Keyboard Shortcuts

BuildChart includes keyboard shortcuts for the most common actions in the project view. These shortcuts let you navigate tasks, open forms, and manage your schedule without reaching for the mouse. They are especially useful during schedule reviews when you are moving quickly between tasks.

Shortcut Reference

Key	Action	Description
`N`	New Task	Opens the new task form so you can quickly add a task to the current section.
`S`	Project Settings	Opens the project settings panel where you can edit the project name, dates, and description.
`?`	Show Shortcuts	Displays the keyboard shortcuts help dialog with all available shortcuts listed.
`Escape`	Close	Closes any open modal, panel, or form. Works on task forms, settings, and dialogs.
`Up Arrow`	Previous Task	Moves the selection highlight to the task above the currently selected task.
`Down Arrow`	Next Task	Moves the selection highlight to the task below the currently selected task.
`Enter`	Edit Task	Opens the selected task in the edit form so you can change dates, assignments, or status.
`Delete`	Delete Task	Shows a delete confirmation dialog for the currently selected task. You must confirm before the task is removed.

When Shortcuts Are Active

Keyboard shortcuts are only active when no input field has focus. If you are typing in a task name, date field, or any other text input, the keys behave normally as text input. To reactivate shortcuts, click anywhere outside the form field or press Escape to close the form.

This means you do not need to worry about accidentally triggering a shortcut while editing task details. The shortcuts only fire when you are in "navigation mode" — viewing the Gantt chart without any input focused.

Navigating Tasks

Use the Up and Down arrow keys to move through your task list. The currently selected task is highlighted with a subtle border. Once you have the right task selected, press Enter to open it for editing or Delete to remove it. This three-key workflow — arrow to navigate, Enter to edit, Escape to close — lets you review and update tasks without touching the mouse.

Quick Task Creation

Press N to open the new task form instantly. This is the fastest way to add tasks during a planning session. Fill in the details, save, and press N again to keep adding. Combined with Escape to close and N to reopen, you can build out a full schedule in rapid succession.

📝 Note

Keyboard shortcuts are active when no input field is focused. Click outside any form field to activate them, or press Escape to close an open form first.

💡 Tip

Press ? at any time to see the full shortcut reference without leaving your project. The dialog closes with Escape so you are right back where you left off.