What Is CheatKeys and What Does It Do?

Updated

CheatKeys is a Windows utility that shows you the keyboard shortcuts available in whatever app you're currently using. You hold the CTRL key a little longer than usual, and a list of active shortcuts for that app appears; release the key and the list hides. It's aimed at people who want to use shortcuts more but don't want to memorize them or hunt through menus. It's currently offered as a beta download (v1.1.29), and the site lists a separate purchase page, so treat pricing and licensing as something to check before you commit.

How it works in practice

The core interaction is deliberately minimal:

  1. Install CheatKeys and leave it running in the background.
  2. Switch to a supported app, such as Slack, Microsoft Outlook, or Visual Studio Code.
  3. Press and hold CTRL slightly longer than a normal keystroke.
  4. A window lists the shortcuts active in that app. Release CTRL to dismiss it.

The trigger isn't locked to CTRL. The site says both the trigger key and the hold duration are customizable, so you can avoid conflicts with apps that already use CTRL combos heavily.

Main features

Feature What it gives you
Pre-loaded shortcuts Shortcut lists for a range of popular Windows apps, available out of the box
Add your own shortcuts Enter and manage shortcut lists for any app, including ones not officially supported
Customize any shortcut Add or change shortcuts for supported apps to match your workflow
Hold-to-show trigger Hold CTRL (or a chosen key) to display shortcuts; release to hide
Global hotkey A toggle alternative to holding a key, configurable in preferences
Themes System Default, Light, or Dark for the CheatKeys window
Automatic updates In-app notification when an update is available, applied with a click
App requests Request support for a new app from within CheatKeys

Who it suits, and who might skip it

It fits well if you work in a handful of desktop apps all day and want a low-effort way to discover shortcuts without leaving your current window. The "add your own" and "customize" options also help if you use a niche app or have remapped keys.

It's less useful if you mostly work in apps with very few shortcuts, or if you already know your key bindings well. And because it's a beta build, expect the supported-app list and behavior to keep changing.

Supported apps and getting started

The site names Slack, Evernote, Visual Studio Code, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Word, and says "many more." For anything missing, you can add your own list or request support from inside the app.

To try it, download the current beta from the site, run it, and test the hold-CTRL gesture in one of the listed apps. If the trigger feels wrong, adjust the key and duration in preferences, or switch to the global hotkey toggle. Check the purchase page for current terms before relying on it long-term.