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Add block rename keyboard shortcut#74454

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juanfra merged 14 commits intotrunkfrom
try/rename-list-block-keyboard-shortcut
Feb 6, 2026
Merged

Add block rename keyboard shortcut#74454
juanfra merged 14 commits intotrunkfrom
try/rename-list-block-keyboard-shortcut

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@juanfra juanfra commented Jan 8, 2026

What?

Closes: #62152

Alternative (or complementary, preferrably) to #68744

Adds a keyboard shortcut to rename the selected block directly from the List View. There's no established pattern for the key combination, normally this is achieved by pressing enter, but in the context of the block editor that's not possible as it would be overtaking the flow. I went with ⌥⌘R as it felt the most natural, I also saw Google Drive has the ⌥⌘E shortcut for renaming files/folders so we could consider that as a possibility as well.

Why?

Renaming each element requires several clicks. When there are many to rename, it can become an annoying task for site owners. Whether the user is a block theme developer or a site administrator, it can generate considerable friction and a poor experience.

Plus, renaming items via the keyboard is a common pattern in lists or layer-based UIs, like finder or many design tools. Supporting this improves keyboard accessibility and makes the list view workflows faster and more discoverable for power users.

How?

When a block is selected in the List View, pressing ⌥⌘R switches the block label into an editable state, allowing it to be renamed without using the mouse.

It also supports the shortcut if the list view is closed and a block is selected or being edited.

Testing Instructions

With the list view open

  1. Create a page and add a few blocks.
  2. Open the List View.
  3. Select a block in the List View.
  4. Press ⌥⌘R.
  5. Confirm that the modal to rename opens and can be renamed.

With the list view open

  1. Create a page and add a few blocks.
  2. Select any block in the editor.
  3. Press ⌥⌘R.
  4. Confirm that the modal to rename opens and can be renamed.
  5. Open the list view and see the changes.

Screenshots or screencast

block-rename-shortcut.mp4

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Labels

[Feature] List View Menu item in the top toolbar to select blocks from a list of links. [Package] Block editor /packages/block-editor [Type] Enhancement A suggestion for improvement.

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Keyboard shortcut to rename a Block

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