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Inkscape shortcuts for Mac

126 shortcuts · 11 categories

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor. It allows users to create and edit scalable vector graphics (SVG) files. Inkscape has a variety of features that make it a useful tool for creating graphics such as logos, diagrams, charts, and more. Download Inkscape

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Mac keyboard shortcuts for Inkscape

Tools

Dialogs

  • Fill and Stroke⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + f Add →
  • Swatches⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + w Add →
  • Text and font⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + t Add →
  • Transform⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + m Add →
  • Layers⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + l Add →
  • Align and Distribute⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + a Add →
  • Object Properties⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + o Add →
  • Undo history⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + h Add →
  • XML editor⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + x Add →
  • Document preferences⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + d Add →
  • Inkscape preferences⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + p Add →
  • Export to PNG⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + e Add →
  • Find⌘ (command) + f Add →
  • Trace bitmap⇧ (shift) + ⌄ (option) + b Add →
  • Toggle dialogsf12 Add →
  • Return to the canvasesc Add →
  • Close the dialog⌘ (command) + f4 Add →
  • Jump to the next widget⇄ Add →
  • Jump to previous widget⇧ (shift) + ⇄ Add →
  • Set the new value↔ Add →
  • In XML editor, set the attribute value⌘ (command) + ↔ Add →
  • Activate current button or listspace Add →
  • In a multi-tab dialog, switch tabs⌘ (command) + page up Add →

Controls bar

Canvas

FIle

  • Create new document⌘ (command) + n Add →
  • Open an SVG document⌘ (command) + o Add →
  • Export to PNG⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + e Add →
  • Import bitmap or SVG⌘ (command) + i Add →
  • Print document⌘ (command) + p Add →
  • Save document⌘ (command) + s Add →
  • Save under a new name⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + s Add →
  • Save a copy⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + ⌄ (option) + s Add →
  • Exit inkscape⌘ (command) + q Add →

Window

Layers

  • Move to layer above⇧ (shift) + page up Add →
  • Move to layer below⇧ (shift) + page down Add →
  • Raise layer⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + page up Add →
  • Lower layer⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + page down Add →
  • Raise layer to top⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + home Add →
  • Lower layer to bottom⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + end Add →

Object

Calligraphy tool

Spiral Tool

Tweak tool

Download Keyboard Cheat Sheet for Inkscape for Mac

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Cheat sheet

Community shortcuts for Inkscape

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FAQ

What are the most useful Inkscape shortcuts?

The most essential Inkscape shortcuts are S for the Selection tool, F1 for the Edit paths tool, and F6 for the Pencil. Use R for rectangles, E for ellipses, and * for stars. Press T for the Text tool and I to insert images. Common editing shortcuts include Ctrl+Z to undo, Ctrl+D to duplicate selected objects, and Delete to remove them. Press 1 to reset zoom to 100%, 3 to zoom to fit the page, and 4 to zoom to fit the selection.

How do I work with paths and shapes in Inkscape?

Press F1 to activate the Edit Paths by Nodes tool for detailed path editing. Use Shift+Ctrl+F to open Fill and Stroke panel for styling objects. To convert a shape to a path, select it and press Shift+Ctrl+C. Combine multiple paths with Ctrl+K and break them apart with Shift+Ctrl+K. Use Ctrl+G to group objects together and Ctrl+Shift+G to ungroup them. Press Page Up/Down to move objects forward or backward in z-order.

How do I align and distribute objects in Inkscape?

Open the Align and Distribute dialog with Shift+Ctrl+A. Select multiple objects with Shift+Click or by dragging a selection box, then use the alignment buttons or shortcuts. Press H to flip objects horizontally and V to flip vertically. To distribute objects evenly, use the distribution options in the Align panel. You can also hold Ctrl while dragging to constrain movement to horizontal or vertical axes, making manual alignment easier.

Inkscape keyboard shortcuts not working - how to fix?

If Inkscape shortcuts aren't working, first ensure the canvas is focused and you're not typing in a text object — press Escape to deselect text and return to the canvas. Check Edit > Preferences > Interface > Keyboard to verify your keyboard shortcuts are set to the default profile. Some shortcuts are context-sensitive and only work with specific tools active. On macOS, verify that System Settings > Keyboard doesn't have conflicting shortcuts. Resetting Inkscape preferences by deleting the preferences file (found via Help > About > System) can resolve persistent shortcut issues.