How to customize keyboard shortcuts in Flat
Last updated September 23, 2026
Custom keyboard shortcuts in Flat let you remap the music notation editor to the keys you actually use. Flat lets you edit the existing shortcuts, add new ones from hundreds of available actions, reuse the same keys in different instrument contexts, and reset everything to the default configuration at any time.
Where do I edit the keyboard shortcuts?
Flat edits shortcuts inside the editor itself, not in your account settings. Open a score, then press Alt + ? — or click the keyboard icon next to the Layout tab — to open the shortcuts window, and click Customize at the bottom of the dialog to start editing.
From there you can add new keyboard shortcuts or edit existing keyboard shortcuts. For the full default list, see the editor shortcuts.
Which actions can I assign to a shortcut?
For a new keyboard shortcut you pick an action among hundreds of actions available. Actions that take a variable input cannot be used with a keyboard shortcut at this time — pitched notes and transpositions, for example. If the action you need is missing from the list, tell us what you want to use: we regularly add new actions.
When you add actions that are specific to pitched instruments, tabs, or unpitched instruments, you can re-use the same keys for a different context. Each shortcut is only active in the context where its action applies, so one key combination can serve several instrument types.
What happens to my shortcuts when Flat adds new ones?
By customizing your shortcuts, you also get the future shortcut updates made by our team — except where your own shortcuts use the same keys as our default configuration. In that case your shortcuts take priority over the default config, so a new default never silently overrides a key you chose yourself.
You can reset the keyboard shortcuts at any time if you want to come back to the original configuration.
Frequently asked questions
Can I assign a shortcut to any action in the editor?
Almost. Flat offers hundreds of actions, but any action that needs a variable input — entering a specific pitched note, applying a transposition — cannot be bound to a key for now. If the action you want is not in the list, let us know: new actions are added regularly.
What happens if my shortcut uses the same keys as a Flat default?
Your shortcut wins. Customized shortcuts take priority over the default configuration, so a default that uses the same keys will not override yours. You still receive our future shortcut updates for every key combination you have not claimed yourself.
Can I use one key combination for two different actions?
Yes, when the actions belong to different contexts. Shortcuts for pitched instruments, tabs, and unpitched instruments can share the same keys, because each one is only active on the instrument type it applies to.
How do I undo my shortcut changes?
Reset them. The shortcuts window lets you return to the original configuration at any time, which restores every Flat default and removes the remapping you added.