If your terminal is open and focused, and you want to leave it visible but move your typing cursor back to your PHP file, use the Escape key. Esc Jump Back to Active Tool Window
Ctrl + C (Windows/Linux) or Command + C (macOS). Note: If a process is running, Ctrl+C will terminate it. To copy text while a process is running, highlight the text and use the right-click context menu, or configure the IDE to use Ctrl + Insert . Paste: Ctrl + V (Windows/Linux) or Command + V (macOS). 2. Scrolling the Output Buffer
Right-click the action you want to modify (e.g., "Terminal") and select . Press your desired key combination and click OK . Pro Tip: Changing the Default Shell
By pressing these keys, you'll instantly scroll to the top of your terminal output, saving you time and effort. phpstorm terminal shortcut top
These are the core shortcuts every PHPStorm user should memorize. They handle the basic management of your terminal tool window. Toggle Terminal Window Alt + F12 macOS: ⌥ F12 (Option + F12)
Instead of opening the terminal and typing cd path/to/folder , right-click any folder or file in your PHPStorm and select Open in -> Terminal . The terminal will launch already targeted to that specific directory. Summary of Top Shortcuts for Quick Reference Windows/Linux Toggle Terminal Alt + F12 Option + F12 New Tab Ctrl + Shift + T Ctrl + Shift + T Close Tab Ctrl + Shift + W Ctrl + Shift + W Maximize Window Ctrl + Shift + ' Command + Shift + ' Search Command History Ctrl + R Ctrl + R
Mastering the terminal in PhpStorm transforms it from a code editor into a complete development environment. Start by committing the ultimate power shortcut— (or ⌥ Option+F12 on macOS)—to muscle memory. From there, gradually incorporate the shortcuts for tab management, navigation, and customizing your keymap. By integrating these keystrokes into your daily workflow, you'll navigate your projects with a speed and fluidity that will make you a far more efficient developer. If your terminal is open and focused, and
: Ctrl + R . Type a few letters to instantly find and reuse long commands you ran earlier. 4. Text Selection and Clipboard Operations
If the default Alt + F12 doesn't suit your muscle memory, you can change it: Open ( Ctrl + Alt + S / ⌘ , ). Navigate to Keymap . Search for "Terminal" .
Opening and closing the terminal fluidly is the foundation of a fast workflow. These shortcuts let you toggle the tool window instantly. To copy text while a process is running,
A common frustration for developers is getting "stuck" inside the terminal window. Once you run a command, you need a quick way to jump back to your file without closing the terminal entirely. Escape to Editor
| Action | Windows / Linux | macOS | |--------|----------------|-------| | | Ctrl+Shift+T | Cmd+Shift+T | | Switch to previous/next session | Alt+Right / Alt+Left | Option+Right / Option+Left | | Close current session | Ctrl+Shift+F4 | Cmd+Shift+F4 | | Focus editor from terminal | Esc | Esc |
Beyond the basics, PhpStorm's terminal is packed with features to streamline your workflow.