Quick Reference
Modifier Key Philosophy
Kern uses a consistent modifier hierarchy throughout the application. Once you learn these patterns, you can predict how shortcuts work across different contexts.
| Modifier | Purpose |
|---|
| (none) | Navigation between objects |
| ⇧ Shift | Multi-selection (add to selection) |
| ⌘ Cmd | Cursor/Marquee mode |
| ⌘⇧ | Extend Marquee selection |
| ⌘⌃ | Move objects (clips, notes, points) |
| ⌥ Option | Zoom & fine adjustments |
Option = Fine ModeWhen combined with other modifiers, Option makes movements finer (1/8 grid instead of full grid). This works for cursor movement, marquee extension, and object positioning.
Most Used Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|
| Play/Pause | Space |
| Toggle Recording | ⇧Space |
| Stop & Return | Return |
| Save | ⌘S |
| Save Version | ⌘⇧S |
| Undo | ⌘Z |
| Redo | ⌘⇧Z |
| Split at Cursor | ⌘E |
| Delete Selection | ⌫ |
| Duplicate | ⌘D |
| Select All | ⌘A |
Arrow Key Navigation
Arrow keys are the foundation of keyboard navigation. Their behavior changes based on modifier keys:
Horizontal (←/→)
| Modifier | Action |
|---|
| (none) | Select next/previous clip |
| ⇧ | Add clip to selection |
| ⌘ | Move cursor (1 grid division) |
| ⌘⌥ | Move cursor fine |
| ⌘⇧ | Extend marquee |
| ⌘⌃ | Move selected clips |
| ⌥ | Zoom in/out |
Vertical (↑/↓)
| Modifier | Action |
|---|
| (none) | Select clip on track above/below |
| ⇧ | Add clip on other track to selection |
| ⌘ | Move cursor to other track |
| ⌘⇧ | Extend marquee vertically |
| ⌘⌃ | Move clips to other track |
| ⌥ | Zoom level (↓=in, ↑=out) |
Mouse Interaction on Clips
Clip body interaction is controlled by the ⌘ modifier:
| Action | Modifier | Result |
|---|
| Click on clip | (none) | Select clip |
| Click on clip | ⇧ | Add/remove from selection |
| Click on clip | ⌘ | Set cursor/marquee |
| Drag clip | (none) | Move clip |
| Drag on clip | ⌘ | Create marquee within clip |
Brush Mode (⌘+Click)Hold ⌘ and click on empty space to create new clips. A ghost preview shows where the clip will be placed.
File Operations
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|
| ⌘N | New Project |
| ⌘O | Open Project |
| ⇧⌘O | Open Recent Project |
| ⌘S | Save |
| ⌘⇧S | Save Version (with AAC bounce) |
| ⌘B | Bounce to Disk |
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|
| ⌘1 | Show Tracks |
| ⌘2 | Show Browser |
| ⌘3 | Show Instruments |
| ⌘4 | Show Effects |
| ⌘5 | Show Project Info |
