Syntax: KEY+MODIFIER=cm_CommandID Here is an example of a power user’s [Shortcuts] section that creates truly exclusive behaviors:
Example logic: "If I am inside a Git repository, map F4 to open Notepad++ instead of default editor; otherwise, use default editor." That is exclusive logic no other file manager can achieve. You can chain exclusive keys to run DOS commands or PowerShell scripts. Map Ctrl+Shift+G to cm_ExecuteDOS to open a command prompt in the current directory. total commander wincmdkey exclusive
These bindings are hardcoded into the wincmd.ini file. However, the real power of "wincmdkey exclusive" comes from the ability to redefine them. Creating Your Own Exclusive Key Set (The wincmd.ini Hack) Out of the box, Total Commander respects your default keyboard layout. But "exclusive" truly shines when you map internal commands that no other program uses. Step 1: Locate your wincmd.ini Navigate to Configuration > Change Settings Files Directly . This opens wincmd.ini in Notepad. Step 2: Understand the [Shortcuts] Section If you have custom shortcuts, they appear under the [Shortcuts] header. If it doesn't exist, create it. Syntax: KEY+MODIFIER=cm_CommandID Here is an example of a
| Key Combination | Command | What it Does (Exclusive Feature) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | cm_SrcThumbs | Instant thumbnail view toggle. Exclusive because Explorer requires menu diving. | | Alt + F7 | cm_Search | The most powerful file search on Windows. Searches inside archives, plugins, and even text strings. | | Ctrl + Shift + Enter | cm_EditPath | Copies the full path of the current folder or selected file to the command line. | | Shift + F4 | cm_EditNewFile | Creates a new text file directly in the current pane. No right-click > New > Text file required. | | NumPad + | cm_SelectAll | Selects all files. Exclusive because it works in both panes simultaneously. | | NumPad – | cm_ClearAll | Deselects all. | | **NumPad *** | cm_SelectCurrentExt | Inverts selection (exclusive toggle). | | Ctrl + B | cm_DirBranch | Branch View: Shows all files from subdirectories in a single list. A Total Commander signature feature. | | Ctrl + M | cm_MultiRenameFiles | Opens the Multi-Rename Tool. No other default Windows tool comes close. | | Alt + Shift + Enter | cm_CountDirContent | Calculates the size of all subfolders instantly and displays them in the file list. | These bindings are hardcoded into the wincmd
Syntax: KEY+MODIFIER=cm_CommandID Here is an example of a power user’s [Shortcuts] section that creates truly exclusive behaviors:
Example logic: "If I am inside a Git repository, map F4 to open Notepad++ instead of default editor; otherwise, use default editor." That is exclusive logic no other file manager can achieve. You can chain exclusive keys to run DOS commands or PowerShell scripts. Map Ctrl+Shift+G to cm_ExecuteDOS to open a command prompt in the current directory.
These bindings are hardcoded into the wincmd.ini file. However, the real power of "wincmdkey exclusive" comes from the ability to redefine them. Creating Your Own Exclusive Key Set (The wincmd.ini Hack) Out of the box, Total Commander respects your default keyboard layout. But "exclusive" truly shines when you map internal commands that no other program uses. Step 1: Locate your wincmd.ini Navigate to Configuration > Change Settings Files Directly . This opens wincmd.ini in Notepad. Step 2: Understand the [Shortcuts] Section If you have custom shortcuts, they appear under the [Shortcuts] header. If it doesn't exist, create it.
| Key Combination | Command | What it Does (Exclusive Feature) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | cm_SrcThumbs | Instant thumbnail view toggle. Exclusive because Explorer requires menu diving. | | Alt + F7 | cm_Search | The most powerful file search on Windows. Searches inside archives, plugins, and even text strings. | | Ctrl + Shift + Enter | cm_EditPath | Copies the full path of the current folder or selected file to the command line. | | Shift + F4 | cm_EditNewFile | Creates a new text file directly in the current pane. No right-click > New > Text file required. | | NumPad + | cm_SelectAll | Selects all files. Exclusive because it works in both panes simultaneously. | | NumPad – | cm_ClearAll | Deselects all. | | **NumPad *** | cm_SelectCurrentExt | Inverts selection (exclusive toggle). | | Ctrl + B | cm_DirBranch | Branch View: Shows all files from subdirectories in a single list. A Total Commander signature feature. | | Ctrl + M | cm_MultiRenameFiles | Opens the Multi-Rename Tool. No other default Windows tool comes close. | | Alt + Shift + Enter | cm_CountDirContent | Calculates the size of all subfolders instantly and displays them in the file list. |