How to Use the Command Palette in VS Code
The Command Palette is the fastest way to run any VS Code command from the keyboard. Learn to open it, search commands, and build keyboard-first habits.
The Command Palette is the single fastest way to do anything in VS Code without touching a menu. Press one shortcut, type a few letters, and run any command the editor supports.
Open it with Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows and Linux, or Cmd+Shift+P on macOS.
What the Command Palette does
The Command Palette lists every available command: open settings, change the theme, install an extension, run a task, toggle a panel, format a document, and hundreds more.
The list is context-aware. If you have a Python file open, Python-specific commands appear. If a debug session is running, debug commands appear.
The input box shows a > prefix by default. This means you are searching commands. Start typing and the list filters instantly.
Running a command
Open the Command Palette
Press Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows and Linux, or Cmd+Shift+P on macOS.
Type what you want to do
Type a few letters. You do not need to type the full command name. For example, type theme to see commands related to changing the color theme.
Select the command
Use the arrow keys to highlight the command and press Enter. Or click it with the mouse.
The command runs immediately. A notification or visible change in the editor confirms the result.
Commands every beginner should know
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
| Preferences: Color Theme | Change the editor color theme |
| Preferences: Open User Settings (JSON) | Open settings.json for direct editing |
| View: Toggle Terminal | Show or hide the integrated terminal |
| View: Toggle Primary Side Bar Visibility | Show or hide the Primary Side Bar |
| File: Toggle Auto Save | Toggle auto-save on or off |
| Developer: Reload Window | Restart the VS Code window |
| Git: Clone | Clone a Git repository |
| Extensions: Install Extensions | Open the Extensions view |
Each command shows its keyboard shortcut on the right side of the list. If you use a command often, learn its shortcut so you can skip the Command Palette next time.
Switching between commands and file search
The Command Palette and Quick Open share the same input box. The prefix determines what you are searching:
- > -- search commands (the default when you press Ctrl+Shift+P)
- No prefix -- search files by name (the default when you press Ctrl+P)
- @ -- search symbols in the current file
- # -- search symbols across the workspace
- : -- go to a specific line number
- ? -- show all available prefixes
Type ? in the input box to see every prefix shortcut.
You can also switch modes mid-search. Type >, then delete it to search files. Or type @ while Quick Open is active to search symbols in the current file.
Search tips
You do not need to type the full or exact command name. The search matches partial words and abbreviations:
- Type fmt to find Format Document
- Type user json to find Preferences: Open User Settings (JSON)
- Type theme to find color theme commands
The Command Palette remembers recently used commands and shows them at the top.
Repositioning the Command Palette
By default the Command Palette appears at the top center of the window. You can move it:
- Grab the top edge with the mouse and drag it anywhere on screen
- Select the Customize Layout control in the title bar, then choose a Quick Input Position preset
The new position persists across sessions.
Next steps
The Command Palette is for running commands. For opening files, use Quick Open. To move around your project without the mouse, learn how to split editors and manage tabs.
Rune AI
Key Insights
- Open with Ctrl+Shift+P (Win/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+P (macOS).
- Type a few letters of any command to find it. Use spaces for multi-word search.
- The > prefix shows commands. Remove it to search files instead.
- Each command shows its keyboard shortcut on the right. Learn shortcuts for commands you use often.
- Type ? to see all available prefix shortcuts.
Powered by Rune AIFrequently Asked Questions
What is the shortcut for the Command Palette?
How is the Command Palette different from Quick Open?
Can I see keyboard shortcuts in the Command Palette?
Conclusion
The Command Palette puts every VS Code feature behind one keyboard shortcut. Stop looking through menus. Press Ctrl+Shift+P, type a few letters, and run the command. Build the habit and the editor becomes much faster.
More in this topic
How to Use VS Code with WSL 2 on Windows
Run VS Code connected to Windows Subsystem for Linux so you can develop in a full Linux environment with native tools, terminals, and debugging, all from Windows.
20 Best VS Code Extensions for Web Developers in 2026
Twenty carefully chosen VS Code extensions every web developer should know. Covers formatting, linting, frameworks, debugging, Git, and developer experience.
How to Install, Disable, Update, and Uninstall VS Code Extensions
Learn how to install, disable, update, and uninstall VS Code extensions from the Marketplace and the command line. Step-by-step instructions for every action.