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Overview

PolyChat-AI supports keyboard shortcuts to streamline your workflow and reduce reliance on mouse interactions. All shortcuts work on both Windows/Linux (Ctrl) and macOS (Cmd).
Throughout this guide, Ctrl/Cmd means:
  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl key
  • macOS: Cmd (⌘) key

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Global Shortcuts

These shortcuts work anywhere in the application:
ShortcutActionDescription
Ctrl/Cmd + KOpen SettingsOpens the settings modal with all configuration options
Ctrl/Cmd + UOpen Usage DashboardView detailed usage statistics and analytics
Ctrl/Cmd + NNew ConversationStarts a fresh conversation with the selected model
Ctrl/Cmd + SSave ConversationSaves the current conversation to history
Ctrl/Cmd + /Show HelpDisplays keyboard shortcuts and help information

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Usage Examples

1

Quick Settings Access

Press Ctrl/Cmd + K at any time to instantly open settings without reaching for your mouse.
2

Check Usage Stats

Use Ctrl/Cmd + U to view:
  • Total conversations created
  • Messages exchanged (user and assistant)
  • Average response time
  • Per-model statistics
3

Rapid Conversation Switching

Press Ctrl/Cmd + N to quickly start a new conversation thread without interrupting your workflow.

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Settings Modal Shortcuts

When the settings modal is open (after pressing Ctrl/Cmd + K):

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Model Selection

ActionShortcutDescription
Navigate Down↓Move to next model in the list
Navigate Up↑Move to previous model in the list
Select ModelEnterSelect the currently focused model
Search ModelsTypeFilter models by name or provider
Clear SearchEscClear the search field

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Workflow Example

  1. Press Ctrl/Cmd + K to open settings
  2. Type “claude” to filter models
  3. Use ↓ and ↑ to navigate results
  4. Press Enter to select desired model
  5. Press Esc to close settings
Total time: ~3 seconds

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General Navigation

ShortcutActionDescription
TabNext FieldMove focus to the next input field
Shift + TabPrevious FieldMove focus to the previous input field
EscClose ModalClose settings without saving changes
EnterSave (on button)Save settings and close modal

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Chat Input Shortcuts

These shortcuts work when the chat input field is focused:
ShortcutActionDescription
EnterSend MessageSend the current message (if multiline disabled)
Shift + EnterNew LineInsert a line break within the message
Ctrl/Cmd + EnterForce SendSend message even in multiline mode
↑Edit Last MessageEdit your most recent message
EscClear InputClear the current message draft

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Multiline Message Composition

1

Start Your Message

Click the chat input or start typing to focus it.
2

Add Line Breaks

Press Shift + Enter to create line breaks for formatted messages:
Here's my question:

1. How do I implement feature X?
2. What are the best practices?
3. Are there performance considerations?
3

Send When Ready

Press Ctrl/Cmd + Enter to send your multiline message.

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Model Switcher Shortcuts

When the model switcher dropdown is open:
ShortcutActionDescription
↓Next ModelHighlight next model in dropdown
↑Previous ModelHighlight previous model in dropdown
EnterSelect ModelSwitch to the highlighted model
EscClose DropdownClose model switcher without changing
TypeFilterSearch models by typing

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Browser Navigation

Standard browser shortcuts that work with PolyChat-AI:
ShortcutActionDescription
Ctrl/Cmd + RRefresh PageReload the application (preserves settings)
Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + RHard RefreshClear cache and reload
F11FullscreenToggle fullscreen mode (browser dependent)
Ctrl/Cmd + +Zoom InIncrease interface size
Ctrl/Cmd + -Zoom OutDecrease interface size
Ctrl/Cmd + 0Reset ZoomReturn to default zoom level

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Template Shortcuts

When using conversation templates:
  1. Click template icon in chat input
  2. Use ↓/↑ to navigate categories
  3. Press Enter to expand category
  4. Use ↓/↑ to select template
  5. Press Enter to apply template
Quick actions appear when text is selected:
  • Select text in a message
  • Quick action buttons appear above selection
  • Click desired action or use Tab to navigate
  • Press Enter to apply action

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Advanced Shortcuts

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Developer Tools

ShortcutActionDescription
F12Open DevToolsOpen browser developer tools
Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + IOpen DevToolsAlternative shortcut for DevTools
Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + CInspect ElementInspect specific UI elements

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Accessibility Shortcuts

ShortcutActionDescription
TabFocus NextMove focus to next interactive element
Shift + TabFocus PreviousMove focus to previous interactive element
SpaceActivateActivate focused button or toggle
EnterActivateActivate focused link or button

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Custom Shortcut Workflow Examples

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Workflow 1: Quick Model Comparison

1

Enable Multi-Model Mode

Click the multi-model grid icon in the header.
2

Select Models

  • Press Ctrl/Cmd + K
  • Type “gpt” and press Enter to select GPT-4
  • Press Ctrl/Cmd + K again
  • Type “claude” and press Enter to select Claude
  • Repeat for third model
3

Send Comparison Query

Type your question and press Ctrl/Cmd + Enter to see responses from all three models simultaneously.

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Workflow 2: Rapid Conversation Management

1

Start New Topic

Press Ctrl/Cmd + N to start a fresh conversation.
2

Save Important Conversations

After a valuable exchange, press Ctrl/Cmd + S to save to history.
3

Access Saved Conversations

Click history icon in header to browse saved conversations with search functionality.

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Workflow 3: Focused Settings Configuration

1

Open Settings

Press Ctrl/Cmd + K
2

Navigate Efficiently

  • Use Tab to move between sections
  • Type to search in model selector
  • Use ↓/↑ for model navigation
  • Press Enter to select
3

Save and Continue

Tab to “Save” button and press Enter, or press Esc to cancel.

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Productivity Tips

Minimize Mouse Usage

Master Ctrl/Cmd + K and arrow key navigation to configure settings without touching your mouse.

Quick Context Switching

Use Ctrl/Cmd + N to rapidly switch between different topics without cluttering a single conversation.

Monitor Usage

Regularly check Ctrl/Cmd + U to track which models work best for your use cases.

Save Important Work

Make Ctrl/Cmd + S a habit after valuable exchanges to build a searchable knowledge base.

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Keyboard Shortcut Reference Card

Print or bookmark this quick reference: 
╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║           POLYCHAT-AI KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS                   ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ GLOBAL                                                     ║
║ • Ctrl/Cmd + K .......... Open Settings                   ║
║ • Ctrl/Cmd + U .......... Usage Dashboard                 ║
║ • Ctrl/Cmd + N .......... New Conversation                ║
║ • Ctrl/Cmd + S .......... Save Conversation               ║
║ • Ctrl/Cmd + / .......... Show Help                       ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ SETTINGS MODAL                                             ║
║ • ↓ / ↑ ................. Navigate Models                 ║
║ • Enter ................. Select Model                     ║
║ • Esc ................... Close Modal                      ║
║ • Tab ................... Next Field                       ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ CHAT INPUT                                                 ║
║ • Enter ................. Send Message                     ║
║ • Shift + Enter ......... New Line                        ║
║ • Ctrl/Cmd + Enter ...... Force Send                      ║
║ • ↑ ..................... Edit Last Message               ║
║ • Esc ................... Clear Input                     ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

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Customization

Currently, PolyChat-AI does not support custom keyboard shortcut configuration. All shortcuts are hard-coded for consistency. Custom shortcuts may be added in a future release.

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Troubleshooting

Possible Causes:
  • Another browser extension is intercepting the shortcut
  • Operating system global shortcut conflicts
  • Browser is not focused
Solutions:
  • Disable conflicting browser extensions
  • Check OS keyboard settings
  • Click anywhere in the PolyChat-AI window to ensure focus
Issue: Arrow keys don’t navigate model listSolution: Ensure the search input in the model selector has focus. Click it first, then use arrow keys.
Issue: Not sure when to use Enter vs Ctrl/Cmd + EnterExplanation:
  • Single-line messages: Enter sends
  • Multi-line messages: Shift + Enter for new line, Ctrl/Cmd + Enter to send

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Next Steps

Configuration

Learn how to set up API keys and configure models

Customization

Personalize themes and conversation settings

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