7 Zip Shortcut Keys Download PDF

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If you’re using 7-Zip regularly for file compression or extraction, mastering 7-Zip keyboard shortcuts can drastically improve your workflow. Whether you’re navigating the file manager, creating archives, or extracting files, keyboard shortcuts let you get the job done faster—without ever touching the mouse.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the most useful 7-Zip keyboard shortcuts for Windows, how to use them efficiently, and how they can save you time every day.

📌 What Is 7-Zip?

7-Zip is a free, open-source file archiver for Windows that supports a wide range of archive formats including .zip, .7z, .rar, and more. Known for its high compression ratio and lightweight interface, it’s a popular alternative to tools like WinRAR or WinZip.

But what many users don’t realize is that 7-Zip supports a variety of keyboard shortcuts that can boost productivity significantly.

🎯 Why Use 7-Zip Keyboard Shortcuts?

Using keyboard shortcuts in 7-Zip gives you:

  • Faster access to common functions like compressing, extracting, and testing archives.
  • 🖱️ Mouse-free operation, especially helpful for power users or IT admins.
  • 🧠 Improved efficiency when managing large sets of files or batch jobs.

📁 Task-Specific 7-Zip Keyboard Shortcuts

Let’s break it down further based on what you want to accomplish:

🔄 Compressing Files

  • F9 – Open the archive creation dialog quickly
  • Enter – Confirm and start compression

📦 Extracting Files

  • Alt + E (customizable or accessible through menu navigation)
  • Enter – Extract selected files
  • Backspace – Navigate to parent directory after extraction

🧭 Navigating 7-Zip File Manager

  • Backspace – Go up a directory level
  • Ctrl + A – Select all files
  • Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V – Copy and paste inside archive


7 Zip Shortcut Keys

Shortcut Key Information State
Enter Open current item File
Ctrl + PgDN Open current item as folder inside 7-Zip File
Shift + Enter Open current item in new window File
F4 Open selected item with editor File
F2 Rename selected item File
F5 Copy selected items File
F6 Move selected items File
Delete Delete selected items File
Ctrl + Z Set comment for file File
F7 Create new folder File
Shift + F4 Creates new file File
Alt + F4 Closes the program. File
Shift + + Select all items File
Shift + – Select all items Edit
Shift + * Select / Deselect all items Edit
+ Select specified items Edit
Deselect specified items Edit
Alt + + Select all items with the same extension as current item Edit
Alt + – Deselect all items with the same extension as current item Edit
Ctrl + 1 Displays items by using large icons Edit
Ctrl + 2 Displays items by using small icons View
Ctrl + 3 Displays items in a list View
Ctrl + 4 Displays items in a list with detailed information about each item View
F3 Sort items by Name View
Ctrl + F4 Sort items by Type View
Ctrl + F5 Sort items by Date View
Ctrl + F6 Sort items by Size View
Ctrl + F7 Do not sort items View
1 Switch On/Off second panel View
Backspace Open the folder one level up View
Alt + F12 Open folders history View
Ctrl + R Refresh items list View
F1 Opens 7-Zip Help View
Tab Switch between panels View
Insert Select / Deselect current item Miscellaneous commands
Shift + F10 Display the shortcut menu for the selected items Miscellaneous commands
Alt + 9 Open folder bookmark Miscellaneous commands
Shift + Alt + 9 reates folder bookmark Miscellaneous commands
Alt + F1 Edit the Folder Address on left panel Miscellaneous commands
F2 Edit the Folder Address on right panel Miscellaneous commands
Ctrl + + Adjust optimal column width for items Miscellaneous commands
Top Arrow Open same folder in other panel Miscellaneous commands
Alt + Left Arrow Open current folder in other panel

Miscellaneous commands

What is the shortcut to extract files in 7-Zip?

There’s no default single-key shortcut, but pressing Enter after selecting files and choosing “Extract” from the toolbar speeds up the process.

Can I use 7-Zip entirely with the keyboard?

Yes, you can navigate the entire 7-Zip interface with keyboard shortcuts, including opening archives, selecting files, and compressing or extracting files.

Is 7-Zip faster with keyboard shortcuts?

Definitely. For frequent users, using 7-Zip keyboard shortcuts reduces reliance on the mouse and boosts task speed by up to 30%.

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