The desktop background is the part of the GNOME Desktop where there are no interface items or applications, such as panels and windows. The following table lists the keyboard shortcuts that you can use to navigate the desktop background and the desktop background objects. A desktop background object is an icon on the desktop background that you can use to open files, folders, or applications.
| Keys | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+Alt+D |
Temporarily hide all windows and give focus to the desktop background. To restore the windows, press Ctrl+Alt+D again. You can customize this keyboard shortcut. |
| Ctrl+Alt+Tab |
Display a popup window with icons that represent the desktop background and the panels. Press-and-hold Ctrl+Alt and continue to press Tab to switch the focus between the desktop background and the panels. You can customize this keyboard shortcut. |
| Tab | When the desktop background or a desktop background object has focus, give focus to the next desktop background object in alphabetical order. |
| arrow keys | When the desktop background or a desktop background object has focus, give focus to a neighboring desktop background object. |
| A sequence of characters that matches the first n characters of a desktop background object name. | When the desktop background has focus, give focus to the desktop background object whose name starts with the specified sequence of characters. |
| F2 | Rename the desktop background object that has focus. |
| Shift+F10 | Open the popup menu for the desktop background object that has focus. |
| Ctrl+F10 | Open the Desktop Background menu. |