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Keyboard shortcuts

Xolmis includes a set of keyboard shortcuts that make navigation and data entry faster and more efficient. Using shortcuts reduces reliance on the mouse, speeds up repetitive tasks, and helps maintain focus during field data digitization or large dataset management.

Global shortcuts

These shortcuts are available across the entire application, regardless of the module you are working in:

Shortcut Feature
Ctrl+Alt+O Connect to a database
Ctrl+Alt+S Open settings
Ctrl+. Switch to the next open tab
Ctrl+, Switch to the previous open tab
F1 Open contextual help
Ctrl+I Open import wizard
Ctrl+M Open import from Xolmis Mobile dialog
Import from eBird Records file
Import geographical coordinates

Module shortcuts

These shortcuts apply to actions within modules (e.g., Captures, Sightings, Nests, Projects):

Shortcut Feature
F5 Refresh records
Ctrl+N Create a new record
Ctrl+Q Open Quick Entry
Ctrl+B Create new batch of records (if available)
Ctrl+E Edit the selected record
Ctrl+Del Delete the selected record
Ctrl+F Find/search records
Ctrl+Shift+F Advanced filtering options
Esc Clear search
Ctrl+Alt+P Open print preview
Ctrl+Alt+E Export current grid or report
Export coordinates of selected record (if available)
Ctrl+Alt+M Open map view (if available)
Ctrl+Alt+L Open summary panel (if available)
Ctrl+Alt+I Open images side panel (if available)
Ctrl+Alt+A Open audio recordings side panel (if available)
Ctrl+Alt+V Open videos side panel (if available)
Ctrl+Alt+D Open documents and links side panel (if available)
Ctrl+Alt+R Open record verifications
Ctrl+J Show/hide the related data panel (if available)
Create a new related record
Edit the selected related record
Delete the selected related record
Adjust data grid columns to their contents
Ctrl+= Increase row height of data grid
Ctrl+- Decrease row height of data grid
Ctrl+Shift+T Transfer bands (in Bands module)
Ctrl+Shift+B Open bands balance (in Bands module)

Adding and editing data

These shortcuts are useful when inserting or editing records in dialogs:

Shortcut Feature
Ctrl+S Save the current record
Esc Cancel insert/edit and close the dialog
Tab/Enter Move to the next field
Shift+Tab Move to the previous field

Coodinates converter

[Ctrl+O : Open from file] [Ctrl+S : Save to file] [Ctrl+Enter : Convert coordinates]

Tip

Enable the option Use keys to jump to the next control in Settings to use Enter as the Tab key.

Best practices

  • Memorize the most common shortcuts: shortcuts used frequently during data entry.
  • Use global shortcuts for quick access: they save time when switching databases, adjusting settings, or navigating tabs.
  • Combine with navigation keys: Use Tab/Enter and Shift+Tab to move between fields while editing.
  • Avoid accidental deletions: Be cautious with Ctrl+Del; confirm before deleting important records.
  • Use media shortcuts: Quickly open side panels for images, audio, or videos without leaving the record.
  • Practice workflows: Incorporate shortcuts into your daily routine to improve efficiency.

Relation to other modules

Keyboard shortcuts enhance productivity across all modules:

  • Captures and Sightings – Quickly add or edit records during data digitization.
  • Nests and Eggs – Speed up repetitive entry of breeding data.
  • Projects and Permits – Simplify administrative record management.
  • Institutions and Researchers – Facilitate updates to collaborator information.
  • Geo modules – Access maps and summaries faster with dedicated shortcuts.
  • Media modules – Attach and manage multimedia files more efficiently.

By mastering keyboard shortcuts, researchers can streamline their workflow in Xolmis, making data management faster, more consistent, and less error-prone.