Navigation in Zed

Efficient Navigation Principles

Fast, precise navigation is one of Zed's core strengths. Zed combines traditional navigation with innovative approaches to help you move through your code effortlessly:

• Speed: Navigate instantly with minimal latency
• Context awareness: Jump between logically related code
• Search-driven: Find anything with a few keystrokes
• Memory: Navigate back and forth through your history

File Navigation

Fuzzy File Finder

The quickest way to open files is with the fuzzy file finder:

• Press ⌘P to open the file finder
• Type part of the filename to filter results
• Results update instantly as you type
• Use arrow keys to navigate results and Enter to open a file

Recently Opened Files

Quick access to recently opened files:

• Press ⌘ShiftE to show recently opened files
• Use ⌘Tab to cycle through open editors

Project Panel Navigation

Navigate using the project panel:

• Press ⌘1 to focus the project panel
• Use arrow keys to navigate the file tree
• Press Enter to open a file
• Use Space to preview a file without switching focus

Code Navigation

Basic Movement

• Line Navigation: Home/End to jump to start/end of line
• Word Navigation: ⌥←/⌥→ to move by word
• Page Navigation: Page Up/Page Down to scroll up/down
• File Navigation: ⌘Home/⌘End to go to start/end of file

Symbol Navigation

Navigate through code structures:

• Go to Symbol: ⌘ShiftO to search for symbols in the current file
• Go to Symbol in Workspace: ⌘T to search for symbols across your project
• Go to Definition: F12 or ⌘Click on a symbol
• Find References: ShiftF12 to find all usages of a symbol
• Peek Definition: ⌥F12 to preview a definition without leaving current file

Smart Navigation

Jump to Line

• Press ⌘G to open the go to line dialog
• Enter the line number and press Enter

Bracket Matching

• Press ⌘Shift\\ to jump to the matching bracket

Problem Navigation

• Next Problem: F8 to jump to the next error or warning
• Previous Problem: ShiftF8 to jump to the previous error or warning

Navigation History

Zed keeps track of your navigation positions:

• Go Back: ⌘[ or ⌃- to navigate to previous position
• Go Forward: ⌘] or ⌃Shift- to navigate to next position

Search-Based Navigation

Find in File

• Press ⌘F to search within the current file
• Press F3 to find the next occurrence
• Press ShiftF3 to find the previous occurrence

Find in Project

• Press ⌘ShiftF to search across all files
• Results appear in a searchable panel
• Click on results to jump to matching locations

Multi-File Navigation

Split Editors

Navigate between multiple editor panes:

• Create Vertical Split: ⌘\\
• Create Horizontal Split: ⌘Shift\\
• Focus Next Editor: ⌘Shift`

Tab Navigation

• Next Tab: ⌘Shift] to go to the next tab
• Previous Tab: ⌘Shift[ to go to the previous tab
• Go to Tab: ⌘1 through ⌘9 to jump to specific tabs

Navigation Workflow Examples

Example 1: Finding a Function Implementation

1. Find the function call

   Use ⌘ShiftF to search for the function name in your project.

2. Jump to the definition

   Position cursor on the function and press F12 to go to the definition.

3. Return when finished

   Press ⌘[ to return to the original position.

Example 2: Exploring an Unfamiliar Codebase

1. Start with entry points

   Open main files (index.js, main.py, etc.) using ⌘P.

2. View file symbols

   Press ⌘ShiftO to see the structure of each file.

3. Search for key concepts

   Use ⌘ShiftF to find important terms across the project.

What's Next?

Now that you've mastered navigation in Zed, you're ready to learn how to collaborate with others in real-time, one of Zed's most powerful features.