This page shows sample syntax for defining keys in emacs.
In the following, the backward-word is a example command. Replace it with the command name you want.
(global-set-key (kbd "M-a") 'backward-word) ; Alt+a (global-set-key (kbd "C-a") 'backward-word) ; Ctrl+a
(global-set-key (kbd "<f3>") 'backward-word) ; F3 key (global-set-key (kbd "<kp-3>") 'backward-word) ; the “3” key on the number keypad (global-set-key (kbd "<insert>") 'backward-word) ; the Ins key (global-set-key (kbd "<delete>") 'backward-word) ; the Del key (global-set-key (kbd "<home>") 'backward-word) (global-set-key (kbd "<end>") 'backward-word) (global-set-key (kbd "<next>") 'backward-word) ; page down key (global-set-key (kbd "<prior>") 'backward-word) ; page up key (global-set-key (kbd "<left>") 'backward-word) ; ← (global-set-key (kbd "<right>") 'backward-word) ; → (global-set-key (kbd "<up>") 'backward-word) ; ↑ (global-set-key (kbd "<down>") 'backward-word) ; ↓ (global-set-key (kbd "<return>") 'backward-word) ; the Enter/Return key (global-set-key (kbd "SPC") 'backward-word) ; the Space bar key
(info "(elisp) Function Keys")
Example of single key sequences.
(global-set-key (kbd "<f7> <f8>") 'backward-word); F7 F8
Example of single key sequence starting with the ▤ Menu key.
;; Linux, the menu/apps key syntax is <menu> ;; Windows, the menu/apps key syntax is <apps> (define-key key-translation-map (kbd "<apps>") (kbd "<menu>")) ; make the syntax equal (global-set-key (kbd "<menu> b w") 'backward-word) ; Menu key followed by b then w
Example of sequence of single or chored keys:
(global-set-key (kbd "C-e a") 'backward-word) ; Ctrl+e a (global-set-key (kbd "C-e SPC") 'backward-word) ; Ctrl+e Space (global-set-key (kbd "C-e C-a") 'backward-word); Ctrl+e Ctrl+a
(global-set-key (kbd "M-<f3>") 'backward-word) ; Alt+F3 (global-set-key (kbd "C-<f3>") 'backward-word) ; Ctrl+F3 (global-set-key (kbd "S-<f3>") 'backward-word) ; Shift+F3 (global-set-key (kbd "M-<up>") 'backward-word) ; Alt+↑ (global-set-key (kbd "C-<up>") 'backward-word) ; Ctrl+↑ (global-set-key (kbd "S-<up>") 'backward-word) ; Shift+↑
2 modifier keys pressed simultaneously, plus a letter key:
(global-set-key (kbd "M-A") 'backward-word) ; Alt+Shift+a (global-set-key (kbd "C-A") 'backward-word) ; Ctrl+Shift+a (global-set-key (kbd "C-M-a") 'backward-word) ; Ctrl+Alt+a
Example of 2 modifier keys with a digit key:
(global-set-key (kbd "M-#") 'backward-word) ; Alt+Shift+3 or Alt+# (global-set-key (kbd "C-#") 'backward-word) ; Ctrl+Shift+3 or Ctrl+# (global-set-key (kbd "C-M-3") 'backward-word) ; Ctrl+Alt+3 (global-set-key (kbd "C-S-<kp-3>") 'backward-word); Ctrl+Shift+“numberic pad 3”
3 modifier keys pressed simultaneously:
(global-set-key (kbd "C-M-S-a") 'backward-word) ; Ctrl+Alt+Shift+a (global-set-key (kbd "C-M-!") 'backward-word) ; Ctrl+Alt+Shift+1 or Ctrl+Alt+! (global-set-key (kbd "C-M-S-<up>") 'backward-word); Ctrl+Alt+Shift+↑
A shortcut can be created without any modifier keys.
(global-set-key (kbd "3") 'backward-word) (global-set-key (kbd "a") 'backward-word) (global-set-key (kbd "é") 'backward-word) (global-set-key (kbd "α") 'backward-word) (global-set-key (kbd "你") 'backward-word)
Emacs's keybinding system is based on character input, not on key-presses. (see: Bucky bit) That's why you can define a key such that when the character alpha α is entered, it invokes the command. For how to enter Unicode characters, see Emacs ＆ Unicode Tips.
For general guide on defining keys, see: Emacs: How to Define Keys.
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