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These 4 ChatGPT keyboard shortcuts will change how you write

AnyFans 2025-09-16

By Amanda Caswell

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1. Ctrl + / (Windows) / Command + / (Mac) — Open the shortcuts menu

(Image credit: Shutterstock)
I’ll start with the “master key” of shortcuts. Pressing Ctrl + / (Windows) or Command + / (Mac) brings up ChatGPT’s full list of keyboard shortcuts. It’s the fastest way to discover what’s built in, plus, it will save you from hunting through menues when you just want to keep typing. If you don’t take anything else away from this article, this is the shortcut to remember.

2. Ctrl + Shift + O — Start a new chat instantly

(Image credit: OpenAI)
You came to ChatGPT to chat, so why fuss around with grabbing your mouse or the sidebar. Simply, press Ctrl + Shift + O to get started on a new chat window on the spot. For those hoping to keep all chats and Projects separate, this is a great one to use to keep moving forward without breaking flow.
I use this all the time when I need quick math help, travel planning or just want to start a chat with a new thought. One downside is there isn’t a shortcut that integrates the new branching conversation mode yet. Stay tuned, I’m sure that one will be next.
3. Ctrl + Shift + S — Toggle the sidebar

(Image credit: OpenAI)
If you’re like me, you know that when you’re deep in the writing zone, screen space matters. That’s why this tip is a life saver.

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Hitting Ctrl + Shift + S instantly hides or reveals the sidebar. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference if you’re reviewing long answers or juggling multiple chats.
4. Shift + Esc — Jump to the input box

(Image credit: Future)
Alright, ready for the hidden gem? Pressing Shift + Esc drops your cursor right into the message box. Boom! You can go from scrolling through responses without grabbing your mouse. Instead, just hit the keys and start typing your next prompt.
Bonus tip: Use the up arrow to edit your last prompt

(Image credit: Future)
Don’t sweat the typos, they don’t truly matter anyway. But if you realize you made an error and need to edit or just want to tweak what you just asked, hit the ↑ (Up Arrow) while your cursor is in the input box. It reloads your previous prompt so you can quickly fix and resend without retyping everything.
Final thoughts
These shortcuts are ones I use every day in ChatGPT. I have found them to be extremely helpful and serious time savers. Instead of breaking your writing flow to click through menus, you can summon new chats, expand your workspace or jump straight into the input box with just a couple of keys.
Once you build them into your workflow, I think you’ll notice a real difference in the way ChatGPT acts as a writing tool.
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Amanda Caswell is an award-winning journalist, bestselling YA author, and one of today’s leading voices in AI and technology. A celebrated contributor to various news outlets, her sharp insights and relatable storytelling have earned her a loyal readership. Amanda’s work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including outstanding contribution to media.
Known for her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex topics, Amanda seamlessly blends innovation and creativity, inspiring readers to embrace the power of AI and emerging technologies. As a certified prompt engineer, she continues to push the boundaries of how humans and AI can work together.
Beyond her journalism career, Amanda is a bestselling author of science fiction books for young readers, where she channels her passion for storytelling into inspiring the next generation. A long-distance runner and mom of three, Amanda’s writing reflects her authenticity, natural curiosity, and heartfelt connection to everyday life — making her not just a journalist, but a trusted guide in the ever-evolving world of technology.

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