What are DCS World’s default keyboard and mouse controls?

DCS World has no single aircraft-wide default control map: each module and cockpit seat has its own profile. Across most profiles, the arrow keys control pitch and roll, Z/X control rudder, Page Up/Page Down change throttle, function keys select views, and the mouse operates clickable cockpits or looks around.

Is there one default DCS World control list?

No; DCS loads separate bindings for the user interface, general simulator functions, individual aircraft and, where applicable, each crew position. A command available in one aircraft may be absent or assigned differently in another.

The controls page for your selected module is therefore the authoritative list. This separation matters particularly for radios, weapons, autopilot functions, trim and engine controls. If you are preparing for your first flight, our DCS setup and first-flight walkthrough explains where keyboard and mouse control fits into the wider setup.

Common default keyboard controls

These bindings are common starting points across many DCS World aircraft, although the selected module’s profile always takes precedence.

DCS distinguishes between left and right modifiers. For example, LCtrl means the left Control key; pressing RCtrl may not trigger the same command.

What are the default camera and view keys?

The function keys and numeric keypad provide the standard DCS view controls, subject to the mission’s camera restrictions.

A mission designer or multiplayer server can disable external views, map information and some unit cameras. If F2 or another external-view key does nothing in one mission but works elsewhere, the binding may be correct.

How do the default mouse controls work?

The mouse switches between operating a clickable cockpit and controlling the camera, with LAlt+C normally toggling clickable-cockpit cursor mode.

• Mouse movement: moves the cockpit cursor when clickable mode is active, or changes the view when mouse-look mode is active.
• Left mouse button: operates a switch, button or selectable cockpit control.
• Right mouse button: usually operates the same control in the opposite direction or invokes its secondary action.
• Mouse wheel: turns rotary knobs under the cursor; in a camera mode, it commonly controls zoom.
• LAlt+C: changes between the clickable cursor and mouse-look behaviour.

Individual cockpit controls can implement clicks and wheel movement differently. Aircraft without clickable cockpits still use the mouse for views, but their systems must be operated through assigned keyboard or controller commands.

How do you find every default binding for an aircraft?

The Controls screen shows the exact keyboard and mouse assignments loaded for the chosen aircraft and crew position.

1. Open Controls: from the DCS World main menu, open Options and then Controls.
2. Select the correct layer: choose the aircraft, vehicle or UI layer from the selector. In a multicrew module, verify that the correct seat is selected.
3. Search for the command: use the search field or key-search function to locate an action such as landing gear, trim or radio transmit.
4. Inspect the device columns: keyboard and mouse assignments are separate from joystick, throttle and rudder-pedal columns. Red or duplicated entries should be checked for conflicts.
5. Export when available: the Controls screen’s HTML export function can produce a reference containing the bindings installed on that system.

When replacing keyboard flight commands with analogue axes, follow our aircraft-specific HOTAS binding procedure rather than copying another module’s profile.

Can you fly DCS World with only a keyboard and mouse?

Yes, DCS World can be flown with a keyboard and mouse, but digital pitch, roll and rudder commands make precise formation flying, air-to-air refuelling and carrier approaches considerably harder.

A mouse is effective for full-fidelity cockpit interaction, while a joystick provides the fine analogue control needed in flight. Our guide to choosing DCS controllers explains when keyboard and mouse are sufficient and when a joystick, throttle or pedals become useful.

Why does a default DCS key not work?

A non-working default key is usually caused by the wrong aircraft layer, a modifier mismatch, a conflicting assignment or a mission restriction.

• Wrong module or seat: confirm that you are editing the profile for the aircraft and crew position being used.
• Left/right modifier mismatch: LCtrl, RCtrl, LShift and RShift are separate inputs.
• Mouse in the wrong mode: press LAlt+C if the mouse looks around when you want to click, or leaves a cursor when you want mouse-look.
• External views disabled: test the view in a mission that permits external cameras.
• Missing numeric keypad: laptops and compact keyboards may need replacement bindings for numpad camera commands.
• Custom profile conflict: inspect duplicate assignments in the Controls screen. A reinstall may leave control overrides stored in the DCS user-data folder.

A mistake we see constantly is using Clear Category while trying to restore defaults; that removes assignments rather than acting as a reliable reset. Check the available reset/default option for the selected device and module before deleting or replacing any saved control profile.