Performing live demands quick thinking and smooth execution. As DJs, optimizing our workflow is key to keeping the energy flowing. The same applies to your DJ software!

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential Serato DJ Pro keyboard shortcuts—starting with the basics and moving to advanced and hidden tricks. Master these, and you’ll save time, mix with precision, and unlock features you never knew existed!

Basic Serato DJ Pro Shortcuts

These are the must-know shortcuts that every Serato DJ should have in their muscle memory.
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Open the Search Bar

Shortcut: Cmd + F (Mac) | Ctrl + F (PC)

Need that perfect transition track but can't find it? Use this shortcut to instantly jump to the search bar—start typing, find your track, and you’re ready to mix!

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Load Selected Track to Deck

Shortcut: Cmd + ← (deck 1) or Cmd + → (deck 2) for Mac | Ctrl + ← (deck 1)  or Ctrl + → (deck 2) for PC

This one is a team favorite!

Quickly load a track into the deck of your choice without the hassle of dragging and dropping. Stay focused on your mix and keep the vibe alive!

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Undo Track Load

Shortcut: Cmd + Z (Mac) | Ctrl + Z (PC)

Accidentally loaded the wrong track? We’ve all been there. This lifesaving shortcut undoes your last track load, instantly bringing back the previous one at the exact point it was before. Consider it the DJ "Oops" button.

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Set and Activate Cue Points

Shortcut: 1,2,3,4,5 (Deck 1) | 6,7,8,9,0 (Deck 2)

Quickly set cue points by pressing these numbers. To trigger them later, just tap the assigned key. Want to remove a cue point? Hold Shift while pressing the corresponding number.

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Eject Virtual Deck

Shortcut: shift + alt + left arrow  (Deck 1) | shift + alt + right arrow (Deck 2)

Need to clear a deck fast? Use this shortcut to instantly unload a track, making space for the next banger. No more accidental plays!

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Jump to All Crates & Search

Shortcut: CMD (or CTRL on PC) + Shift + F

This shortcut sends you straight to All Crates with the search bar active. Press Esc to return to your last crate. You can also add comments in the comments section for each track and this way find the track (or several tracks) you need, depending on your comment!

Advanced Serato DJ Pro shortcuts

For DJs who want to push Serato DJ Pro to its full potential!
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Switch to Internal Mode & Reset Pitch 

Shortcut: Cmd + F3 (Deck 1) | Cmd + F8 (Deck 2)

Using DVS (Digital Vinyl Systems) and lost tracking due to a dusty needle or reaching the end of your control vinyl? This shortcut switches to internal mode and resets the pitch, so your set keeps running smoothly.

P.S. Make sure internal mode shortcuts are enabled in Serato settings! 

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Lock Track Key (Key Lock)

Shortcut: F5 (deck 1), F10 (deck 2)

Pitching up or down but don’t want vocals to sound like a chipmunk? Use this shortcut to lock the track key for smooth, harmonic transitions. (Requires keylock toggle enabled in settings!)

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Reveal Track in Finder/Explorer

Shortcut: Cmd + R (Mac) | Ctrl + R (PC)

Need to locate a track on your computer? This shortcut instantly opens its folder in Finder (Mac) or Explorer (PC), making file management a breeze.

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Quickly Add Songs to Prepare Crate

Shortcut: Cmd + P (Mac) | Ctrl + P (PC)

Got a list of tracks you might want to play next? Select them all and press this shortcut to instantly send them to the Prepare Crate!

Niche Serato DJ Pro shortcuts

These hidden gems unlock exclusive tricks and make your DJing even more efficient.
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Hide Track Artist and Name

Shortcut: Alt + /

Protect your secrets! This shortcut hides track and artist names from your decks, perfect for DJs who want to keep their playlists private from prying eyes. After all, a magician never reveals their tricks, right?

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Autoloop

Shortcut: Alt + 1,2,3,4,5 (Deck 1) | Alt + 6,7,8,9,0 (Deck 2)

Seamlessly create loops on the fly. Great for building tension, remixing live, or extending transitions—all with just two buttons.

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Censor Function (Reverse Playback Temporarily)

Shortcut: Shift + Spacebar

Accidentally played an explicit lyric at a family-friendly gig? No worries—hit this shortcut to instantly rewind the track in reverse, skipping over the slip-up like it never happened. When you let go, the music resumes seamlessly, and you can act like it was all part of your flawless set. 😏

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Temporary Pitch Bend

Shortcut: Ctrl + Up/Down Arrow (Deck 1) |  Ctrl + Shift + Up/Down Arrow (Deck 2)

Momentarily nudge the pitch up or down to fine-tune your beatmatching without touching the tempo slider. Essential for manual beatmatching pros!
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Final Thoughts

We hope these shortcuts help you perform more efficiently and confidently. Have a favorite shortcut that we didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments below!