Editing GNU nano (section)

==Control keys==
GNU nano, like Pico, is [[computer keyboard|keyboard]]-oriented, controlled with [[control key]]s. For example, {{key press|Ctrl|O}} saves the current file; {{key press|Ctrl|W}} goes to the search menu. GNU nano puts a two-line "shortcut bar" at the bottom of the screen, listing many of the commands available in the current context. For a complete list, {{key press|Ctrl|G}} gets the help screen.

Unlike Pico, nano uses [[meta key]]s to toggle its behavior. For example, {{key press|Meta|S}} toggles smooth scrolling mode on and off. Almost all features that can be selected from the [[command line]] can be dynamically toggled. On keyboards without the meta key it is often mapped to the escape key, {{key press|Esc}}, such that in order to simulate, say, {{key press|Meta|S}} one has to press the {{key press|Esc}} key, then release it, and then press the {{key press|S}} key.

GNU nano can also use pointing devices, such as a [[Computer mouse|mouse]], to activate functions that are on the shortcut bar, as well as position the cursor.