10 best Minecraft shortcuts you need to know in 2024

Players can get all kinds of benefit from these Minecraft shortcuts (Image via Mojang)
Players can benefit from these Minecraft shortcuts (Image via Mojang Studios)

There are many differences between Minecraft Java and Bedrock. While some of these discrepancies, such as quasi-connectivity or a buildable nether roof, are quite substantial, others, such as variations in the keyboard shortcuts available to players, are much more inconsequential. Java has a number of incredibly useful hotkeys, all of which make the game more accessible.

This article provides 10 examples of these exceptionally convenient Minecraft keyboard shortcuts, along with what makes them so important for survival players.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the author's opinions.


Chart New Territories with the ultimate Minecraft Seed Generator!

10 very handy Minecraft Java Edition keyboard shortcuts

1) F3

Players can get all kinds of information from the debug screen (Image via Mojang Studios)
Players can get all kinds of information from the debug screen (Image via Mojang Studios)

The single most important keyboard shortcut in the entire game is the F3 key. This will open up Minecraft's debug menu, providing players with all kinds of handy information, such as local difficulty and light level, biome, directional facing, and world coordinates. It can also be combined with other hotkeys for useful effects, which we mention later in this article.


2) Switch offhand items

Being able to quickly trade main and offhand items makes the "F" key one of the best shortcuts (Image via Mojang Studios)
Being able to quickly trade main and offhand items makes the "F" key one of the best shortcuts (Image via Mojang Studios)

Another incredibly important shortcut in survival worlds is the "F" key. This button allows players to quickly swap whatever is in their offhand with what is in their main hand. Being able to swap torches for a shield while mining or grab a totem of undying off the hotbar is what makes this shortcut so important for survival players.


3) Hitbox toggle

Seeing hitboxes is most useful on quick-moving mobs (Image via Mojang Studios)
Seeing hitboxes is most useful on quick-moving mobs (Image via Mojang Studios)

The first F3 shortcut worth mentioning is the F3+B shortcut, which enables or disables the ability to see entity hitboxes. This makes it easy to hit fast-moving targets, such as Minecraft's ender dragon, while helping a player avoid accidentally breaking boats while transporting mobs. The wide range of utilities is what makes the hitbox toggle shortcut so useful.


4) Chunk borders

Chunk borders set to show (Image via Mojang Studios)
Chunk borders set to show (Image via Mojang Studios)

The F3+G shortcut is important, as some farms, like old-school Minecraft slime farms, require players to build them in certain chunks. This makes being able to see the exact outline of chunks even more important.

Spawn chunks are also vital to survival worlds, as they're always loaded in. This means that farms made in them will constantly run, so being able to see the outlines of Minecraft chunks is useful.


5) Detailed item descriptions

Detailed descriptions allow for precise use of item durability (Image via Mojang Studios)
Detailed descriptions allow for precise use of item durability (Image via Mojang Studios)

Another nifty F3 shortcut is F3+H. This combination of keys will enable or disable detailed item descriptions, which helps players see item durability. This makes it possible to use fully enchanted gear until the last point of durability, allowing players to get the most out of their tools before placing the Minecraft mending enchantment on them.

Essentially, the F3+H shortcut gives players another way to avoid breaking any of their incredibly highly enchanted gear, making the game easier in the long run.


6) Quick commands

The forward slash button saves some time when using commands (Image via Mojang Studios)
The forward slash button saves some time when using commands (Image via Mojang Studios)

Hitting the "/" key will open up the text box with a forward slash already typed in. This is slightly faster than opening up the chat window with the regular "T" key bind and then pressing the forward slash. This helps players save time if they need to execute several back-to-back Minecraft commands. It also feels more satisfying and efficient to use.


7) Switch perspectives

Switching perspectives is a niche feature, but having the option is nice (Image via Mojang Studios)
Switching perspectives is a niche feature, but having the option is nice (Image via Mojang Studios)

While the default perspective of the game is first person, there are actually two alternate camera angles that players have access to. The first is a traditional third-person angle, with the camera matching the direction that the player's head is facing. The other is an inverted third-person, with the camera facing the player. Players can cycle through these camera angles using the F5 shortcut.


8) Toggle fullscreen

The fullscreen toggle will let players avoid seeing Windows borders (Image via Mojang Studios)
The fullscreen toggle will let players avoid seeing Windows borders (Image via Mojang Studios)

This relatively minor keyboard shortcut is essential for players seeking the most immersive experience possible. Pressing the F11 key will force the game to go fullscreen, removing pesky Windows borders and other distracting application UIs. This makes it much easier to get lost in a new Minecraft survival world.


9) Screenshot

Screenshots can help players keep track of where important landmarks are located (Image via Mojang Studios)
Screenshots can help players keep track of where important landmarks are located (Image via Mojang Studios)

The F2 key will allow players to take a screenshot of the game. This is a one-to-one capture of whatever is currently on screen, ensuring the picture contains what it needs to, as there's no fiddling with different perspectives or viewfinders. These screenshots are also stored locally, making them easy to locate and share with friends.


10) HUD Toggle

Being able to turn the HUD off makes getting screenshots much easier (Image via Mojang Studios)
Being able to turn the HUD off makes getting screenshots much easier (Image via Mojang Studios)

The F1 HUD toggle shortcut does exactly what the name suggests: it toggles the visibility of the Minecraft HUD. The shortcut works amazingly well with the screenshot, allowing for incredibly cinematic and immersive shots. It can also be used to let players see through otherwise thick and annoying particle effects.

Uncover new worlds with our Minecraft Seed Generator!

Quick Links

Edited by Dinesh Renthlei
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications