---
title: Command palette
url: https://www.moldraw.com/docs/settings/how-to-use-the-command-palette/
section: Settings and layouts
updated: 2026-10-20
publisher: LabCanvas
---

# Command palette

> Press Ctrl+K (Cmd+K on a Mac) to open the command palette. Type a few letters of any action, tool, export format or settings section, then press Enter to run it.

The command palette is a search box for the whole editor. It reaches commands that sit deep in menus, so you can keep your hands on the keyboard.

1. Press `Ctrl+K`. On a Mac, press `Cmd+K`.
2. Type part of a command, such as "clean" or "svg".
3. Press `↓` or `↑` to move through the results.
4. Press `Enter` to run the command. Press `Esc` to close the palette.

`Ctrl+K` works anywhere in the editor, even while you type in a text box. Press it again to close the palette. You can also click a result with the mouse.

## Command groups

| Group | What it holds | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| **Recent** | The last five commands you ran. Shown when the search box is empty. | |
| **Edit** | Undo, redo, copy, paste and delete | Paste SMILES, Clear canvas |
| **Structure** | Chemistry actions on the drawing | Clean up structure, 3D clean up, Aromatize, Check structure, Automap reaction atoms, Reaction stoichiometry table |
| **Select** | Smart selections | Select all rings, Select heteroatoms, Select wedge / dash bonds, Invert selection |
| **Tools** | Every drawing tool, and "Place element" for C, N, O, S, P, F, Cl, Br, I and H | Place element N |
| **File** | New design, save and copy | New design, Save MolDraw file, My designs, Copy SVG |
| **Download** | One command per export format | Download PNG, Download Molfile, Download chemfig (LaTeX) |
| **View** | Zoom, panels, grid and theme | Fit drawing to view, Show or hide 3D viewer, Theme: Ink dark |
| **Settings** | Opens one section of Settings | Settings: Style presets |
| **Help** | Help and feedback | Keyboard shortcuts, What's new, Request a feature |

Commands that cannot run right now are hidden. For example, **Undo** does not show when there is nothing to undo.

## Search examples

| Type | You get |
|---|---|
| `clean` | Clean up structure and 3D clean up |
| `cdxml` | Download ChemDraw XML |
| `acs` | Settings: Style presets |
| `dark` | Theme: Elegant dark and Theme: Ink dark |
| `rings` | Select all rings, ring tools |
| `mw` | Add analysis to canvas |

The search also looks at hidden keywords. "export", "save as" or a file extension finds the Download commands. "chirality" finds **Show or hide R/S and E/Z labels**.

## Tips

- Commands that have a shortcut show the keys on the right. Learn them from there. See [Keyboard shortcuts](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/get-started/moldraw-keyboard-shortcuts-list/).
- Use **Place element** to pick elements that are not in your current atom palette row.
- Use **Settings:** commands to open the [Settings](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/settings/moldraw-settings-reference/) window on the right section.
- Command names are in English in every interface language.
- The palette needs a keyboard. On a phone or tablet without one, use the menus. See [Phone and tablet](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/devices/how-to-use-moldraw-on-a-phone-or-tablet/).

## Questions and answers

**What is the shortcut for the MolDraw command palette?**
Press Ctrl+K on Windows and Linux, or Cmd+K on a Mac. Press it again or press Esc to close it.

**Can I change the command palette shortcut?**
No. Ctrl+K and Cmd+K are fixed. You can change most other shortcuts in Settings, Shortcuts.

**Why is a command missing from the palette?**
Commands that cannot run right now are hidden. For example, Undo is hidden when there is nothing to undo.

## Practice it

- Interactive lesson: [How to use keyboard shortcuts to draw faster](https://www.moldraw.com/learn/how-to-use-keyboard-shortcuts-to-draw-faster/)

## Related pages

- [Keyboard shortcuts](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/get-started/moldraw-keyboard-shortcuts-list/)
- [Settings reference](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/settings/moldraw-settings-reference/)
- [The MolDraw screen](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/get-started/moldraw-editor-interface-toolbar-and-panels-explained/)
- [Change the language](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/settings/how-to-change-the-language-of-moldraw/)