iPad Keyboard Shortcuts Everyone Should Know

Using a Bluetooth keyboard with your iPad transforms it from a casual media device into a capable productivity tool. Any Bluetooth keyboard works — you don't need Apple's official Magic Keyboard, though that model includes a built-in trackpad which makes navigating the iPad much easier.

The fastest way to discover shortcuts available in the app you're currently using is to hold down the Command key on your keyboard. A floating menu appears listing all the shortcuts that app supports. This works in almost every app — Notes, Mail, Safari, Pages, and most third-party apps.

Here are the most useful universal shortcuts to start with. For navigation: Command+H takes you to the Home Screen. Command+Space opens Spotlight search. Command+Tab switches between recently used apps. Globe+H (the globe key is the key with an Earth icon, present on Apple keyboards) also goes to Home.

For text editing: Command+C copies selected text. Command+X cuts it. Command+V pastes it. Command+Z undoes your last action. Command+A selects all text in a field. Command+B makes text bold. Command+I makes it italic. Command+U adds underline.

For Safari: Command+T opens a new tab. Command+W closes the current tab. Command+L jumps the cursor to the address bar so you can type a new URL. Command+R refreshes the page. Command+Option+Left/Right arrow moves between open tabs.

For Notes: Command+N creates a new note. For Mail: Command+N starts a new email. Command+R replies to the current email.

The Globe key (on Apple keyboards) activates iPad-specific multitasking shortcuts. Globe+Up Arrow switches to another app in Split View. Globe+Down Arrow opens the currently active app in Split View.

If you have an Apple Magic Keyboard with a trackpad, you can control the iPad entirely without touching the screen. Two-finger scroll moves through content. Three-finger swipe up opens the App Switcher. This combination of keyboard and trackpad is particularly good for extended typing sessions like writing documents or composing long emails.