Google Earth Pro becomes much easier to use when you know the right keyboard shortcuts. Instead of repeatedly reaching for menus or navigation controls, you can use your keyboard to move around the 3D globe, zoom, change the view, create map features, search, save views and perform other common tasks.
This guide covers the most useful Google Earth Pro keyboard shortcuts for Windows/Linux and Mac. The shortcuts below are based on Google's current Google Earth Help documentation.
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Google Earth Pro Navigation Shortcuts
Navigation shortcuts are especially useful when examining satellite imagery, terrain, locations and geographic features.
| Action | Windows/Linux | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Move left | Left Arrow | Left Arrow |
| Move right | Right Arrow | Right Arrow |
| Move up | Up Arrow | Up Arrow |
| Move down | Down Arrow | Down Arrow |
| Rotate clockwise | Shift + Left Arrow | Shift + Left Arrow |
| Rotate counterclockwise | Shift + Right Arrow | Shift + Right Arrow |
| Tilt up | Shift + Up Arrow* | Shift + Up Arrow |
| Tilt down | Shift + Down Arrow* | Shift + Down Arrow |
| Zoom in | + | + |
| Zoom out | - | - |
| Stop current movement | Spacebar | Spacebar |
| Reset north-up view | N | N |
| Reset tilt | U | U |
| Centre Earth | R | R |
*Google also documents mouse-based tilt controls for Windows/Linux. Holding Alt while using a navigation shortcut allows slower movement.
How to navigate more slowly
If the globe is moving too quickly, hold Alt while using a navigation shortcut. This is useful when you need more precise control over the map view.
Essential Google Earth Pro Commands
Google Earth Pro also provides shortcuts for common application commands.
| Action | Windows/Linux | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Open a file | Ctrl + O | Command + O |
| Save current view | Ctrl + Alt + S | Command + Option + S |
| View current view in Google Maps | Ctrl + Alt + M | Command + Option + M |
| Ctrl + P | Command + P | |
| Find | Ctrl + F | Command + F |
| Copy | Ctrl + C | Command + C |
| Cut | Ctrl + X | Command + X |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | Command + V |
| Delete | Delete | Delete |
| Rename | Ctrl + Alt + R | Command + Option + R |
| Zoom to selected item | Enter | Enter |
| Show/hide sidebar | Ctrl + Alt + B | Command + Option + B |
| Full screen | F11 | Not supported |
These commands can save time when managing locations, files and map views. For example, selecting an item and pressing Enter zooms the view to that selected placemark or item.
Shortcuts for Adding GIS Features
One of the most useful groups for GIS and mapping work is the set of shortcuts for creating features.
| Action | Windows/Linux | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Add placemark | Ctrl + Shift + P | Command + Shift + P |
| Add folder | Ctrl + Shift + N | Command + Shift + N |
| Add image overlay | Ctrl + Shift + O | Command + Shift + O |
| Add model | Ctrl + Shift + M | Command + Shift + M |
| Add path | Ctrl + Shift + T | Command + Shift + T |
| Add polygon | Ctrl + Shift + G | Command + Shift + G |
These commands are particularly useful when preparing maps that contain points, paths, polygons or image overlays. Google's documentation lists these shortcuts for both Windows/Linux and Mac.
Three Useful Examples
Example 1: Quickly reset your map orientation
If you rotate the globe while examining an area and want north at the top again, press N. Google documents N as the shortcut for resetting the view to north-up.
Example 2: Create a path without opening the menu
To start creating a path, press Ctrl + Shift + T on Windows/Linux or Command + Shift + T on Mac. This can be useful when digitising roads, rivers, boundaries or other linear features.
Example 3: Quickly find a location
Press Ctrl + F on Windows/Linux or Command + F on Mac to access the Find function. This is useful when you need to search for a place instead of manually navigating across the globe.
Important Difference Between Google Earth Pro and Google Earth Web
Keyboard shortcuts can vary depending on which Google Earth product you are using. This article focuses on the desktop Google Earth Pro application, rather than assuming that every shortcut works identically in the browser version.
Google's documentation also separates general Google Earth keyboard navigation from application commands, so it is worth checking the official shortcut list if you are using a different platform or language configuration.
Tips for Using Google Earth Pro Shortcuts
You do not need to memorise every shortcut. Start with the commands you use most frequently.
For GIS and mapping work, a useful starting group is:
- Arrow keys — move around the map.
- + / - — zoom in and out.
- N — reset north-up.
- U — reset tilt.
- R — reset the view.
- Ctrl + F — find a location.
- Ctrl + Shift + P — add a placemark.
- Ctrl + Shift + T — add a path.
- Ctrl + Shift + G — add a polygon.
- Ctrl + Alt + S — save the current view.
Practising these shortcuts repeatedly can make common mapping tasks more efficient.
For the complete official list of Google Earth keyboard commands, readers can consult Google Earth Help: Use your keyboard to navigate Google Earth
Conclusion
Google Earth Pro keyboard shortcuts provide a convenient way to navigate the globe, control the viewing angle, search for locations, manage files and create geographic features. The most useful shortcuts depend on your workflow, but learning the navigation commands first is a good starting point.
If you regularly use Google Earth Pro for GIS, surveying, mapping or geographic analysis, keeping a short list of your most-used shortcuts nearby can save time and reduce unnecessary menu navigation.
Because Google can change software features and shortcuts, check the official Google Earth Help documentation if a shortcut behaves differently in your installed version.
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