Claude.ai keeps its keyboard shortcuts short on purpose — most of the interface is the composer — but the handful it has cover the actions you repeat all day: new conversation, sidebar, model switch, copy the last answer. The app lists the current bindings itself under Ctrl + /, and on macOS every Ctrl below is Cmd.
Conversation Management 6
Input & Send 6
Search & Navigation 4
Starting and switching conversations
Ctrl + Shift + O opens a fresh conversation immediately, while Ctrl + Shift + ; opens one with the model selector already expanded, which is the better habit when you alternate between models for different tasks. Ctrl + K searches across conversation titles and contents, which replaces scrolling through the sidebar entirely once you have more than a screenful of chats; Ctrl + . collapses that sidebar when you want the full width for reading.
Getting text out
Two shortcuts save a lot of scrolling and clicking. Ctrl + Shift + C copies the entire last response as text, and Ctrl + Shift + E copies only the last code block, which is the one to reach for after asking for a script or config file. Ctrl + Shift + 1 shows or hides the Artifacts panel, where generated documents and code render on the right; hiding it returns the conversation to a single column without closing the artifact.
Composer habits
Enter sends and Shift + Enter inserts a newline, the same convention as other chat apps. Typing / at the start of the composer opens slash commands, and Up in an empty composer reopens your previous message for editing. Esc stops a response mid-stream; what has already been generated stays in the conversation, and you can ask a follow-up immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Claude list its own shortcuts?
Press Ctrl + / (Cmd + / on macOS) inside claude.ai. The panel shows the bindings for the version you are using, which is the source for this table.
What is the difference between Ctrl + Shift + O and Ctrl + Shift + ;?
Both start a new conversation; the second one opens the model picker at the same time so you can choose the model before typing.
How do I copy just the code from the last answer?
Ctrl + Shift + E copies the last code block. Ctrl + Shift + C copies the whole response.
Can I edit a message I already sent?
Yes — press Up in an empty composer to reopen the previous message, edit it, and resend.