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Keyboard Shortcuts

Complete reference for maximum efficiency

Getting Started • 4 min read • Updated June 25, 2025

Single-Key Efficiency

NEXUS uses single-key shortcuts to avoid conflicts with browser defaults. No Ctrl or Alt combinations needed - just press the key when the new tab has focus.

Essential Shortcuts

Master these core shortcuts for maximum productivity:

K
Quick Panel

Open AI-powered command palette with smart suggestions

S
Settings

Access all customization and configuration options

Esc
Close Panel

Close any open modal or panel

Feature Shortcuts

Quick access to NEXUS's powerful features:

T
Todo List

Open task management panel for productivity

Q
Refresh Quote

Get a new inspirational quote instantly

N
Quick Notes

Open overlay for instant note-taking

Interface Controls

Control the visual interface and layout:

G
Toggle Grid

Show or hide the quick access grid

A
Toggle Animations

Enable or disable interface animations

F
Cycle Fonts

Switch between available typography themes

R
Reset Settings

Restore all settings to default values

N
Quick Notes

Open overlay for instant note-taking

Navigation Shortcuts

Efficient navigation within panels and modals:

Tab
Next Element

Move focus to next interactive element

Shift + Tab
Previous Element

Move focus to previous interactive element

Space
Activate Button

Activate focused button (timer, settings, etc.)

Enter
Activate

Activate focused button or add todo item

Shortcut Categories

Core Navigation

Shortcut Action Context
K Open Quick Panel Global
S Open Settings Global
Esc Close Panel Any modal

Productivity Features

Shortcut Action Context
T Toggle Todo List Global
Q Refresh Daily Quote Global
N Toggle Quick Notes Global

Interface Controls

Shortcut Action Context
G Toggle Quick Access Grid Global
A Toggle Animations Global
F Cycle Typography Themes Global
R Reset All Settings Global

Design Philosophy

NEXUS keyboard shortcuts are designed with these principles:

  • Single Keys - No complex combinations to remember
  • Mnemonic - Letters relate to their function (T for Todo, S for Settings)
  • Non-Conflicting - Avoids browser default shortcuts
  • Accessible - Works with screen readers and assistive technology
  • Consistent - Same shortcuts work across all features

Tips for Mastery

Building Muscle Memory

  • Start Small - Master K, S, and Esc first
  • Daily Practice - Use shortcuts instead of clicking
  • Focus Context - Ensure new tab has focus before pressing keys
  • Gradual Addition - Add one new shortcut per week

Common Workflow Patterns

  • Morning Planning - T → add tasks → Esc → Tab to Start → Space (timer)
  • Quick Navigation - K → type → Enter
  • Customization - S → navigate tabs → make changes → Esc
  • Motivation Break - Q for new quote inspiration
  • Quick Notes - N → jot down thoughts → Esc
  • Theme Switching - F to cycle through typography themes
  • Focus Session - Tab to Start → Space → work → Tab to Pause → Space

Accessibility Features

NEXUS shortcuts are designed for accessibility:

  • Screen Reader Support - All shortcuts announced properly
  • Focus Management - Clear focus indicators and logical tab order
  • Keyboard Only - Complete functionality without mouse
  • High Contrast - Shortcuts work in high contrast mode

Troubleshooting

Shortcuts Not Working

  • Check Focus - Click on the new tab page first
  • Close Other Modals - Press Esc to close any open panels
  • Avoid Input Fields - Shortcuts don't work when typing in text fields
  • Browser Extensions - Other extensions might intercept shortcuts

Conflicting Extensions

If shortcuts don't work, check for conflicts with other extensions that might use the same keys.

Focus Timer Control

The focus timer uses Tab navigation + Space activation:

Starting a Focus Session

  1. Press Tab to navigate to the Start button
  2. Press Space to start the 25-minute timer

Pausing During Session

  1. Press Tab to navigate to the Pause button
  2. Press Space to pause the timer

Resuming After Pause

  1. Press Shift+Tab to go back to Start button
  2. Press Space to resume the timer

Advanced Usage

Power users can combine shortcuts for efficient workflows:

  • Quick Task Entry - T → type task → Enter → repeat
  • Settings Navigation - S → Tab through options
  • Focus Session - Tab to Start → Space → work → Tab to Pause → Space
  • Theme Customization - F to cycle themes → S for fine-tuning
  • Note-Taking Flow - N → capture thoughts → T → convert to tasks
  • Quick Reset - R to restore defaults when experimenting

Troubleshooting

Common keyboard shortcut issues and solutions:

Space Key Behavior

Issue: Pressing Space refreshes quotes instead of controlling focus timer

Solution: The Space key activates whatever button currently has focus. To control the focus timer:

  1. Use Tab to navigate to the specific timer button (Start/Pause)
  2. Then press Space to activate that button
  3. If Space is refreshing quotes, it means the quote refresh button has focus

Focus Management

If shortcuts aren't working as expected:

  • Click somewhere on the page background to reset focus
  • Use Tab to navigate to the desired element first
  • Remember that Space and Enter activate focused buttons

Efficiency Goal

With practice, you should be able to access any NEXUS feature within 2 keystrokes. This level of efficiency transforms your new tab into a true productivity tool.

Next Steps

Now that you know all the shortcuts, explore these guides: