Alcove keyboard shortcuts for Mac and iPad
Press Option-Space anywhere on the Mac to add a task, and Option-Command-N for a quick note. In a list, the arrow keys move the highlight, Space ticks a task done, Command-1 to Command-4 set priority, and Command-D, Command-L and Command-T set the date, list and tags. On iPad, Command-N adds a task and Command-1 to Command-6 jump between views.
Everything in Alcove can be done without the mouse. Here's every shortcut, grouped by where you use it.
From any app on your Mac
| Shortcut | Does |
|---|---|
| ⌥ Space | Open quick add |
| ⌥ ⌘ N | Open a quick note |
Both can be changed in Settings ▸ Shortcuts. See the quick add guide for what you can type.
In a list
These work in the main window, the menu bar popup and every floating list, whenever you're not typing in a text field.
| Shortcut | Does |
|---|---|
| ↑ ↓ | Move the highlight, one row at a time. Hold ⇧ to extend the selection |
| → ← | Open and close the highlighted task |
| Space | Tick the selection done, or not done |
| Return | Rename the highlighted task |
| ⌫ | Delete the selection, after asking |
| Esc | Clear the selection |
| ⌘ ↑ ⌘ ↓ | Move the highlighted task up or down, in a list sorted by hand |
| ⌘ 0 to ⌘ 4 | Set priority: none, low, medium, high, urgent |
| ⌘ D | Set the date |
| ⌘ L | Set the list |
| ⌘ T | Set the tags |
| ⌘ A | Select every row on screen |
In the quick add panel
| Shortcut | Does |
|---|---|
| ⌘ L | Pick the list |
| ⌘ T | Add a tag |
| ⌘ 1 to ⌘ 4 | Set the priority |
| ⌘ D | Pick the date |
| ⌘ E | Set how long it takes |
| ⌘ R | Set the repeat |
| Return | Add the task |
In the main window
| Shortcut | Does |
|---|---|
| ⌘ N | New task |
| ⌘ K | Search |
| ⌘ Z | Undo |
| ⌘ , | Settings |
In a note
| Shortcut | Does |
|---|---|
| ⌘ B | Bold |
| ⌘ I | Italic |
= at the end of a line | Work out the sum on that line |
# and a space | Heading |
[] | Checklist item |
/ | Insert any kind of block |
More on notes in notes that do the maths.
On iPad with a keyboard
Hold ⌘ to see these in the shortcut overlay.
| Shortcut | Does |
|---|---|
| ⌘ N | New task |
| ⇧ ⌘ N | New note |
| ⌘ F or ⌘ K | Search |
| ⌘ 1 | Today |
| ⌘ 2 | Inbox |
| ⌘ 3 | All tasks |
| ⌘ 4 | Calendar |
| ⌘ 5 | Progress |
| ⌘ 6 | Done |
| ⌘ , | Settings |
Questions people ask
Can I change the quick add shortcut?
Yes. Open Alcove's settings on the Mac and choose Shortcuts. Both the quick add and quick note shortcuts can be changed there, or restored to the default.
Do the list shortcuts work in the menu bar popup?
Yes. The same keys work in the main window, the menu bar popup and every floating list, whenever you're not typing in a text field.
Can I use Alcove on iPad with a keyboard?
Yes. With a hardware keyboard, hold Command to see Alcove's shortcuts, including new task, new note, search and jumping between views.