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Overview

The press command sends keyboard shortcuts to applications using a simple, readable syntax for key combinations. 
agent-desktop press <COMBO> [--app <NAME>]

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Syntax

Key combinations use + to join modifiers and keys: 
modifier+modifier+key

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Modifiers

  • cmd - Command key (macOS) / Super key (Linux)
  • ctrl - Control key
  • shift - Shift key
  • alt / option - Alt/Option key

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Single Keys

Common keys can be referenced by name:
  • return / enter
  • escape / esc
  • tab
  • space
  • delete / backspace
  • up, down, left, right (arrow keys)
  • home, end, pageup, pagedown
  • Function keys: f1, f2, … f12
Alphanumeric keys use their literal character: a, b, 1, 2, etc.

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Examples

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Single Key

agent-desktop press return
agent-desktop press escape
agent-desktop press tab

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Single Modifier + Key

agent-desktop press cmd+s       # Save
agent-desktop press cmd+c       # Copy
agent-desktop press cmd+v       # Paste
agent-desktop press ctrl+a      # Select all (some apps)

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Multiple Modifiers

agent-desktop press cmd+shift+z      # Redo
agent-desktop press cmd+shift+n      # New private window
agent-desktop press cmd+alt+esc      # Force quit dialog (macOS)
agent-desktop press ctrl+shift+t     # Reopen closed tab

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Application-Targeted Shortcuts

Focus an app before sending the shortcut: 
agent-desktop press cmd+s --app TextEdit
agent-desktop press cmd+t --app Safari
This ensures the shortcut reaches the correct application even if it’s not currently focused.

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Common Shortcuts by Function

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File Operations

agent-desktop press cmd+n       # New
agent-desktop press cmd+o       # Open
agent-desktop press cmd+s       # Save
agent-desktop press cmd+shift+s # Save As
agent-desktop press cmd+p       # Print
agent-desktop press cmd+w       # Close window
agent-desktop press cmd+q       # Quit app

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Editing

agent-desktop press cmd+z       # Undo
agent-desktop press cmd+shift+z # Redo
agent-desktop press cmd+x       # Cut
agent-desktop press cmd+c       # Copy
agent-desktop press cmd+v       # Paste
agent-desktop press cmd+a       # Select all

agent-desktop press cmd+tab     # Switch apps
agent-desktop press cmd+`       # Switch windows (same app)
agent-desktop press cmd+left    # Move cursor to line start
agent-desktop press cmd+right   # Move cursor to line end
agent-desktop press cmd+up      # Move cursor to document start
agent-desktop press cmd+down    # Move cursor to document end

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Browser

agent-desktop press cmd+t       # New tab
agent-desktop press cmd+w       # Close tab
agent-desktop press cmd+shift+t # Reopen closed tab
agent-desktop press cmd+l       # Focus address bar
agent-desktop press cmd+r       # Reload page
agent-desktop press cmd+shift+r # Hard reload

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Advanced Usage

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Hold and Release Keys

For precise control over key timing, use key-down and key-up: 
agent-desktop key-down shift
agent-desktop press right
agent-desktop press right
agent-desktop key-up shift
This selects two characters by holding shift while pressing the right arrow twice.

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Combining with Other Commands

Key combos work well in workflows: 
# Open save dialog, type filename, save
agent-desktop press cmd+s --app TextEdit
agent-desktop wait --window "Save" --timeout 5000
agent-desktop type @e1 "quarterly-report.txt"
agent-desktop press return
  • key-down - Hold a key or modifier
  • key-up - Release a held key or modifier
  • type - Type text into an element

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