PyCharm uses the shared JetBrains keymap, so almost everything on this page also holds in IntelliJ IDEA, WebStorm and GoLand — the differences are in what completion and refactoring know about Python, not in the keys. The table is the default Windows/Linux keymap; PyCharm on macOS substitutes Cmd for most Ctrl bindings and uses its own keymap reference for the rest.
Editing & Code Generation10
Navigation8
Run & Debug8
Refactoring6
Search Everywhere, then everything else
Shift + Shift — a double tap — opens Search Everywhere, a single box that finds files, classes, symbols, actions and settings; for a new user it replaces half the menu bar. Ctrl + P in PyCharm shows parameter info for the call under the cursor rather than opening a file, another point where VS Code habits misfire. Ctrl + B jumps to the definition of the symbol under the cursor and Alt + F7 finds every usage of it, including across the project's virtualenv packages. Ctrl + E lists recent files and Ctrl + F12 pops up the structure of the current file so you can jump to a function by name.
Alt + Enter is the shortcut PyCharm is built around
Alt + Enter shows intentions and quick fixes for whatever is under the cursor: add a missing import, create a function that does not exist yet, convert a string to an f-string, ignore an inspection. Learn it before any other key. PEP 8 formatting (or whatever formatter the project configures) is one keypress, Ctrl + Alt + L, and Ctrl + Alt + T surrounds the selection with an if, try/except, with block or for loop from a list. Ctrl + Shift + Up/Down moves whole statements while keeping indentation valid.
Running and debugging a Python file
Shift + F10 runs the current run configuration and Shift + F9 debugs it; the first time you run a file, PyCharm creates a configuration for it automatically. Ctrl + F8 toggles a breakpoint on the current line, and once stopped, F8 steps over, F7 steps into (including into library code if you allow it) and Shift + F8 steps out. F9 resumes to the next breakpoint. These are identical across the JetBrains family, so a debugger habit built here transfers to Java or Go later.
Refactoring safely
Shift + F6 renames a symbol and updates every reference, including in docstrings if you tick the option. Ctrl + Alt + M extracts a method from the selection, Ctrl + Alt + V extracts an expression into a variable, and Ctrl + Alt + N does the reverse by inlining a variable back into its uses. F6 moves a function or class to another module and rewrites the imports that pointed at it.
Frequently asked questions
Are PyCharm shortcuts the same as IntelliJ IDEA?
Yes. All JetBrains IDEs share the default keymap; only language-specific actions differ.
What does Ctrl + P do in PyCharm?
It shows parameter info for the function call at the cursor. It does not open a file — use Shift + Shift or Ctrl + Shift + N for that.
How do I fix a missing import quickly?
Put the cursor on the unresolved name and press Alt + Enter, then choose the import suggestion.
Can I switch to VS Code keybindings?
Yes. Settings › Keymap includes VS Code, Eclipse and Emacs keymaps, and any binding can be changed individually.