One of the biggest advantages of using GitHub Copilot is speed. But did you know you can make Copilot even faster by learning its shortcuts and commands?
Instead of manually clicking or navigating suggestions, these keyboard shortcuts will help you accept, reject, or cycle through Copilot completions instantly.
GitHub Copilot Shortcuts in VS Code
If you’re using Visual Studio Code (VS Code), here are the most important shortcuts:
| Action | Windows/Linux | MacOS |
|---|
| Accept suggestion | Tab | Tab |
| Accept next word | Ctrl + → | Cmd + → |
| Accept next line | Ctrl + Enter | Cmd + Enter |
| Trigger Copilot manually | Alt + \ | Option + \ |
| Cycle through suggestions | Alt + ] / Alt + [ | Option + ] / Option + [ |
| Dismiss suggestion | Esc | Esc |
GitHub Copilot Commands in VS Code
In addition to shortcuts, Copilot also offers commands you can trigger from the command palette (Ctrl + Shift + P / Cmd + Shift + P):
Copilot: Enable → Turns on GitHub Copilot
Copilot: Disable → Turns off GitHub Copilot
Copilot: Open Settings → Lets you configure Copilot preferences
Copilot: Show Next Suggestion → Cycles through alternate suggestions
GitHub Copilot Shortcuts in JetBrains IDEs
For developers using IntelliJ, PyCharm, or other JetBrains IDEs:
| Action | Windows/Linux | MacOS |
|---|
| Accept suggestion | Tab | Tab |
| Next suggestion | Alt + ] | Option + ] |
| Previous suggestion | Alt + [ | Option + [ |
| Dismiss suggestion | Esc | Esc |
Tips for Faster Coding with Copilot
Learn the accept shortcuts by heart — especially Tab and Ctrl + Enter.
Use cycling (Alt + ] / Alt + [) to explore multiple suggestions before choosing one.
Don’t over-rely on Copilot — review suggestions carefully to avoid introducing bugs.
Customize your keybindings if the defaults clash with your IDE setup.
Conclusion
Mastering GitHub Copilot isn’t just about letting AI write code for you — it’s about knowing how to work with it efficiently. Shortcuts and commands make the experience seamless and save you tons of time.
👉 Want more real-world productivity hacks with Copilot?
Enroll in the GitHub Copilot Training at LearnAI.C-Sharpcorner.com today.