Looking for common i3 shortcuts? Check out these top picks for everyday efficient use.

The default modifier key in i3, referred to as $mod, is typically Alt (Mod1). Many users reconfigure it to the Super key (Windows key, Mod4).

Launching and Closing Applications

• $mod + Enter: Open a new terminal.
• $mod + d: Open application launcher (e.g., dmenu, rofi).
• $mod + Shift + q: Kill the focused window.

Focusing and Moving Windows

• $mod + j: Focus window to the left.
• $mod + k: Focus window down.
• $mod + l: Focus window up.
• $mod + ; (semicolon): Focus window to the right.
• $mod + Shift + j: Move focused window to the left.
• $mod + Shift + k: Move focused window down.
• $mod + Shift + l: Move focused window up.
• $mod + Shift + ; (semicolon): Move focused window to the right.

Alternatively, arrow keys ($mod + Left/Down/Up/Right and $mod + Shift + Left/Down/Up/Right) often perform the same focus/move actions if configured.

Layout Management

• $mod + e: Toggle default layout (splits horizontally/vertically for next container).
• $mod + s: Toggle stacking layout for the focused container.
• $mod + w: Toggle tabbed layout for the focused container.
• $mod + f: Toggle fullscreen for the focused window.
• $mod + h: Split container horizontally before opening next window.
• $mod + v: Split container vertically before opening next window.
• $mod + Space: Toggle floating mode for the focused window.
• $mod + Shift + Space: Toggle focus between tiling and floating windows.

Workspace Management

• $mod + [0-9]: Switch to workspace number [0-9].
• $mod + Shift + [0-9]: Move focused window to workspace number [0-9].
• $mod + Tab: Switch to the previously focused workspace (behavior may vary).

Resizing Windows

First, enter resize mode:

• $mod + r: Enter resize mode.

Then, use one of the following keys (or configured arrow keys):

• j or Left arrow: Shrink window width.
• k or Down arrow: Grow window height.
• l or Up arrow: Shrink window height.
• (semicolon) or Right arrow: Grow window width.
• Enter or Escape: Exit resize mode.

Floating Window Controls

• $mod + Space: Toggle floating state for the focused window.
• While a window is floating:
  • $mod + Left mouse button drag: Move the floating window.
  • $mod + Right mouse button drag: Resize the floating window.

Scratchpad

• $mod + Shift + minus: Move the focused window to the scratchpad.
• $mod + minus: Show/hide the next (or most recent) scratchpad window.

i3 Session Management

• $mod + Shift + c: Reload the i3 configuration file.
• $mod + Shift + r: Restart i3 in place.
• $mod + Shift + e: Exit i3 (usually shows a confirmation bar).