This guide documents all keyboard shortcuts extracted from the source code. Shortcuts are implemented in
accessibility.ts and throughout various application modules.Essential Shortcuts
Most Used
Ctrl+Alt+1-4- Switch workspacesCtrl+W- Close windowCtrl+M- Minimize windowCtrl+Alt+E- Open XEmacsCtrl+Shift+?- Show shortcuts help
Power User
Ctrl+Alt+F- Toggle File ManagerCtrl+Alt+T- Open Terminal LabCtrl+Alt+S- Open Style ManagerCtrl+Alt+H- Toggle high contrastEsc- Cancel/close dialogs
Window Management
- Basic Operations
- Window Manipulation
- Advanced
The
Ctrl+W shortcut closes the currently active window by finding the .active class and triggering its close button.Workspace Navigation
Workspace Switching
Workspace Switching
These shortcuts are registered in a loop in
accessibility.ts:202-214:Application Launchers
- Main Applications
- System Tools
- Desktop Icons
XEmacs Shortcuts
Navigation
Character Movement
Ctrl+F- Forward characterCtrl+B- Backward characterCtrl+N- Next lineCtrl+P- Previous line
Word/Line Movement
Ctrl+A- Beginning of lineCtrl+E- End of lineAlt+F- Forward wordAlt+B- Backward word
Editing Operations
Selection and Search
File Operations
1
Open File
Ctrl+X Ctrl+F - Opens file browser dialog2
Save File
Ctrl+X Ctrl+S - Saves current file3
Save As
Ctrl+X Ctrl+W - Write file to new location4
Exit
Ctrl+X Ctrl+C - Exits XEmacs (prompts if unsaved changes)Utility Commands
Ctrl+G- Cancel command (interrupt)Ctrl+L- Recenter screen on cursorAlt+<- Beginning of bufferAlt+>- End of bufferCtrl+V- Page downAlt+V- Page up
Terminal Lab Shortcuts
- Command Line Editing
- Auto-completion
File Manager Shortcuts
File Operations
File Operations
Desktop Shortcuts
Desktop Icon Operations
Mouse Actions
- Single click - Select icon
- Double-click - Open/launch
- Drag - Move icon position (snaps to grid)
- Right-click - Context menu
Touch Actions
- Tap - Select icon
- Double-tap - Open (300ms window)
- Long-press - Context menu (500ms)
- Drag disabled on mobile
Context Menu Options
Netscape Navigator Shortcuts
Style Manager Shortcuts
- Quick Apply
Accessibility Shortcuts
Time Capsule includes comprehensive accessibility features for users with different needs.
High Contrast Mode
When enabled:- Adds
.high-contrastclass to document root - Increases color contrast ratios
- Persists preference to storage
- Implementation:
accessibility.ts:348-361
Common Clipboard Operations
Registered in
accessibility.ts:216-242
Shortcut Help Dialog
The shortcuts help dialog (accessibility.ts:376-423) displays:
- All registered shortcuts grouped by category
- Visual key representations with
<kbd>tags - Scrollable interface
- Categories: Applications, System, Window Management, Workspaces, Help, Common, Accessibility
Learning Tips
1
Start with the Essential 5
Ctrl+Alt+1-4- Workspace switchingCtrl+W- Close windowCtrl+Alt+E- Open XEmacsCtrl+X Ctrl+S- Save in XEmacsCtrl+Shift+?- View all shortcuts
2
Practice Daily
Force yourself to use keyboard shortcuts instead of mouse for one week. Muscle memory develops after 2-3 weeks.
3
Print Quick Reference
Keep a printed reference card near your workspace:
4
Use PWA Mode
Install Time Capsule as a PWA to avoid browser shortcut conflicts, especially for XEmacs keybindings.
Platform-Specific Notes
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- All
CtrlandAltshortcuts work as documented - No special modifications needed
- May conflict with Windows system shortcuts
Troubleshooting
Shortcuts not working
Shortcuts not working
Possible causes:
- Focus is in an input field or textarea (shortcuts disabled)
- Browser intercepting the shortcut
- Conflicting browser extension
- Press
Escto blur input fields - Use PWA mode to avoid browser conflicts
- Disable conflicting extensions
XEmacs shortcuts conflict with browser
XEmacs shortcuts conflict with browser
Common conflicts:
Ctrl+W- Browser closes tab vs. XEmacs cutCtrl+T- Browser new tab vs. XEmacs transposeCtrl+N- Browser new window vs. XEmacs next line
Shortcut help not showing
Shortcut help not showing
- Ensure you’re pressing
Ctrl+Shift+?(question mark requires Shift) - Check that CDEModal system is loaded
- Try refreshing the application
Technical Implementation
Related Documentation
Workspaces Guide
Learn to organize work across 4 virtual desktops
XEmacs Guide
Complete XEmacs editing tutorial
Terminal Lab
22 interactive Unix command lessons
Tips & Tricks
Power user tips and hidden features
Style Manager
Customize with 76 palettes and 168 backdrops
File Manager
Navigate the virtual filesystem

