Download the FSX quick reference card and complete keyboard shortcut list, then learn how to check changed bindings in FSX and Steam Edition.
The FSX keyboard quick reference card is available from our downloadable FSX controls and keyboard commands page. It contains the default Microsoft Flight Simulator X shortcuts in printable PDF, editable Word and image formats, covering flight controls, engines, views, radios, autopilot, simulation commands and ground operations.
Which FSX quick reference format should I use?
Choose the format according to how you intend to keep the card beside the simulator.
| Format | Best use |
|---|---|
| Printing a clean reference sheet or saving it on a tablet | |
| Word | Adding notes or creating a customised copy |
| JPG or PNG | Displaying the shortcuts on a second monitor or opening them quickly in an image viewer |
The downloadable reference is more comprehensive than a short list of popular commands. For a smaller set covering routine flying, views, engines and ground handling, use our summary of the FSX shortcuts used most often.
Does the card work with FSX: Steam Edition?
The card is a useful default reference for both the boxed version of FSX and FSX: Steam Edition. Their standard keyboard controls are broadly the same, but the listed command will not necessarily match an installation with customised assignments.
Controller profiles, utilities and aircraft add-ons can also change the result. The reference card shows the simulator's default commands; it cannot reflect keys reassigned on your particular system or commands implemented separately by an add-on aircraft.
How do I check or change an FSX keyboard shortcut?
FSX's Controls settings show the assignment actually active in your installation, so they take precedence over any printed card.
- Open Controls: Enter the simulator's Settings area and open the controls configuration.
- Select keyboard assignments: Choose the Buttons/Keys page rather than the controller-axis page.
- Find the required event: Select the relevant command category and locate the function, such as landing gear, parking brake or autopilot master.
- Inspect the binding: Check whether the expected key is assigned, missing or duplicated by another command.
- Change only what is necessary: Add or replace the assignment, then test it in a default FSX aircraft before altering more controls.
Avoid resetting every control as the first fix because that can erase a carefully customised layout. Record any changes on the Word version of the card so your printed reference remains accurate.
Why does an FSX shortcut listed on the card not work?
A listed shortcut usually fails because the binding has changed, keyboard focus is trapped elsewhere, or the aircraft does not use the default FSX command.
- Keyboard focus: Click back inside the main simulator window after typing into a gauge, search box or external utility.
- Changed assignment: Verify the command in Controls instead of assuming the printed default remains active.
- Keypad state: Check Num Lock when using numeric-keypad view commands.
- Laptop keyboard: Some keys require an Fn modifier or are absent entirely, making reassignment the cleaner solution.
- Add-on aircraft: Complex aircraft may operate systems through custom gauges or code rather than standard FSX events.
- Conflicting software: A controller utility or another assignment may capture the same key first.
When a command works in a default aircraft but not in an add-on, the keyboard itself is rarely the problem. Our add-on aircraft shortcut troubleshooting steps cover focus problems, conflicting assignments and aircraft-specific controls.