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Master Rapid Reader with keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation and control. All shortcuts work in both the web and desktop apps.
Mac vs Windows/Linux: Where shortcuts use a modifier key, Mac uses Cmd while Windows and Linux use Ctrl.

Playback

Control reading playback without reaching for the mouse.
ActionShortcut
Play / PauseSpace
Stop (exit focus mode)Enter
Previous wordLeft Arrow
Next wordRight Arrow
Increase speed (+25 WPM)Up Arrow
Decrease speed (-25 WPM)Down Arrow
Toggle repeat modeR
For Vim users, familiar motion keys work throughout the app.
ActionShortcut
Previous wordH
Next wordL
Decrease speedJ
Increase speedK
Vim shortcuts work identically to arrow keys. Use whichever feels more natural to you.

Library

Navigate and manage your library without leaving the keyboard.
ActionShortcut
Open library / Toggle searchS
Open libraryO
Navigate up in libraryUp Arrow or K
Navigate down in libraryDown Arrow or J
Edit selected readE
Delete selected readD
Add new readN
Multi-select: Hold Shift and click to select multiple items in your library for bulk actions.

General

Essential shortcuts for the rest of the app.
ActionShortcut
Open PreferencesP
Toggle fullscreenCmd/Ctrl + Shift + F
Find in page (desktop only)Cmd/Ctrl + F
Save progressCmd/Ctrl + S
Toggle shortcut hints` (backtick)
Close panel / Exit fullscreenEscape

Context-Sensitive Behavior

Some shortcuts behave differently depending on what’s open.
  • No panels open: Up/Down adjust speed, Left/Right navigate words
  • Library open: Up/Down navigate between reads
  • Other panels open: Arrow keys may be used by the panel (e.g., for lists)
  • During playback: Stops playback and exits focus mode
  • Panel open: Closes the topmost panel
  • Fullscreen mode: Exits fullscreen first
  • Panel open: Closes the topmost panel
  • Multiple panels: Closes panels one at a time from top to bottom

Platform Notes

Desktop (Mac)

Full keyboard support including native shortcuts like Cmd+O for opening files and Cmd+F for find-in-page.

Desktop (Windows/Linux)

Same shortcuts using Ctrl instead of Cmd. All features work identically.

Web

All shortcuts work except platform-specific features like find-in-page.

Mobile

Keyboards shortcuts work with external keyboards. See touch controls in Reading & Playback.

Quick Reference Card

CategoryShortcutAction
PlaybackSpacePlay / Pause
PlaybackEnterStop
PlaybackRRepeat mode
SpeedUp / KFaster
SpeedDown / JSlower
WordsLeft / HPrevious
WordsRight / LNext
PanelsSLibrary + search
PanelsOLibrary
PanelsPPreferences
PanelsNAdd read
PanelsEEdit read
PanelsEscapeClose panel
SystemCmd + SSave
SystemCmd + Shift + FFullscreen

Next Steps