# Keyboard shortcuts

> The modelling workspace is built around single-key tool switching, so most of a model can be drawn without leaving the viewport. Press **H** or **?** in the app to bring the same list up over your model.

Source: https://ferscloud.com/docs/keyboard-shortcuts  
Last updated: 2026-09-04

## Keyboard

On macOS, Ctrl means Cmd. Tool keys are single presses with no modifier, so they work whenever the viewport has focus and you are not typing in a field.

### File

| Shortcut | Action |
| --- | --- |
| `Ctrl+S` | Save |
| `Ctrl+N` | New model |

### Edit

| Shortcut | Action |
| --- | --- |
| `Ctrl+Z` | Undo |
| `Ctrl+Y / Ctrl+Shift+Z` | Redo |
| `Delete` | Delete selection |
| `Ctrl+C` | Copy selection |
| `Ctrl+Shift+C` | Copy (pick reference node) |
| `Ctrl+V` | Paste |
| `Ctrl+D` | Duplicate selection |
| `Esc` | Cancel / clear selection |

### Selection

| Shortcut | Action |
| --- | --- |
| `Ctrl+A` | Select all members |

### Tools

| Shortcut | Action |
| --- | --- |
| `S` | Select mode |
| `N` | Add node |
| `M` | Add member |
| `V` | Move (grab) node |
| `C` | Assign section (click members) |
| `L` | Add load (click node or member) |
| `D` | Add uniform load (click member) |
| `O` | Add moment (click node or member) |
| `U` | Add support (click node) |

### View

| Shortcut | Action |
| --- | --- |
| `P` | Cycle snap plane |
| `G` | Toggle grid snap |

### Help

| Shortcut | Action |
| --- | --- |
| `H / ?` | Keyboard shortcuts |

## Mouse

Drag direction decides which selection rule applies, following the convention most CAD tools use: drag right and anything the box touches is selected; drag left and only fully enclosed objects are.

### Pointer

| Shortcut | Action |
| --- | --- |
| `Left click` | Select object |
| `Ctrl + Left click` | Multi-select |
| `Drag right` | Crossing select (anything touched) |
| `Drag left` | Window select (fully enclosed) |
| `Scroll` | Zoom |

> Snapping is what makes single-key drawing practical: **P** cycles the plane you are drawing in and **G** toggles snapping to the grid.

## Frequently asked questions

**Do the shortcuts work on macOS?**

Yes. Wherever Ctrl is listed, use Cmd. The single-key tool shortcuts are identical on both platforms.

**Can I see this list inside the app?**

Press **H** or **?** with the viewport focused, or open **Help (?) → Keyboard shortcuts**. The in-app panel is generated from the same registry as this page.

**Why does a tool key do nothing sometimes?**

Single-key shortcuts are suppressed while a text field has focus, so typing a name does not switch tools. Click into the viewport or press Esc first.

**What is the difference between dragging left and right?**

Dragging right is a crossing select — anything the box touches is picked. Dragging left is a window select — only objects entirely inside the box are picked.

## Related

- https://ferscloud.com/docs/quickstart