode
Shift ⇧ Enter Shift ⇧ Enter Insert a new row below the selected cell
Esc Esc Cancel editing or close modals
Cmd ⌘ Shift ⇧ S Ctrl Shift ⇧ S Open search bar

Field-specific Enter behavior

The Enter key behaves differently depending on the field type:

Selection shortcuts

Work with multiple cells efficiently. Select a starting cell, hold Shift, then use arrow keys or click another cell to select a range. This works for copying, pasting, or bulk editing.

Shortcut (Mac) Shortcut (Windows) Action
Shift ⇧ Click Shift ⇧ Click Select range from first clicked cell to second clicked cell
Shift ⇧ ↑ or Shift ⇧ ↓ Shift ⇧ ↑ or Shift ⇧ ↓ Expand selection up or down
Shift ⇧ ← or Shift ⇧ → Shift ⇧ ← or Shift ⇧ → Expand selection left or right

Application Builder shortcuts

Navigate and build applications faster with these keyboard commands. These shortcuts work when you’re in the Application Builder editor, not when previewing or using published applications.

Shortcut Action
Delete or Suppr Delete the selected element
← → ↑ ↓ Select adjacent elements
Ctrl ← → ↑ ↓ Move the selected element in any direction
P Select the parent element of current selection
C Select the first child of the selected container element

Create your workflow patterns

Use shortcuts for repetitive tasks. Shortcuts provide the biggest time savings when you’re entering data across many cells, navigating large tables, copying and pasting between views or tables, building and adjusting application layouts, or reviewing and editing multiple records.

Combine shortcuts into sequences for common tasks:

  • Quick data entry: Tab (move right) → Enter (edit) → type → Enter (save) → Tab (next cell)
  • Bulk editing: Click → Shift ⇧ Click (select range) → Cmd/Ctrl C (copy) → navigate → Cmd/Ctrl V (paste)
  • Row review: Space (expand row) → review → Esc (close) → ↓ (next row) → repeat

Don’t try to memorize every shortcut at once. Start with the essential shortcuts and use them consistently for a week. Once they become automatic, add a few more to your repertoire.

Frequently asked questions

Do keyboard shortcuts work on all devices?

Keyboard shortcuts work on desktop computers (Mac, Windows, Linux) with physical keyboards. Touchscreen devices (tablets, phones) rely on touch interactions instead, though you can use an external keyboard with supported shortcuts.

Can I customize keyboard shortcuts in Baserow?

Baserow currently uses fixed keyboard shortcuts that cannot be customized. This ensures consistency across all users and simplifies documentation and support.

Why doesn’t a shortcut work for me?

Common reasons shortcuts fail:

  • Wrong context: Some shortcuts only work in specific views (e.g., Grid view shortcuts don’t work in Gallery view)
  • Modal or dialog open: Close any open modals first
  • Browser shortcuts conflict: Your browser may intercept certain key combinations
  • Input focus: Make sure you’re not typing in a text field when using navigation shortcuts
  • Operating system differences: Ensure you’re using the correct modifier key (Cmd on Mac, Ctrl on Windows)

What’s the difference between Cmd and Ctrl?

Cmd ⌘ is the Command key on Mac keyboards. Ctrl is the Control key on Windows and Linux keyboards. They serve the same function in Baserow shortcuts; use whichever matches your operating system.

Can I use shortcuts while editing a cell?

Most navigation shortcuts are disabled while editing a cell to prevent conflicts with text editing. Press Enter to save changes or Esc to cancel, then navigation shortcuts work again.

Are there shortcuts for creating new views or tables?

Currently, creating new views, tables, databases, or workspaces requires clicking through the interface. Shortcuts focus on data navigation, editing, and application building workflows.

Most shortcuts are designed for Grid view where spreadsheet-style navigation makes sense. Form view and Gallery view use different interaction patterns that rely more on clicking and scrolling. Application Builder has its own set of shortcuts listed above.

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