Ubuntu 11.04 Keyboard Shortcuts

Some of Ubuntu's keyboard shortcuts are built in, but others require the use of Compiz, the window effects manager that's activated when you enable desktop effects (and third-party drivers) in the Appearance options, under System/Preferences. When you do, you'll have a few handy keyboard shortcuts at the ready, including these basic window management standbys....

Ubuntu Unity Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Windows key – shows the Unity launcher
• Windows key + [number] – activates or opens the corresponding applications in the Unity launcher
• Windows key + Shift + [number] – opens the corresponding applications in the Unity launcher if it’s already running
• Windows key + T – opens the Trash
• ALT + F1 – puts focus on the Unity launcher and you can use the arrow keys to navigate
• ALT + F2 – opens the run a command dialog
• CTRL + ALT + T – opens a terminal window
• Windows key + A – opens the Applications widget
• Windows key + F – opens the Files & Folders widget

Window Management Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Windows key + D – maximizes or restores all windows
• CTRL + ALT + Numpad key 1 – places a window in the lower left corner
• CTRL + ALT + Numpad key 2 – places a window in the lower half corner
• CTRL + ALT + Numpad key 3 – places a window in the lower right corner
• CTRL + ALT + Numpad key 4 – places a window in the left half of the screen
• CTRL + ALT + Numpad key 5 – centers or maximizes a window
• CTRL + ALT + Numpad key 6 – places a window in the right half of the screen
• CTRL + ALT + Numpad key 7 – places a window in the upper left corner
• CTRL + ALT + Numpad key 8 – places a window in the upper half corner
• CTRL + ALT + Numpad key 9 – places a window in the upper right corner
• CTRL + ALT + Numpad key 0 – maximizes a window

Workspace Management Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Windows key + W – shows all desktops and windows (Expo Mode)
• CTRL + ALT + Up Arrow – navigate to the workspace above
• CTRL + ALT + Right Arrow – navigate to the workspace on the right
• CTRL + ALT + Left Arrow – navigate to the workspace on the left
• CTRL + ALT + Down Arrow – navigate to the workspace below
• CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + Up Arrow – move a window to the workspace above
• CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + Right Arrow – move a window to the workspace on the right
• CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + Left Arrow – move a window to the workspace on the left
• CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + Down Arrow – move a window to the workspace below