What are the default X-Plane 12 keyboard shortcuts?
X-Plane 12’s main default keyboard shortcuts include P to pause, G for landing gear, B for normal wheel brakes, V for maximum braking, 1/2 for flaps, 3/4 for speedbrakes, F1–F4 for throttle, M for the map, Enter for ATC and Shift+9 for the 3-D cockpit. The complete command set appears under Settings > Keyboard.
These are the stock assignments. A different control profile, an add-on aircraft or previous customisation may change what a key does, so X-Plane 12’s Keyboard settings screen is the final authority for your installation.
Default X-Plane 12 flight and simulator keys
The number-row keys operate flaps and speedbrakes, while several letter keys cover the functions used most often around take-off and landing.
| Key | Default command |
|---|---|
P | Toggle pause |
M | Open or close the map |
Enter | Open the ATC window |
Alt+R | Toggle replay mode |
Shift+Space | Take a screenshot |
G | Toggle landing gear |
B | Toggle regular wheel braking |
V | Toggle maximum wheel braking |
[ | Pitch trim nose-down |
] | Pitch trim nose-up |
1 | Retract flaps one step |
2 | Extend flaps one step |
3 | Retract speedbrakes one step |
4 | Extend speedbrakes one step |
Ctrl+Shift+E | Set engines to running |
The flap and speedbrake shortcuts use the number row, not the numeric keypad. The engine-running command is a convenience command rather than a simulated start procedure, and complex add-on aircraft may ignore it.
Default engine keyboard controls
The function-key row controls the collective throttle, propeller and mixture commands for all applicable engines.
| Key | Default engine command |
|---|---|
F1 | Throttle down |
F2 | Throttle down a small amount |
F3 | Throttle up a small amount |
F4 | Maximum throttle |
F5 | Minimum propeller control |
F6 | Propeller control down a small amount |
F7 | Propeller control up a small amount |
F8 | Maximum propeller control |
F9 | Minimum mixture |
F10 | Lean mixture a small amount |
F11 | Enrich mixture a small amount |
F12 | Maximum mixture |
On laptops and compact keyboards, the operating system may reserve the function row for brightness, volume or media controls. Use the keyboard’s Fn mode or change the system setting that determines how its function keys behave.
View and quick-look shortcuts
Shift+9 returns to the 3-D cockpit, while the other Shift-number combinations select external and fixed views.
| Key | Default view |
|---|---|
W | Forward view with panel |
Ctrl+W | Forward view with HUD |
Shift+W | Forward view without panel or HUD |
Shift+1 | Linear spot view |
Shift+2 | Still spot view |
Shift+3 | Runway view |
Shift+4 | Circle view |
Shift+5 | Tower view |
Shift+6 | Ride-along view |
Shift+7 | Weapon view |
Shift+8 | Chase view |
Shift+9 | 3-D cockpit |
Numpad 0–9 | Recall a saved quick look |
Ctrl+Numpad 0–9 | Store the present view as a quick look |
Quick looks require a separate numeric keypad; the top-row numbers retain their flight-control assignments. Saved quick looks are associated with the aircraft, making them useful for overhead panels, radios, engine controls and wing views.
How do I find every X-Plane 12 keyboard command?
The searchable Keyboard settings page lists both assigned shortcuts and commands that have no default key.
- Open the control settings: select Settings, followed by Keyboard.
- Check the active profile: aircraft-specific control profiles can contain different keyboard assignments.
- Search by function: enter terms such as
flaps,trim,landing lights,autopilotorview. - Expand the relevant command: X-Plane shows its assigned key or indicates that no shortcut has been set.
- Assign a replacement: select the binding field and press the desired key or key combination, checking any conflict X-Plane reports.
X-Plane exposes many more commands than it assigns to the keyboard. Autopilot, electrical, radio and aircraft-specific functions may therefore be searchable even when they have no stock shortcut. Add-on commands may appear only after the relevant aircraft or plugin has loaded.
Can I keep a printable shortcut list?
Our printable expanded keyboard-and-controls reference covers many core mappings retained from X-Plane 11 and 10. Treat it as a desk reference and confirm each assignment in X-Plane 12, especially after changing profiles. Related printable aids and helper programs are available in our collection of X-Plane utility downloads.
Why does a default shortcut not work?
A non-working key usually points to a changed profile, keyboard hardware limitation or an aircraft system overriding the stock command.
- Another profile is active: verify the profile associated with the loaded aircraft before changing the binding.
- The key has been reassigned: search for both the intended command and the key itself to identify a conflict.
- A text field has focus: an FMS scratchpad, search box or plugin window may capture typing until focus returns to the cockpit.
- A hardware axis is overriding it: a throttle quadrant can immediately replace changes made with
F1–F4. Move the physical control or remove its axis assignment if keyboard throttle control is required. - The keyboard lacks the physical key: compact keyboards often omit the numeric keypad, while laptops may intercept function keys.
- The aircraft uses custom systems: the command may reach X-Plane while the aircraft’s hydraulic, electrical or custom logic prevents the gear, engine or autopilot from responding.
- The keyboard layout differs: bracket and symbol keys can occupy different physical positions on non-UK and non-US layouts. Follow the assignment displayed in Settings rather than assuming the printed keycap matches.
How do I change or restore a key binding?
Change a single shortcut by searching for its command and assigning a new combination; there is rarely a reason to reset every preference. Before broad changes, duplicate or create a separate control profile so the existing joystick, yoke and throttle setup remains available.
To compare your setup with factory bindings, use a fresh profile with a default X-Plane aircraft. Avoid deleting preference files as a first fix, because that can remove unrelated control, display and simulator settings as well.