Spotify popularized the streaming music revolution, and it's still going strong as one of the best streaming services today. Whether you stick with the Free offering or have upgraded to Premium, you can streamline your listening experience by learning Spotify's keyboard shortcuts.
Since it's a simple app, Spotify doesn't have as many shortcuts as more expansive software like Microsoft Word or Adobe Photoshop. But if you're an avid listener, integrating these keyboard shortcuts into your daily routine should help you get more out of Spotify.
Below we list the most important Spotify keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac. We'll also mention a few crucial Spotify tips to help you further improve your experience.
FREE DOWNLOAD: This cheat sheet is available as a downloadable PDF from our distribution partner, TradePub. You will have to complete a short form to access it for the first time only. Download the Ultimate Spotify Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat Sheet.
The Spotify Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat Sheet
Shortcut (Windows) | Shortcut (Mac) | Action |
|---|---|---|
Basic Functions / Playlists | ||
Ctrl + N | Cmd + N | Create new playlist |
Ctrl + Shift + N | Cmd + Shift + N | Create new playlist folder |
Ctrl + X | Cmd + X | Cut |
Ctrl + C | Cmd + C | Copy |
Ctrl + V | Cmd + V | Paste |
| | ||
Ctrl + Z | Cmd + Z | Undo |
Ctrl + Y | Cmd + Shift + Z | Redo |
Del | Delete | Delete |
Ctrl + A | Cmd + A | Select all |
Music Playback | ||
Space | Space | Play/pause |
Ctrl + Right | Cmd + Right | Next track |
| | ||
Ctrl + Left | Cmd + Left | Previous track |
Shift + Left/Right | Cmd + Shift + Left/Right | Seek backward/forward |
Enter | Return | Play currently selected item |
Ctrl + S | Cmd + S | Toggle shuffle mode |
Ctrl + R | Cmd + R | Cycle repeat modes |
Navigation | ||
Alt + Left | Option + Left | Go back to the previous screen |
| | ||
Alt + Right | Option + Right | Go forward one screen |
Ctrl + L | Cmd + L | Open the Search screen |
Ctrl + F | Cmd + F | Show Search in playlist box (when applicable) |
Zoom | ||
Ctrl + Plus (+) | Cmd + Plus (+) | Zoom in |
Ctrl + Minus (-) | Cmd + Minus (-) | Zoom out |
Ctrl + Zero (0) | Cmd + Zero (0) | Reset zoom to 100% |
| | ||
Volume | ||
Ctrl + Up | Cmd + Up | Raise volume |
Ctrl + Down | Cmd + Down | Lower volume |
Account and App Management | ||
Ctrl + P | Cmd + Comma (,) | Open Spotify Preferences |
F1 | n/a | Open Spotify Support in your browser |
Ctrl + Shift + W | Cmd + Shift + W | Log out of your account |
| | ||
Alt + F4 or Ctrl + Shift + Q | Cmd + Q | Quit Spotify |
Mac-Only Spotify Shortcuts | ||
n/a | Cmd + H | Hide the Spotify window |
n/a | Cmd + Option + H | Hide other app windows |
n/a | Cmd + W | Close the Spotify window |
n/a | Cmd + M | Minimize window |
n/a | Cmd + Option + 1 | Restore minimized window |
n/a | Fn + F | Full-screen |
The above keyboard shortcuts only work when Spotify is the app on your computer currently in focus. If you're using another program, you can't use the convenient shortcuts to play/pause, skip a track, change the volume, and similar.
However, don't forget about the media keys on your keyboard! All Mac keyboards and many Windows keyboards have keys that let you adjust the volume, play/pause, and change tracks. They're the easiest way to make a quick change without swapping back to Spotify.
Depending on your keyboard, these may be dedicated buttons or require you to hold a key like Fn while pressing another button.
If you use Windows 10 or 11, a popup will appear every time you use these keys, which you may find annoying. In Spotify, go to Edit > Preferences and disable Show desktop overlay when using media keys to stop that popup from appearing.
To learn even more about what Spotify can do, see our guides to making Spotify sound better and how to play your own music using Spotify.
Become a Spotify Master
With these shortcuts and tips, you're all set to get more out of Spotify than ever before. Keep these shortcuts in mind next time you're swapping tracks or making a new playlist, and you'll accomplish them without your hands leaving the keyboard.
Next, it might be time to clean up and optimize your Spotify playlists.
- Entertainment
- Spotify
- Cheat Sheet
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