VLC Media Player Shortcut Keys: Complete List Of Hotkeys 2025

VLC Media Player Shortcut Keys: Complete Guide to Hotkeys and Keyboard Commands

VLC Media Player is one of the most popular free video players in the world. It can play almost any video or audio file without installing extra codecs. What many users miss are the shortcut keys that make VLC faster and easier to use. These VLC keyboard commands help you control videos, adjust volume, and switch subtitles without touching your mouse.

I have used VLC for over ten years while editing videos, taking screenshots, and watching long tutorials. In that time, I’ve learned which shortcuts save real time and which ones are just nice to know. This guide lists the most useful VLC Media Player shortcut keys you should memorize first.

Why Use VLC Keyboard Shortcuts

Using keyboard shortcuts makes a big difference when watching or working with videos. Reaching for the mouse every time you need to pause, skip, or change volume slows you down. Shortcuts let you control VLC instantly, helping you stay focused on the video instead of the controls.

Essential VLC Shortcut Keys

These are the shortcuts you’ll use most often. Learn these first before moving on to advanced commands.

• Spacebar: Play or pause the video

• F: Toggle fullscreen on or off

• M: Mute or unmute the sound

• Ctrl + Up/Down Arrow: Increase or decrease volume

• V: Turn subtitles on or off

• B: Switch between audio tracks

• Ctrl + Q: Quit VLC Media Player

Navigation Shortcuts in VLC Player

These VLC key shortcuts help you move through videos quickly.

• Shift + Left/Right Arrow: Jump 3 seconds backward or forward

• Alt + Left/Right Arrow: Jump 10 seconds backward or forward

• Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow: Jump 1 minute backward or forward

• Ctrl + T: Go to a specific time

• N: Next video in playlist

• P: Previous video

Playback Speed Controls

• + / -: Increase or decrease playback speed

• =: Return to normal speed

• [ / ]: Fine-tune playback speed in small steps

These controls help when you want to speed through tutorials or slow down lectures.

Advanced VLC Hotkeys

• E: Play frame by frame

• Shift + S: Take a screenshot of the current frame

• Ctrl + H: Toggle minimal interface view

• Ctrl + E: Open Adjustments and Effects menu

• G / H: Delay or advance subtitles

• J / K: Fix audio delay

These keyboard commands are great for editors, reviewers, and anyone working with video content.

File and Playlist Controls

• Ctrl + O: Open a single media file

• Ctrl + Shift + O: Open multiple files

• Ctrl + F: Open a folder

• Ctrl + L: Show or hide playlist

VLC Shortcuts on Mac

For Mac users, replace Ctrl with Command (⌘). The F key still toggles fullscreen, but you can exit Fullscreen with the Esc key.

How to Remember VLC Player Shortcuts

Start small, Practice the seven basic VLC Media Player hotkeys for one week. Once you’re comfortable, add more shortcuts as you go. To see or change shortcuts, go to Tools > Preferences > Hotkeys in VLC. You can customize every command to suit your workflow.

Final Thoughts

Learning VLC Media Player shortcut keys will save time every day. It makes video watching smoother and editing tasks faster. Focus on the main shortcuts first, add navigation keys next, and soon you’ll control VLC like a pro. These simple keyboard commands are the easiest way to get more done with VLC Media Player.