DOKK / manpages / debian 13 / fish-common / fish_key_reader.1.en
FISH_KEY_READER(1) fish-shell FISH_KEY_READER(1)

fish_key_reader - explore what characters keyboard keys send

fish_key_reader [OPTIONS]

fish_key_reader is used to explain how you would bind a certain key sequence. By default, it prints the bind command for one key sequence read interactively over standard input.

The following options are available:

Begins a session where multiple key sequences can be inspected. By default the program exits after capturing a single key sequence.
Displays help about using this command.
Explain what sequence was received in addition to the decoded key.
Displays the current fish version and then exits.

fish_key_reader intentionally disables handling of many signals. To terminate fish_key_reader in --continuous mode do:

  • press ctrl-c twice, or
  • press ctrl-d twice, or
  • type exit, or
  • type quit

> fish_key_reader
Press a key:
# press up-arrow
bind up 'do something'


2024, fish-shell developers

April 20, 2025 4.0