Mastering the VS Code Keyboard Shortcut to Switch to Terminal

Learn the fastest way to switch to the integrated terminal in VS Code using keyboard shortcuts. This guide covers default bindings, customization tips, and practical workflows for power users.

Shortcuts Lib Team

April 14, 2026·5 min read

Keyboard Shortcuts Windows Shortcuts VS Code Shortcuts Mac Shortcuts Open

Terminal Quick Switch - Shortcuts Lib — Photo by viaramivia Pixabay

Quick AnswerSteps

To switch focus to the integrated terminal in VS Code, use the built-in keyboard shortcut to toggle the Terminal. On Windows and Linux, press Ctrl+` (grave accent). On macOS, press Cmd+` to toggle the terminal. If you’ve customized your bindings, check Keyboard Shortcuts: Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts to see or change the binding. This quick move speeds workflows.

The vs code keyboard shortcut switch to terminal: quick overview and usage

The phrase vs code keyboard shortcut switch to terminal captures the essential action of focusing the shell without removing your hands from the keyboard. According to Shortcuts Lib, keyboard-driven workflows in code editors like VS Code dramatically speed up routine tasks. The integrated terminal is a powerful companion to editors, letting you run commands, scripts, and previews without leaving the editor. The default toggle binds to a compact key sequence that works across platforms, though macOS users frequently tailor it to fit their layout. In this section, we’ll cover the default bindings, how to verify them, and practical customization strategies.

JSON

// keybindings.json (Windows/Linux)
[
  {
    "key": "ctrl+`",
    "command": "workbench.action.terminal.toggleTerminal"
  }
]

JSON

// keybindings.json (macOS)
[
  {
    "key": "cmd+`",
    "command": "workbench.action.terminal.toggleTerminal"
  }
]

What this does: It toggles the visibility of the Terminal panel. If the terminal is hidden, pressing the shortcut reveals it; if it’s visible, pressing it hides the panel. Shortcuts Lib analysis shows that a consistent toggle reduces context switching and preserves flow during coding sessions. If you rely on muscle memory, this single keystroke becomes a reliable anchor for iterative testing and quick command execution.

The vs code keyboard shortcut switch to terminal: quick overview and usage

JSON

// keybindings.json (Windows/Linux)
[
  {
    "key": "ctrl+`",
    "command": "workbench.action.terminal.toggleTerminal"
  }
]

JSON

// keybindings.json (macOS)
[
  {
    "key": "cmd+`",
    "command": "workbench.action.terminal.toggleTerminal"
  }
]

Steps

Estimated time: 15-25 minutes

1
Open Visual Studio Code
Launch VS Code and ensure your project is loaded. Keep focus in the editor for most tasks, so you can start testing terminal shortcuts immediately.
Tip: Use your preferred workspace layout to minimize hand movement while typing.
2
Open or focus the Integrated Terminal
Use the toggle shortcut to reveal or hide the terminal. If the terminal is not visible, you can press the shortcut to show it; if it’s visible, press again to hide.
Tip: If you’re new, practice with a simple command like echo 'hello' to ensure you’re in the right pane.
3
Create a new Terminal instance when needed
If you want to run a separate shell session, create a new terminal pane. This helps keep commands organized by task or language.
Tip: Use distinct shortcuts for new terminal vs. toggle to reduce confusion.
4
Customize bindings for your workflow
If the default keys clash with other tools, customize in keybindings.json or Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts.
Tip: Prefer combinations that are easy to remember and not in conflict with your editor shortcuts.
5
Verify across OSes and layouts
Test the shortcut on Windows, macOS, and Linux to ensure consistency. Update if you switch keyboards or layouts.
Tip: Document your preferred bindings for your team to avoid confusion.

Pro Tip: Use the Keyboard Shortcuts editor to search 'toggle' and rebind to a more memorable combo.

Warning: Avoid binding the toggle to keys already used by frequent editor commands to prevent conflicts.

Note: Mac users may want separate bindings for focusing the terminal vs. creating a new one due to layout differences.

Prerequisites

Required

Visual Studio Code installed↗
Required
Basic knowledge of keyboard shortcuts
Required
A terminal shell available inside VS Code (bash/zsh/pwsh)
Required

Optional

Familiarity with VS Code's Keyboard Shortcuts editor
Optional

Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Shortcut
Toggle Integrated TerminalShows or hides the terminal panel	`Ctrl`+`
Create New Integrated TerminalOpens a new terminal instance in VS Code	`Ctrl`+`⇧`+`

Questions & Answers

What is the default shortcut to switch to the terminal in VS Code?

The default toggle is Ctrl+` on Windows and Linux, and Cmd+` on macOS. If your environment uses a different layout, you can customize it in the Keyboard Shortcuts editor.

How can I customize VS Code shortcuts?

Open Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts, search for 'Toggle Terminal', and assign a new key. You can also edit keybindings.json for advanced configurations.

Why doesn’t the terminal toggle work after pressing the shortcut?

Check for conflicts with other extensions or OS-level shortcuts. Inspect keybindings.json to ensure the command is bound correctly and that there are no conditional guards preventing activation.

Can I focus a specific terminal instance with a shortcut?

Yes. Use the command workbench.action.terminal.focus to bring focus to the active terminal, and navigate between terminals with Terminal: Focus Next/Previous.

Is there a macOS-specific difference I should know about?

Most users on macOS use Cmd+` to toggle the terminal, but layout and extensions can affect this. If needed, customize bindings to fit your keyboard and workflow.