IntelliJ IDEA Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac
Complete IntelliJ IDEA keyboard shortcuts reference for Mac. Navigation, refactoring, debugging, and productivity tips for Java developers.
Why Master IntelliJ IDEA Shortcuts?
IntelliJ IDEA is the IDE of choice for Java, Kotlin, and many JVM-language developers. JetBrains designed it with deep code intelligence, and the keyboard shortcuts unlock that power. Developers who use shortcuts effectively report being 2-3x faster at common tasks like navigation, refactoring, and debugging.
This guide focuses on Mac keybindings (the default macOS keymap). Windows/Linux equivalents are noted where they differ significantly.
---
Essential Shortcuts — The Top 15
Before diving into categories, here are the shortcuts every IntelliJ user should know from day one:
| # | Action | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Search Everywhere | Shift, Shift (double tap) |
| 2 | Find Action | Cmd + Shift + A |
| 3 | Go to File | Cmd + Shift + O |
| 4 | Go to Class | Cmd + O |
| 5 | Go to Symbol | Cmd + Option + O |
| 6 | Go to Declaration | Cmd + B |
| 7 | Find Usages | Option + F7 |
| 8 | Rename | Shift + F6 |
| 9 | Reformat Code | Cmd + Option + L |
| 10 | Generate | Cmd + N |
| 11 | Quick Fix | Option + Enter |
| 12 | Run | Ctrl + R |
| 13 | Debug | Ctrl + D |
| 14 | Toggle Breakpoint | Cmd + F8 |
| 15 | Extend Selection | Option + Up |
---
Navigation
| Action | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Search Everywhere | Shift, Shift |
| Go to Class | Cmd + O |
| Go to File | Cmd + Shift + O |
| Go to Symbol | Cmd + Option + O |
| Go to Line | Cmd + L |
| Go to Declaration | Cmd + B |
| Go to Implementation | Cmd + Option + B |
| Go to Type Declaration | Ctrl + Shift + B |
| Go to Super Method | Cmd + U |
| Navigate Back | Cmd + [ |
| Navigate Forward | Cmd + ] |
| Recent Files | Cmd + E |
| Recent Locations | Cmd + Shift + E |
| File Structure | Cmd + F12 |
| Type Hierarchy | Ctrl + H |
| Call Hierarchy | Ctrl + Option + H |
| Next/Previous Method | Ctrl + Up/Down |
| Jump to Navigation Bar | Cmd + Up |
---
Editing
| Action | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Basic Code Completion | Ctrl + Space |
| Smart Code Completion | Ctrl + Shift + Space |
| Complete Statement | Cmd + Shift + Enter |
| Quick Documentation | F1 or Ctrl + J |
| Parameter Info | Cmd + P |
| Generate Code | Cmd + N |
| Override Methods | Ctrl + O |
| Implement Methods | Ctrl + I |
| Surround With | Cmd + Option + T |
| Comment Line | Cmd + / |
| Comment Block | Cmd + Option + / |
| Duplicate Line | Cmd + D |
| Delete Line | Cmd + Backspace |
| Join Lines | Ctrl + Shift + J |
| Move Line Up/Down | Option + Shift + Up/Down |
| Move Statement Up/Down | Cmd + Shift + Up/Down |
| Extend Selection | Option + Up |
| Shrink Selection | Option + Down |
---
Search and Replace
| Action | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Find | Cmd + F |
| Replace | Cmd + R |
| Find in Path | Cmd + Shift + F |
| Replace in Path | Cmd + Shift + R |
| Find Next | Cmd + G |
| Find Previous | Cmd + Shift + G |
| Find Usages | Option + F7 |
| Show Usages | Cmd + Option + F7 |
| Highlight Usages in File | Cmd + Shift + F7 |
---
Refactoring
IntelliJ is known for its refactoring capabilities. These shortcuts let you restructure code safely.
| Action | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Refactor This (menu) | Ctrl + T |
| Rename | Shift + F6 |
| Change Signature | Cmd + F6 |
| Extract Variable | Cmd + Option + V |
| Extract Constant | Cmd + Option + C |
| Extract Field | Cmd + Option + F |
| Extract Method | Cmd + Option + M |
| Extract Parameter | Cmd + Option + P |
| Inline | Cmd + Option + N |
| Move | F6 |
| Safe Delete | Cmd + Delete |
---
Debugging
| Action | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Run | Ctrl + R |
| Debug | Ctrl + D |
| Step Over | F8 |
| Step Into | F7 |
| Smart Step Into | Shift + F7 |
| Step Out | Shift + F8 |
| Resume | Cmd + Option + R |
| Toggle Breakpoint | Cmd + F8 |
| View Breakpoints | Cmd + Shift + F8 |
| Evaluate Expression | Option + F8 |
| Run to Cursor | Option + F9 |
---
Version Control / Git
| Action | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|
| VCS Operations Popup | Ctrl + V |
| Commit | Cmd + K |
| Push | Cmd + Shift + K |
| Update Project | Cmd + T |
| Show Diff | Cmd + D (in VCS panel) |
| Rollback | Cmd + Option + Z |
| Show Local History | via VCS menu |
---
Window and Tool Windows
| Action | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Project Tool Window | Cmd + 1 |
| Favorites | Cmd + 2 |
| Find Tool Window | Cmd + 3 |
| Run Tool Window | Cmd + 4 |
| Debug Tool Window | Cmd + 5 |
| Terminal | Option + F12 |
| Hide All Tool Windows | Cmd + Shift + F12 |
| Close Active Tab | Cmd + W |
| Next/Previous Tab | Ctrl + Right/Left |
| Switcher | Ctrl + Tab |
---
Live Templates
Live Templates let you expand abbreviations into code blocks. Some built-in examples:
sout+ Tab →System.out.println();psvm+ Tab →public static void main(String[] args) {}fori+ Tab → a standard for loopiter+ Tab → an enhanced for loop
You can create custom Live Templates in Settings > Editor > Live Templates.
---
Tips for Learning IntelliJ Shortcuts
- Use the Key Promoter X plugin. It shows the shortcut every time you use the mouse for an action that has a shortcut.
- Start with Search Everywhere (
Shift, Shift). Even if you do not know the shortcut, you can find and execute any action from there. - Practice one category at a time. Focus on navigation shortcuts for a week, then move on to editing, then refactoring.
- Use a spaced-repetition tool. Keyhab offers IntelliJ shortcut drills that help you build muscle memory through daily practice.
---
Conclusion
IntelliJ IDEA is an incredibly powerful IDE, and its keyboard shortcuts are the key to unlocking that power. Start with the top 15 shortcuts listed at the top of this guide, then gradually expand your repertoire by category. With consistent practice, you will navigate and refactor code at a speed you never thought possible.