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How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Posted: 17 Apr 2013 11:59
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,

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Posted: 17 Apr 2013 13:41
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.

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Posted: 17 Apr 2013 16:35
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)

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Posted: 18 Apr 2013 06:25
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.

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Posted: 18 Apr 2013 07:02
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.

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Posted: 18 Apr 2013 09:21
by flyingrhino
That's an idea, i'll need to think of something laptop friendly.

Ken.

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Posted: 18 Apr 2013 15:45
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)

Re: How to select multiple files only using keyboard

Posted: 19 Apr 2013 01:21
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.