IntelliJ IDEA / WebStorm Navigation Keyboard Shortcuts
Navigate code faster in IntelliJ IDEA and WebStorm with shortcuts for Search Everything, Go to File, Go to Class, and bookmarks.
Detailed Explanation
IntelliJ Navigation Shortcuts
IntelliJ IDEA (and WebStorm, PyCharm, and other JetBrains IDEs) has some of the most powerful navigation capabilities of any IDE. These shortcuts help you move through large codebases efficiently.
The Big Three
- Search Everything (
Shift+Shift) — the universal search. Finds files, classes, symbols, actions, and settings all from one dialog. Double-tap Shift to open it. - Go to File (
⌘+Shift+O/Ctrl+Shift+N) — fuzzy file finder. Supports camelCase matching (MLRfindsMyLongRouter.ts). - Go to Class (
⌘+O/Ctrl+N) — jump to any class by name across the entire project and libraries.
Code Navigation
- Go to Declaration (
⌘+B/Ctrl+B) — jump to where a symbol is declared. Equivalent toCtrl+Click. - Go to Implementation (
⌘+⌥+B/Ctrl+Alt+B) — for interfaces or abstract classes, jump to the concrete implementation. - Go to Super Method (
⌘+U/Ctrl+U) — navigate to the parent class method being overridden. - Find Usages (
⌥+F7/Alt+F7) — find every place a symbol is used across the project. - Recent Files (
⌘+E/Ctrl+E) — show recently opened files for quick switching.
Bookmarks
- Toggle Bookmark (
F11) — add or remove a bookmark on the current line - Toggle Numbered Bookmark (
⌃+Shift+0..9/Ctrl+Shift+0..9) — set a numbered bookmark for instant jumping - Show Bookmarks (
⌘+F3/Shift+F11) — see all bookmarks in a list
Navigation History
- Back (
⌘+[/Ctrl+Alt+←) — go to your previous cursor position - Forward (
⌘+]/Ctrl+Alt+→) — go forward after going back - Last Edit Location (
⌘+Shift+Backspace/Ctrl+Shift+Backspace) — jump to where you last made a change
These navigation shortcuts are consistent across all JetBrains IDEs including IntelliJ IDEA, WebStorm, PyCharm, GoLand, Rider, and CLion.
Use Case
Navigation shortcuts are especially valuable in large enterprise codebases where files number in the thousands. Being able to jump to a class definition, find all usages of a method, and navigate back to your previous location without touching the mouse can save hours per week. Teams using IntelliJ often share shortcut cheat sheets during onboarding.