KeeptabChrome tab shortcuts: the 12 worth learning
Published
In short: The three that change everything: Ctrl+Shift+T reopens closed tabs, Ctrl+1 to 8 jumps to a tab, and Ctrl+Shift+A searches open tabs. On Mac, use ⌘ instead of Ctrl.[1][2]
Every trip to the mouse costs a second. With 30 tabs, that adds up fast. These are the shortcuts from Google's official list that matter most for tabs.[1]
The table
| Action | Windows / Linux | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Open a new tab | Ctrl + T | ⌘ + T |
| Reopen closed tabs, in the order they were closed | Ctrl + Shift + T | ⌘ + Shift + T |
| Close the current tab | Ctrl + W | ⌘ + W |
| Close the current window | Ctrl + Shift + W | ⌘ + Shift + W |
| Next tab | Ctrl + Tab | ⌘ + Option + → |
| Previous tab | Ctrl + Shift + Tab | ⌘ + Option + ← |
| Jump to tab 1 to 8 | Ctrl + 1 to 8 | ⌘ + 1 to 8 |
| Jump to the last tab | Ctrl + 9 | ⌘ + 9 |
| Move tabs right or left | Ctrl + Shift + PgUp / PgDn | Ctrl + Shift + PgUp / PgDn |
| Search open tabs | Ctrl + Shift + A | ⌘ + Shift + A |
| Save all open tabs as bookmarks in a new folder | Ctrl + Shift + D | ⌘ + Shift + D |
| Open split view in the active tab | Shift + Alt + N | ⌘ + Option + N |
Sources: Google Chrome Help, keyboard shortcuts and tab management.[1][2]
Start with these three
- Ctrl+Shift+T undoes a mistake. Press it again to go further back. More in how to reopen a closed tab.
- Ctrl+1 to 8 and Ctrl+9 make pinned tabs instant to reach, since they sit on the left.
- Ctrl+Shift+A opens Tab Search when you have too many tabs to read.[2]
Two mouse moves worth knowing
- Drag a tab out of the tab strip to open it in a new window.[1]
- Press Esc while dragging to return a tab to where it was.[1]
The limits
Shortcuts make you faster with tabs, not lighter. Ctrl+Shift+D saves everything as bookmarks, but the tabs stay open.[1]
Close tabs without fear. Keeptab saves your tabs in one click, backs them up every hour and notes your open tabs every 5 minutes. Free for Chrome.
Add to Chrome — it's freeOne more click to remember
Keeptab, our free Chrome extension, turns a window full of tabs into a list in a single click and closes them.[3] The list is written and read back first, and you can search it by word, date or site.[3]
FAQ
What is the shortcut to reopen a closed tab in Chrome?
Ctrl+Shift+T on Windows and Linux, ⌘+Shift+T on Mac. It reopens tabs in the order they were closed.
How do I switch tabs with the keyboard in Chrome?
Ctrl+Tab goes to the next tab and Ctrl+Shift+Tab to the previous one. On Mac, use ⌘+Option+Right arrow or Left arrow.
Is there a shortcut to search open tabs?
Yes. Ctrl+Shift+A on Windows and Linux, ⌘+Shift+A on Mac, opens Tab Search.
Sources
- Google Chrome Help. Chrome keyboard shortcuts. https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/157179?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
- Google Chrome Help. Manage tabs in Chrome. https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2391819?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
- Keeptab. The OneTab alternative to stop losing your tabs. https://keep-tab.com/onetab-alternative
Close tabs without fear
Keeptab saves your tabs in one click, backs them up every hour and notes your open tabs every 5 minutes. Free for Chrome.
Add to Chrome — it's free