Keyboard Shortcuts
FXCanvas provides keyboard shortcuts for efficient workflow during live performances and studio work. Many shortcuts follow common application patterns, making them intuitive for users familiar with standard software conventions.
The shortcuts below are the defaults (the built-in Default profile). You can rebind any of them — and add your own — in Edit → Settings → Shortcuts. See Customizing Shortcuts below.
File Operations
Use these shortcuts to manage your shows quickly:
| Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+Shift+N | Create a new show |
| Ctrl+O | Open an existing show |
| Ctrl+S | Save the current show |
| Ctrl+, | Open Settings window |
| Alt+F4 | Exit the application |
Window and View
Control the application interface with these shortcuts:
| Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|
| F1 | Toggle the User Guide window |
| Ctrl+Shift+L | Reset the current layout to its default configuration |
BPM and Timing
These shortcuts help you control tempo synchronization during performances:
| Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|
| T | Tap tempo — tap repeatedly to set BPM |
| Up Arrow | Double the speed multiplier — up to 8x |
| Down Arrow | Halve the speed multiplier — down to 0.125x |
BPM keyboard shortcuts work when the Internal tempo source is active and when FXCanvas is not capturing keyboard input (e.g., when not typing in a text field).
Output Control
Quickly toggle output options:
| Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+Shift+O | Toggle all outputs on/off globally (NDI, Spout, Display) |
| N | Toggle NDI output on/off |
Dialog Navigation
Standard dialog shortcuts work throughout the application:
| Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|
| Escape | Close the current dialog window |
| Enter | Confirm/submit the current dialog action |
Parameter Adjustments
When working with sliders and parameter controls:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+Click | Click on any slider while holding Ctrl to enter a precise numeric value |
| Right-Click | Right-click on most parameters to access a context menu with reset and preset options |
Customizing Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts live in the same Shortcuts settings tab as MIDI and OSC control — they all map to the same catalog of actions. To change or add a keyboard shortcut:
- Open Edit → Settings → Shortcuts
- Click New Mapping — every mappable control in the app is highlighted
- Click a highlighted control (or pick an action from the list)
- Press the key or key combination you want to use
Your binding appears in the Current Mappings table, where keyboard rows are shown as key caps (e.g. Ctrl+Shift+L). Use the row buttons to Edit, Duplicate, or Delete a binding, or click Remap… in the Edit dialog to capture a different key.
Mapping Profiles
The top of the Shortcuts tab manages profiles — saved sets of all keyboard, MIDI, OSC, and REST bindings. Apply a profile (or double-click it), use Save As to capture your own, and Set as Default to choose which profile loads on startup. The built-in Default profile holds the factory shortcuts and can always be re-applied.
Keyboard, MIDI, OSC, and REST share one action catalog and one set of profiles. For the full list of mappable actions and the behavior/value options, see MIDI Mapping.
Tips
Minimize mouse usage — Learn the keyboard shortcuts for your most common operations. The T key for tap tempo is especially useful when syncing to live music.
Speed multipliers — Use Up/Down arrows to quickly double or halve your animation speed. This is great for building intensity or creating breakdowns.
NDI quick toggle — The N key lets you instantly enable or disable NDI output, useful for technical checks or transitions.
Keep panels visible — Use the View menu to arrange panels for your workflow, then use Ctrl+Shift+L to quickly restore that layout if you accidentally move panels during a performance.
Settings quick access — Press Ctrl+, to quickly access settings for BPM sync, outputs, and layouts.
User Guide reference — Press F1 at any time to access the built-in User Guide for help with features.
Combine with mouse — Many workflows are most efficient when combining keyboard shortcuts with mouse interactions. For example, use T to tap tempo while adjusting effect parameters with the mouse.