Reference and help

Keyboard Shortcuts

Quick reference for all keyboard shortcuts to control Retrace efficiently.

Updated August 2026

On this page

Global Shortcuts

These shortcuts work from anywhere on your Mac, even when Retrace's window isn't focused.

ActionShortcut
Toggle Timeline + + T
Quick Capture Note + + N
Tip
These and most letter-key shortcuts below are defaults. Customize them in Settings → Shortcuts.

Timeline Navigation

These shortcuts are active when the Retrace timeline window is open.

ActionShortcut
Previous Frame or
Next Frame or
Jump Back (10 frames) + or +
Jump Forward (10 frames) + or +
Go to Start +
Go to End (Live) +
Jump to Now + N

Search and Filters

ActionShortcut
Focus Search Bar + F
Clear SearchEsc
Open App Filter + P
Open Time Filter + M
Open Label Filter + L
Browse Notes + O
Clear All Filters + U

Notes and Timeline Tools

ActionShortcut
Add Voice Note + D
Add Text Note + T
Retrace My Steps + I
Copy Current Image + C
Tip
In Browse Notes, use and to select a note, then press Return to jump to it.

Recording Controls

ActionShortcut
Start/Stop Recording + R
Timed Pause (Context Menu)Right-click Record button
Open App Exclusions + E

Window Management

ActionShortcut
Close Window + W
Open Settings + ,
Quit Retrace + Q

Modifier Key Reference

macOS uses specific symbols for modifier keys. Here's a quick reference:

SymbolKey
Command
Shift
Option / Alt
Control
Tip
The correct order for displaying modifier keys (per Apple HIG) is: Control → Option → Shift → Command.