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Keyboard Navigation FAQ in Discord

Note: – The desktop application and the browser app are the only ones that support keyboard navigation. These settings for the navigation will not be applicable to the mobile apps.

Discord’s desktop client now supports complete navigation through the keyboard, making it possible for users to complete tasks in a manner that is most convenient for them. This is useful whether you prefer to use your keyboard to operate your desktop computer or you simply don’t feel like reaching for your mouse.

Getting Around

The use of a keyboard to navigate Discord revolves primarily around two things:

  1. Tab and the arrow keys can be used to move focus, and
  2. Enter and the space bar are used to interact with the things on the screen.

Just pressing Tab will get you started navigating in Keyboard Mode.

When you switch to Keyboard Mode, you will notice that a blue Focus Ring appears around the component that is now in the foreground. When you navigate, this ring will follow you around wherever you go.

The Tab key is your primary means of navigation within the application; use it whenever possible. In most cases, buttons, links, and other types of interactive content will be included in the tab order of the application; so, if you are able to click on it, you will most likely be able to tab to it as well.

For anything else, you should be able to navigate using the arrow keys as you would expect. This includes list-like items such as the list of Guilds, Channels, Messages, and other context menus and options.

Because these objects can have hundreds of entries at once, they are frequently not included in the Tab order of the page; therefore, if you see something that looks like a List, try using the arrow keys to go through it.

Navigating Messages

It’s possible for messages in Discord to contain a lot of information. There are times when there are only a few words, but there are also times when there are mentions of users and channels, links, photographs, videos, embeds, reactions, and a comprehensive list of activities that you can take on each message.

To begin reading any of these messages, simply use the Tab key on your keyboard.
You may then use the arrow keys to navigate from one to the next, and you can use the Tab key to move into the body of a message after you have selected it.

Message Shortcut Keys List

Because there are so many different things that can be done with messages, there are also a variety of shortcut keys that may be used to do tasks more quickly. While you are in Keyboard Mode and you are concentrating on a particular message, and your blue ring is emphasising the message that you would like to interact with, you have the ability to use the shortcuts that are listed below!

KeyAction
qQuote Message
+Add a Reaction
rReply to Message
eEdit
BackspaceDelete message
pPin message
Ctrl + C (Windows)

Cmd + C (Mac)

Copy message content
Alt+ EnterMark unread
EscapeMove back to the Textbox/Chatbar

Moving Faster – Section Jumping

There is a great deal of content available in Discord. When you have a lot of messages, trying to navigate with the Tab key while holding it down will become quite difficult very quickly.

You may make this process simpler and travel through the app more quickly by utilising Section Jumping, which allows you to move between the major sections of the app in an instant.

While you are in Keyboard Mode, pressing the F6 key will immediately transfer your focus to the beginning of the next section of the application. Using the Shift key in conjunction with the F6 key will advance you backwards through the sections.

For instance, if you have the Channel List window focused on a Channel, using the F6 key will take you immediately to the Messages section. Pressing the F6 key once more will take you to the Channel Members, or if you have an active Search window open, it will take you to the Search results.

The following is a list of the sections that can be navigated between using the server view:

  • the Server list
  • the Channel list
  • Messages
  • the Member’s List

Check out the following table, which will serve as a helpful reminder of the shortcuts you can utilise for section jumping:

KeyAction
F6Section jump - Move focus to the start of the next section in the app
Shift+F6Move focus backwards through the sections

Even Quicker With Shortcuts

In addition, keyboard shortcuts are supported by Discord. Changing between guilds or channels that have not been read, using the inbox, and activating the quick switcher are all options. These have all been proven successful throughout the years!

Also, a reference for everything that is available in the User Settings — Keybinds section can now be located much more quickly and readily.

Check out this link if you’re using a Mac to learn more about all the possible shortcut keys, and this page if you’re using Windows to learn more about all the shortcuts available.

All images and contents credit goes to support.discord.com

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