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March 23, 2026Dan Rodney/1 min read

Topic 2D: VS Code: Multiple Cursors & Selections

Master VS Code Multiple Cursor Techniques Efficiently

Productivity Multiplier

Multiple cursors and selections are among VS Code's most powerful features for increasing coding efficiency. These techniques can dramatically reduce repetitive editing tasks and boost your development speed.

Core Multiple Cursor Techniques

Point and Click

Use Option-Click on Mac or ALT-Click on Windows to place multiple cursors at specific locations. Perfect for making identical edits at different positions.

Discontinuous Selection

Hold Option on Mac or ALT on Windows while dragging to select multiple separate text areas. Ideal for editing similar content in different locations.

Multi-line Cursor

Hold Cmd-Option on Mac or CTRL-ALT on Windows, then use arrow keys to create vertical cursor columns. Essential for editing multiple lines simultaneously.

Multiple Cursors & Selections

  • Place multiple cursors anywhere: Option–Click (Mac) or ALT–Click (Windows) to position cursors exactly where you need them for simultaneous editing
  • Create multiple selections (discontinuous): Hold Option (Mac) or ALT (Windows) while dragging to select separate text blocks that aren't connected—perfect for editing similar elements scattered throughout your code
  • Select text across multiple lines in one action: Hold Option–Shift (Mac) or ALT–Shift (Windows) while dragging to create a single rectangular selection that spans multiple lines, ideal for editing columnar data or aligned code
  • Generate vertical multi-line cursors: Hold Cmd–Option (Mac) or CTRL–ALT (Windows) and press the Up or Down Arrow keys to create cursors on consecutive lines—invaluable for repetitive edits like adding prefixes or modifying lists
  • Edit everywhere simultaneously: With multiple cursors or selections active, any action you take—deleting, typing, pasting, or formatting—applies to all positions at once, dramatically accelerating your workflow. Press Escape (esc) to return to single-cursor mode when finished

Quick Start Guide

1

Place Multiple Cursors

Hold Option key on Mac or ALT key on Windows and click at each location where you want to place a cursor. You'll see multiple blinking cursors appear.

2

Make Your Edits

Type, delete, paste, or perform any editing action. All cursors will respond simultaneously, making identical changes at each location.

3

Return to Single Cursor

Press the Escape key to return to a single cursor and normal editing mode when you're finished with multiple cursor operations.

Mac vs Windows Shortcuts

FeatureMacWindows
Multiple CursorsOption + ClickALT + Click
Discontinuous SelectionOption + DragALT + Drag
Multi-line SelectionOption + Shift + DragALT + Shift + Drag
Vertical CursorsCmd + Option + ArrowCTRL + ALT + Arrow
Recommended: Practice these shortcuts regularly to build muscle memory and increase your coding efficiency.

Multiple Cursor Benefits and Considerations

Pros
Dramatically reduces time spent on repetitive editing tasks
Maintains consistency across multiple similar edits
Works with all standard editing operations including copy, paste, delete
Supports complex text transformations across multiple locations
Integrates seamlessly with VS Code extensions and features
Cons
Requires practice to master keyboard combinations
Can be accidentally triggered leading to unintended edits
May be overwhelming for beginners new to code editors
Complex multi-cursor operations can be difficult to undo precisely

Multiple Cursor Mastery Checklist

0/5
Pro Tip

Start with simple multiple cursor operations on plain text before moving to complex code editing. This builds confidence and helps you understand the behavior without risking your codebase.

Key Takeaways

1Multiple cursors allow simultaneous editing at multiple locations using Option-Click on Mac or ALT-Click on Windows
2Discontinuous selections enable batch editing of separate text areas by holding modifier keys while dragging
3Multi-line cursors create vertical editing columns using Cmd-Option or CTRL-ALT with arrow keys
4All standard editing operations work with multiple cursors including delete, type, and paste
5Press Escape to quickly return to single cursor mode from any multiple cursor operation
6Keyboard shortcuts differ between Mac and Windows but follow consistent modifier key patterns
7Multiple cursor techniques significantly reduce time spent on repetitive editing tasks
8These features integrate seamlessly with other VS Code functionality and extensions

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