Shortcuts

Command Palette

The Command Palette gives you access to every VS Code command by name. Instead of navigating menus, type what you want and run it directly.

Open it with Ctrl+Shift+P (macOS: Cmd+Shift+P).

Basic shortcuts

• Alt+ Click (macOS: ⌘+ Click)

  Place multiple cursors at once.

• Ctrl+/ (macOS: Cmd+/)

  Toggle comment on the current line.

• Ctrl+Alt+Shift+M (macOS: Cmd+⌘+Shift+M)

  Show a live preview of the formula you are typing.

• Ctrl+S (macOS: Cmd+S) or Ctrl+Alt+B (macOS: Cmd+⌘+B)

  Compile the LaTeX code.

• Ctrl+Shift+` (macOS: Cmd+Shift+`)

  Open a new terminal.

• Ctrl+R (macOS: Cmd+R)

  Open a registered folder.

• Ctrl+Shift+N (macOS: Cmd+Shift+N)

  Open a new VS Code window.

Snippets

VS Code snippets allow you to insert long LaTeX commands or formulas instantly by typing a short prefix. It is the most efficient way to handle complex mathematical syntax without repetitive typing.

• @+a

  \alpha

• @+A

  \Alpha

• @+6

  \partial

• @+(

  \left( \right)

• @+{

  \left\{ \right\}

• @+[

  \left[ \right]

You can use the Tab key to jump between predefined positions (e.g., $1, $2) within a snippet. This allows you to fill in numerators, denominators, or bracket contents rapidly without using arrow keys.

• @+/ → Tab → Type numerator → Tab → Type denominator

  \frac{$1}{$2}

• @+S → Tab → Type lower bound → Tab → Type upper bound

  \sum_{$1}^{$2}

• @+I → Tab → Type lower bound → Tab → Type upper bound

  \int_{$1}^{$2}

You can also define your own snippets. See the VS Code documentation for details. We will cover how to create custom snippets later in this guide.

Before proceeding

Confirm that the commands you use every day are easy to reach and that your shortcut list is still short enough to remember.