Complete Descript keyboard shortcuts and commands reference — 12 shortcuts across 1 category. Quick reference cheat sheet for Windows & Mac.
Descript edits audio and video by editing the transcript, so its shortcuts are a mix of word-processor keys and a few timeline actions. The table mixes Ctrl and Cmd because Descript's own reference does; on Windows read Ctrl for every Cmd. The two keys that define the workflow are split and join, which cut and glue media by cutting and gluing text.
| Shortcut | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Play/Stop | Play or stop playback. |
| Ctrl + Shift + K | Split | Split the clip. |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo | Undo last action. |
| Ctrl + E | Export | Export the project. |
| Ctrl + J | Join | Join clips. |
| Cmd + F | Find | Search the transcript text. |
| Cmd + A | Select all | Select the entire transcript. |
| Cmd + C | Copy | Copy selected transcript (and its media). |
| Cmd + X | Cut | Cut selected transcript - removes the audio too. |
| Cmd + V | Paste | Paste transcript and media at the cursor. |
| Cmd + Shift + Z | Redo | Redo the last undone edit. |
| ← / → | Move playhead | Step the cursor/playhead through the transcript. |
The most essential Descript shortcuts are: Space (Play/Stop), Ctrl + Shift + K (Split), Ctrl + Z (Undo).
The Descript shortcut for play/stop is Space. Play or stop playback.
Print the Descript cheat sheet and keep it next to your keyboard for the first week, then switch to active recall: open Shortcut Speedrun and practice Descript shortcuts against the clock until they're automatic.
Yes — use My Stack to combine Descript shortcuts with any other platform on this site into one printable reference, which is useful if your daily workflow spans several tools.
Select words in the transcript and Cmd + X removes that stretch of media; Cmd + C and Cmd + V move it elsewhere in the composition. Cmd + F finds a phrase across the transcript, which is how you locate a take without scrubbing. Cmd + A selects everything. Ctrl + Z undoes and Cmd + Shift + Z redoes, including deletions of filler words.
Ctrl + Shift + K splits the clip at the playhead, and Ctrl + J joins the clip with the next one — the two operations that turn one long recording into scenes and back. Space plays and stops from the playhead, and ← / → steps the playhead by a word in the script view and by a frame in the timeline view. Ctrl + E opens Export for the finished composition.
Removing filler words and long pauses is a bulk command rather than a key, and Overdub and Studio Sound are effects applied from the panel. Descript changes its keymap between releases more than most editors, so check the in-app shortcut list after an update.
Open your assistant with this page preloaded as the source — great for follow-up questions like "which of these work in other apps?"