Updated 23 October 2026. Facts on this page come from minecraft.wiki, minecraft.net and the live Artemis PvP server; sources are listed at the bottom.
Minecraft Controls: Every Default Key on Java
On Java Edition you move with W, A, S and D, jump with Space, sneak with Left Shift and sprint with Left Control. Left click attacks and breaks blocks, right click uses items and places blocks, E opens your inventory, Q drops the held item and F swaps it to your off hand. Every one of these can be changed in Options, Controls, Key Binds.
What are the movement keys?
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| W / A / S / D | Walk forward, strafe left, walk backward, strafe right |
| Space | Jump; double-tap to fly in Creative |
| Left Shift | Sneak; descend while flying |
| Left Control | Sprint (double-tapping W also sprints) |
What are the gameplay and inventory keys?
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Left mouse button | Attack, or hold to break a block |
| Right mouse button | Use an item or place a block |
| Middle mouse button | Pick block |
| 1-9 | Select a hotbar slot |
| E | Open or close the inventory |
| Q | Drop the selected item |
| F | Swap the item with your off hand |
| T / / | Open chat / open chat with a command started |
| Tab | List the players on the server |
| L | Advancements |
In Creative, X and C load and save whole hotbars. For PvP click speed, see CPS and clicking.
What do the F keys do?
- F1 hides the HUD; F2 takes a screenshot into the .minecraft/screenshots folder.
- F3 opens the debug screen; see the F3 screen.
- F5 cycles first person, third person behind and third person in front.
- F11 toggles full screen.
- F3 + B shows hitboxes, F3 + G chunk borders, F3 + H advanced tooltips, F3 + T reloads resource packs and F3 + F4 opens the game mode switcher.
How do controls work on Bedrock?
Bedrock supports keyboard and mouse, controllers (Xbox, PlayStation and Switch layouts) and touch. On touch screens you choose a mode: joystick and tap to interact, joystick with an aim crosshair, a D-pad, or split controls, and every button can be moved, resized and made see-through in the settings. On Switch the touchscreen only works in menus and inventory screens. See Bedrock vs Java.
Where do new ArtemisPvP players start?
Frequently asked questions
What is the sprint key in Minecraft?
Left Control on Java, or double-tap W.
How do you show hitboxes in Minecraft?
Press F3 + B on Java.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.