How to Create and Assign Custom Keyboard Shortcuts in Ubuntu

Keyboard shortcuts are the cornerstone of desktop productivity. While Ubuntu comes pre-configured with dozens of standard GNOME key combinations—such as Super for Activities, Ctrl + Alt + T for Terminal, and Super + L to lock screen—you inevitably have custom daily workflows that require repetitive mouse clicks. Whether you want to launch Google Chrome with Ctrl + Alt + C, trigger a custom bash backup script, or open your calculator with a single keypress, Ubuntu includes a built-in custom shortcut manager that lets you bind any terminal command to your preferred key combinations.

Why Create Custom Shortcuts in Ubuntu?

Mapping custom hotkeys eliminates friction in daily computing:

• Instant App Launching: Launch heavy everyday software like VS Code, Spotify, GIMP, or Firefox instantaneously without searching the application grid.
• Trigger Custom Scripts: Execute background maintenance scripts, audio toggles, or screen brightness adjusters with a quick key chord.
• Resolve Key Conflicts: Rebind awkward default combinations to match shortcuts you are already accustomed to from Windows or macOS.

How to Add a Custom Keyboard Shortcut in Ubuntu Settings

Creating a new shortcut takes under two minutes:

1. Open the Settings app from the application launcher (or press the Super key and type Settings).
2. Click on Keyboard in the left navigation sidebar.
3. Under the Keyboard Shortcuts section, click on View and Customise Shortcuts.
4. A modal dialogue opens displaying system shortcuts grouped by category (Navigation, Windows, Screenshots, System).
5. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the list and click on Custom Shortcuts.
6. Click the + (Add Shortcut) button (or Add Shortcut row).
7. Configure the three fields:
   • Name: A descriptive label (e.g., Launch Google Chrome or Open Text Editor).
   • Command: The exact terminal binary name or command string to execute (e.g., google-chrome, code, gnome-calculator, or sh ~/scripts/backup.sh).
8. Click the Set Shortcut… button.
9. Press the exact key combination on your physical keyboard (for example, press Ctrl + Alt + B for browser).
10. Click Add in the top-right corner.

Testing and Editing Your Custom Shortcut

Test your new hotkey immediately: press your assigned key combination anywhere on your desktop. Your designated program or script will launch instantaneously. If you ever need to change the key binding or delete the shortcut, return to the Custom Shortcuts menu, click on the entry, and choose Reset or Remove.