Nano
Nano Quick Starter Guide
Nano is a simple, beginner-friendly terminal text editor for Linux/macOS. Unlike Vim, it doesn't have modes and uses intuitive keyboard shortcuts.
1. Launching & Exiting Nano
| Command |
Action |
nano |
Open Nano (new file) |
nano filename |
Open/edit a file |
Ctrl + X |
Exit Nano |
Ctrl + O |
Save file ("Write Out") |
Ctrl + G |
Open help menu |
2. Basic Navigation
| Shortcut |
Action |
Arrow Keys |
Move cursor |
Ctrl + A |
Start of line |
Ctrl + E |
End of line |
Ctrl + Y |
Page up |
Ctrl + V |
Page down |
Ctrl + _ |
Go to specific line |
3. Editing Text
| Shortcut |
Action |
Backspace / Delete |
Delete characters |
Ctrl + K |
Cut entire line |
Ctrl + U |
Paste (uncut) |
Ctrl + W |
Search for text |
Ctrl + \ |
Replace text |
Alt + A |
Start text selection |
Alt + 6 |
Copy selected text |
4. Saving & Exiting
| Shortcut |
Action |
Ctrl + O |
Save file (asks for filename) |
Enter |
Confirm save |
Ctrl + X |
Exit Nano |
Y / N |
Confirm save before quitting |
5. Help & Other Shortcuts
Ctrl + G → Open help (all shortcuts are listed at the bottom). Ctrl + C → Show current cursor position. Alt + U → Undo last action.
Nano vs Vim
| Feature |
Nano |
Vim |
| Modes |
No modes |
Normal/Insert/Command |
| Learning Curve |
Easy |
Steep |
| Speed |
Slower for experts |
Faster for pros |
| Shortcuts |
Ctrl/Alt based |
Modal (e.g., i, Esc, :) |
Nano is best for beginners, while Vim is for advanced users.
All Nano shortcuts are displayed at the bottom of the screen!
Try editing a file:
(Press Ctrl + X to exit.)