Tips to make keyboard operations more comfortable on the iPad#
If you normally work on Windows and want to connect a keyboard to your iPad and do some serious work, you may be confused by the differences in key layouts and gaps in shortcut operations. In this article, we have summarized how to replace modifier keys to increase work efficiency on the iPad, and useful key operations to remember.
I hope this will be helpful for those who are confused about the differences in keyboards, or those who want to comfortably operate vi and terminal work on an iPad.
Get closer to the Windows feel by replacing modifier keys#
On iPad, the physical positions of the CapsLock and Ctrl keys are different from Windows, so shortcuts feel very difficult to press. However, you can replace the modifier keys by following the steps below, and you can adjust the operation feel to be similar to Windows.
設定 → 一般 → キーボード → ハードウェアキーボード → 修飾キー
At this point, we recommend changing the assignments as follows:
Caps Lock → Control
Control → Caps Lock (If you don’t use it, you can set it to “None”)
Use “Ctrl + [” as an alternative to “ESC” key, which is convenient for vi operations#
On some iPad keyboards, the ESC key is difficult to press or doesn’t exist. Alternatively, use Ctrl + [ to have the same effect as ESC in Vim.
This is a classic alternative for Vim users, and is very useful even in restricted environments such as the iPad.
List of useful shortcut operations on iPadOS#
There are also operations unique to the iPad. Many iPad operations can be performed using shortcuts combined with the Globe key.
operation |
key |
|---|---|
Return to home screen |
Globe + H |
app switcher |
Globe + ↑ |
Open quick memo |
Globe + Q |
Activate Siri |
Globe + S |
control center display |
Globe + C |
Emoji/language switching |
Globe (hold) |
Convenient key operations for text editing and terminal work#
The following are key operations commonly used in an iPad + external keyboard environment. It is also useful for writing documents, operating vi, and shell work.
operation |
key operation |
|---|---|
Copy/Paste/Undo |
Command + C / V / Z |
Redo |
Shift + Command + Z |
Move to beginning/end of line |
Command + ← / → |
Move by word |
Option + ← / → |
History search (terminal) |
Ctrl+R |
Cursor beginning/end (Bash system) |
Ctrl + A / Ctrl + E |
word deletion |
Ctrl + W |
ESC alternative (Vim) |
Ctrl + [ |
Summary: You can do full-scale work on an iPad#
By replacing modifier keys and learning shortcut operations, your iPad will turn into a full-fledged work device in a Windows-like environment. Especially for engineers who use vi and terminal work, the iPad can be a powerful tool as an auxiliary terminal.
Please use the contents of this article to create an iPad environment that suits your specifications.
Article information
- Post date:
2025-05-15
- author:
Mr. Takagi