# Keyboard Shortcuts Master TickUp's keyboard shortcuts to work faster and maintain focus without constantly reaching for your mouse. These shortcuts help you capture tasks, navigate quickly, and stay in flow during your most productive work sessions. > [!quote] Efficiency Through Muscle Memory > The fastest way to work is when your tools ==disappear== and only your ==thinking remains==. — Keyboard shortcuts eliminate friction between thought and action. ## Quick Task Entry The most powerful TickUp shortcuts revolve around rapid task capture using natural language: ### Add Task - **Shortcut**: `A` - **Function**: Opens quick task entry dialog - **Natural Language**: Type tasks like ``` Call client @today p1 #project !label ``` ### Quick Add Components When adding a task, use these natural language shortcuts: - **Pick a project**: `#` then project name - **Add a label**: `!` then label name - **Add a date**: `@` then date (today, tomorrow, next week) - **Set priority**: `P1`, `P2`, `P3`, `P4` anywhere in the task name > [!tip] Natural Language Examples > **Review proposal @today p1 #client !urgent** > Creates: Task "Review proposal" scheduled for today, priority 1, in client project, with urgent label > > **Weekly planning @monday p2 #personal** > Creates: Task "Weekly planning" scheduled for Monday, priority 2, in personal project ## Navigation Shortcuts Move quickly between different areas of TickUp: ### Core Navigation - **Go to Inbox**: `I` - **Go to Today**: `T` - **Go to Notes**: `N` - **Go to Search**: `/` - **Switch context (Work/Personal)**: `C` - **Open Settings**: `,` ### Context-Smart Task Addition - **Add to Inbox**: `T` (when viewing Inbox) - **Add to Today**: `T` (when viewing calendar/today view) > [!tip] Smart Task Capture **The `T` shortcut is context-aware:** > > - **When you're in Inbox**: Press `T` to add a task directly to your Inbox > - **When you're viewing calendar**: Press `T` to add a task to today's schedule > > **Think of Inbox as your staging area** for tasks you'll schedule later. Perfect for quickly capturing ideas when you're not sure when you'll do them. ### General Actions - **Dismiss/Cancel**: `Esc` - **Search**: Click search box or use `/` > [!success] Navigation Flow > **Quick context switching**: Use `C` to toggle between work and personal contexts > **Rapid access**: Jump to Today view with `T`, then to Inbox with `I` > **Search anything**: Hit `/` to find tasks, projects, or notes instantly ## Task Management Work with tasks efficiently without mouse clicks: ### Task Actions - **Start or stop timer**: `Space` - **Save newly created task**: `Enter` ### Focus and Display - **Show only today**: `T` - **Enter focus mode**: `F` These shortcuts help you stay focused on current work while managing task flow efficiently. ## Text Formatting Format your notes and task descriptions with markdown shortcuts. For complete formatting guidance, see [[Markdown Support]]. ### Headers - **Large header**: `#` then `Space` - **Medium header**: `##` then `Space` - **Small header**: `###` then `Space` ### Lists and Structure - **Bulleted list**: `-` then `Space` - **Numbered list**: `1` then `Space` - **Check list**: `[]` then `Space` - **Blockquote**: `>` then `Space` ### Text Styling - **Bold**: `**` Text `**` - **Italic**: `~` Text `~` - **Strikethrough**: `~~` Text `~~` - **Code block**: ` ``` ` - **Inline code**: `` ` `` Code `` ` `` - **Line break:** `---` (three dashes) > [!example] Formatting in Action **Task notes with formatting**: > > ``` > # Meeting Notes > ## Action Items > [] Follow up with client > [] **Update proposal** by Friday > [] Review `code changes` > > > Important: Deadline is non-negotiable > ``` ## Building Shortcut Habits ### Start with Essential Shortcuts Focus on the most impactful shortcuts first: 1. **`A` for Add Task**: Master quick task capture 2. **`T` for Today**: Quick access to your daily view 3. **`C` for Context Switch**: Toggle between work and personal 4. **`Space` for Timer**: Start/stop task timing ### Practice Integration - **Use during [[Daily Planning]]**: Add tasks quickly during your morning routine - **Capture thoughts**: Use `A` to quickly note ideas during [[Deep Work Session Setup]] - **Navigate efficiently**: Switch contexts and views without breaking focus ### Gradual Expansion Once core shortcuts become automatic: - **Learn text formatting**: Improve note-taking with markdown shortcuts - **Master navigation**: Use all navigation shortcuts for seamless movement - **Advanced task entry**: Use natural language components for faster, more detailed task creation ## Shortcut Strategy by Context ### During Deep Work - **Minimize interruptions**: Use `F` for focus mode - **Quick capture**: Use `A` to note ideas without losing focus - **Timer management**: Use `Space` to track deep work time ### During Planning - **Rapid task entry**: Use `A` with natural language for quick planning - **Context switching**: Use `C` to organize work vs personal tasks - **Navigation flow**: Use `T` and `I` to move between planning views ### During Daily Work - **Task timing**: Use `Space` to start/stop work tracking - **Quick navigation**: Use shortcut keys to jump between areas - **Search efficiently**: Use `/` to find information quickly ## Advanced Shortcut Combinations ### Workflow Sequences Combine shortcuts for powerful workflows: - **`A` → type task → `Enter`**: Ultra-fast task creation - **`C` → `T`**: Switch context and go to today view - **`/` → search term**: Instant information finding ### Task Entry Mastery Create complex tasks in seconds: ``` A → "Review client feedback @tomorrow p1 #project !urgent" → Enter ``` This creates a fully specified task with date, priority, project, and label in one fluid motion. ## Common Shortcut Patterns ### The Planning Flow 1. **`T`** - Go to Today view 2. **`A`** - Add new tasks as they come to mind 3. **`C`** - Switch between work/personal contexts 4. **`Enter`** - Save each task ### The Work Flow 1. **`Space`** - Start timer on current task 2. **Work focused** - Complete the task 3. **`Space`** - Stop timer 4. **`A`** - Capture any follow-up tasks ### The Review Flow 1. **`T`** - Check today's progress 2. **`I`** - Review inbox for new items 3. **`N`** - Add notes or reflections 4. **`C`** - Switch contexts to review both work and personal ## Integration with TickUp Features ### Energy State Optimization Use shortcuts to maintain flow during different [[Energy States]]: - **Peak Energy**: Quick task entry (`A`) without breaking strategic thinking - **Flow State**: Focus mode (`F`) to eliminate distractions - **Steady State**: Navigation shortcuts for efficient task management ### Daily Planning Enhancement Shortcuts accelerate your [[Daily Planning]] process: - **Rapid planning**: Use `A` with natural language for quick task scheduling - **Context organization**: Use `C` to separate work and personal planning - **Immediate action**: Jump to work with `T` after planning ## Muscle Memory Development ### Practice Schedule - **Week 1**: Focus on `A`, `T`, `C`, `Space` - **Week 2**: Add navigation shortcuts (`I`, `N`, `/`) - **Week 3**: Include text formatting shortcuts - **Week 4**: Master natural language task entry ### Consistency Tips - **Use shortcuts exclusively**: Avoid mouse for actions you know shortcuts for - **Practice during low-stakes work**: Build muscle memory during routine tasks - **Review weekly**: Check which shortcuts you're using and which you're forgetting > [!quote] Shortcut Mastery > Keyboard shortcuts aren't about speed—they're about ==maintaining flow== while your mind stays focused on what matters most. **Daily impact**: Faster task management and navigation without breaking focus during important work **Weekly impact**: Significant time savings that compound into hours of additional productive time **Monthly impact**: Effortless TickUp usage that feels like an extension of your thinking **Long-term impact**: Seamless productivity tool interaction that never interrupts your creative and strategic work Keyboard shortcuts transform TickUp from a tool you use to an extension of your thinking. When shortcuts become automatic, the software disappears and only your productivity remains. --- **Next:** Explore formatting options with [[Markdown Support]]