How to switch browser tabs with a keyboard

We’ve all become accustomed to keeping an arsenal of browser tabs open for getting things done, whether that means shopping, work, or entertainment. If you’re constantly flipping through tabs during the day, it’s probably worth learning the keyboard shortcuts on your desktop to speed things up. In this guide we’ll cover switching browser tabs in both Windows and macOS.

How to switch browser tabs with a keyboard on Windows

In Windows you’ll be using four different keyboard shortcuts. These should apply regardless of which browser you’re using  — the mainstays being Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge — though conceivably some niche browser makers might choose to deviate.

• Ctrl + Tab cycles forward through open tabs, starting with the one you currently have selected.
• Shift + Ctrl + Tab cycles backward through tabs.
• Ctrl + [1-8] jumps directly to one of the first eight tabs you have open, depending on which number key you use.
• Ctrl + 9 jumps to the final, furthest tab to the right, regardless of how many other tabs there are.

How to switch browser tabs with a keyboard on a Mac

There are similarities between macOS and Windows, but also differences, including between Safari and what you’ll use for Chrome or Firefox.

Safari

• Control + Tab cycles to the next tab.
• Control + Shift + Tab cycles backwards through open tabs.
• Command + [1-9] jumps to one of the first nine tabs you have running, depending on which number you choose.

Chrome or Firefox

• Command + Option + right arrow cycles to the next tab.
• Command + Option + left arrow cycles backwards through tabs.
• Command + [1-9] jumps directly to a specific tab based on the number key.