The Ultimate Guide to n8n Keyboard Shortcuts

Are you constantly reaching for your mouse while building complex n8n workflows? You’re not alone. While n8n’s visual interface is powerful, efficiency often lies in keeping your hands on the keyboard. Learning a few key shortcuts can dramatically speed up your workflow design, testing, and execution.

This guide provides a comprehensive list of n8n keyboard shortcuts, organized by task, to help you become an n8n power user.

Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts?

• Speed: Execute commands instantly without navigating menus.
• Focus: Maintain your creative flow while building logic.
• Precision: Navigate and select nodes quickly and accurately.

The Complete n8n Shortcut Cheat Sheet

Here is a quick-reference table for the most essential n8n shortcuts.

Category	Shortcut	Action
Workflow Control	Ctrl + S	Save the current workflow
	Ctrl + O	Open a workflow
	Ctrl + N	Create a new workflow
	Ctrl + Z	Undo last action
	Ctrl + Shift + Z	Redo last action
	Ctrl + Enter	Execute the workflow
Canvas & Navigation	+ or =	Zoom in
	- or _	Zoom out
	0	Reset zoom to 100%
	1	Zoom to fit entire workflow on screen
	Space + Drag	Pan/scroll the canvas
	Ctrl + Mouse Wheel	Zoom in/out quickly
Node Operations	Ctrl + A	Select all nodes on the canvas
	Ctrl + C	Copy selected node(s)
	Ctrl + X	Cut selected node(s)
	Ctrl + V	Paste node(s)
	Delete	Delete selected node(s)
	D	Toggle activation/deactivation of selected node(s)
	F2	Rename the selected node
	Enter	Open the selected node’s configuration
	Double-click a node	Open node configuration (alternative)
Node Selection	↑ ↓ ← → (Arrow Keys)	Select a node in the respective direction
	Shift + ←	Select all nodes to the left of the current node
	Shift + →	Select all nodes to the right of the current node
Node Panel	Tab	Open or focus on the node panel search
	Enter	Insert the currently selected node from the panel onto the canvas
	Esc	Close the node panel
	← →	Collapse or expand categories within the node panel

Pro Tips and Guidance

1. Start with the Fundamentals

Don’t try to memorize everything at once. Begin by integrating these core shortcuts into your daily routine:

• Ctrl + S: Get into the habit of saving frequently.
• Ctrl + Z: The ultimate “oops” button for any misstep.
• Delete and D quickly remove or disable nodes during debugging.
• Ctrl + Enter: The fastest way to test your workflow.

2. Master Canvas Navigation

Efficient navigation is key for large workflows.

• Use Space + Drag constantly to move around instead of using the scrollbars.
• Press 1 frequently to get a bird’s-eye view of your entire workflow and check the overall structure.
• Use Ctrl + Mouse Wheel for quick, granular zoom adjustments.

3. Efficient Node Management

• Quick Duplication: The Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V combo is perfect for creating similar nodes without digging through the panel.
• Keyboard-Only Node Insertion: Press Tab, type the name of the node you need, use the arrow keys to select it, and hit Enter to place it on the canvas—all without touching the mouse.
• Bulk Actions: Use Ctrl+A to select all nodes, then you can deactivate them all or delete them in one go. Combine this with the Shift + Arrow commands for selective bulk operations on connected parts of your workflow.

4. Discover Shortcuts In-App

n8n helps you learn. Hover your mouse over buttons in the interface—for example, the “Save” button—and a tooltip will often appear showing the corresponding keyboard shortcut.

5. A Note on Customization

The open-source version of n8n does not currently offer a graphical interface for customizing shortcuts. However, because n8n is open-source, it is technically possible to modify them directly in the source code. This is an advanced operation and would typically involve working with TypeScript files related to keyboard shortcuts (look for them keyboard-shortcuts.ts in the codebase).

Conclusion

By mastering these n8n keyboard shortcuts, you’ll transition from a visual builder to a proficient workflow architect. The key is consistency—start with a few, incorporate them into your process, and gradually add more. Your mouse will thank you, and your productivity will soar.

What’s your most-used n8n shortcut? Share your tips in the comments below!