How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Please check the FAQ (https://www.xyplorer.com/faq.php) before posting a question...
Post Reply
flyingrhino
Posts: 38
Joined: 15 Apr 2007 12:12

How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Post by flyingrhino »

Hi,
Does anyone know how to select multiple files using only keyboard (basically same as CTRL-mouseclick) ? I know CTRL-SHIFT-Arrow UP/DOWN marks ranges but what I want is to select non-consecutive files.
In the old days of norton commander you could move up/down the list and 'mark' files which then could be cut/copy/etc
What I am hoping for is press some key to mark a file, move up/down the list, press the same key to mark another and so on. Then when finished marking you can CTRL-X or CTRL-C or whatever.

Thanks,

TheQwerty
Posts: 4373
Joined: 03 Aug 2007 22:30

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Post by TheQwerty »

Use Ctrl+Arrows to move focus and Space to toggle selection of an item.

You may also find the following useful:
Edit > Select > Selection Filter Allows you to select items based on wildcard patterns or regular expressions.
Tools > Customize List > Sticky Selection Retains the current selection when clicking items.

neminem
Posts: 94
Joined: 13 Aug 2012 20:31

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Post by neminem »

Incidentally, ctrl-arrows + space isn't a xyp trick, it's pretty standard. You can use it in regular Explorer, too, and have been able to since pretty near the beginning of Windows (I use it all the time.)

(Also, selecting ranges isn't actually ctrl-shift-arrows; ctrl doesn't do anything there, it's actually just shift-arrows. :p)

flyingrhino
Posts: 38
Joined: 15 Apr 2007 12:12

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Post by flyingrhino »

Thanks for the ctrl-arrows / space tip, that is one i didn't know of.
The selection filter I did know of :)
The sticky selection is useful but a pain to turn on / off. I much preferred the commander style of single key toggle-selection. No ctrl-arrows, space or other complexities. I wonder if there is an F-key that could be assigned to this function?

So for now the ctrl arrows trick is what I will be using, but all it takes is one wrong move to lose your selection. Too tricky. My suggestion of toggle file selection seems more robust. I think this is a justified feature I will request in the correct place in the forum.

Thanks though, I do have a solution for now.

Enternal
Posts: 1175
Joined: 10 Jan 2012 18:26

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Post by Enternal »

You can go to Tools > Customize Keyboard Shortcuts > Tools > Sticky Selection and then choose a keyboard shortcut for it to make it easier to toggle Sticky Selection. In my case, I assigned Numpad 5 to it. Now whenever I press Numpad 5, Sticky Selection is activated and I can just use Arrows + Space to select files. No longer need Ctrl+Arrows+Space.

flyingrhino
Posts: 38
Joined: 15 Apr 2007 12:12

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Post by flyingrhino »

That's an idea, i'll need to think of something laptop friendly.

Ken.

aurumdigitus
Posts: 1075
Joined: 30 May 2008 21:02
Location: Lake Erie

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Post by aurumdigitus »

To cover all the bases, Sticky Selection has a Toolbar Button should you choose to add it to your TB. Use it all the time. 8)

flyingrhino
Posts: 38
Joined: 15 Apr 2007 12:12

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Post by flyingrhino »

aurumdigitus wrote:To cover all the bases, Sticky Selection has a Toolbar Button should you choose to add it to your TB. Use it all the time
Awesome!!! Problem solved.

Ken.

Post Reply