How to Reorder and Navigate Lines in Notepad++

In Notepad++, you can efficiently reorder text lines within your document using simple keyboard shortcuts, and also quickly navigate between lines using specific key combinations. These functionalities streamline text manipulation and enhance productivity.

Reordering Lines (Moving Text)

To move a line of text, or a block of selected lines, to an earlier or later position in your document, Notepad++ provides dedicated keyboard shortcuts. These actions physically change the order of your content.

• Move Current Line or Selection Up:
  • Place your cursor anywhere on the line you wish to move, or select multiple lines.
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Up. This action moves the selected line(s) one position upwards in the document.
• Move Current Line or Selection Down:
  • Place your cursor anywhere on the line you wish to move, or select multiple lines.
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Down. This action moves the selected line(s) one position downwards in the document.

Practical Example: Moving a Line to a Previous Position

If you want to move the line immediately below your current cursor position (often referred to as the "next line") to appear before your current cursor position (effectively making it a "previous line" in the new order), here's how you achieve it:

1. Position your cursor: Place your cursor on the line you intend to move. For instance, if you have Line A, and Line B is below it, and you want Line B to appear above Line A, place your cursor on Line B.
2. Execute the move: Press Ctrl + Shift + Up. This will move Line B up one position, placing it above Line A.

Navigating Between Lines (Moving Cursor)

Beyond reordering text, Notepad++ offers shortcuts to swiftly move your cursor to different lines within your document. These shortcuts are invaluable for quickly jumping to specific points for editing or review without changing the text's order.

• Move Cursor to Beginning of Previous Line:
  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Up. This action will instantly move your cursor to the very beginning of the numbered line immediately above your current position.
• Move Cursor to Beginning of Next Line:
  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Down. This will move your cursor to the very beginning of the numbered line immediately below your current position.

These navigation shortcuts are distinct from line reordering shortcuts; they only change the cursor's position, not the actual order or content of your text.

Customizing Shortcuts

Notepad++ allows for extensive customization of its keyboard shortcuts. If the default key combinations for line movement or navigation are not convenient for your workflow, you can easily modify them:

1. Navigate to Settings > Shortcut Mapper... from the Notepad++ menu bar.
2. Click on the Main Menu tab.
3. Scroll through the list to find commands such as Move Current Line Up, Move Current Line Down, Go to Previous Line (for Ctrl+Alt+Up), and Go to Next Line (for Ctrl+Alt+Down).
4. Double-click on the command you wish to change, and then press your desired new key combination.

For more comprehensive information on Notepad++ features and customization options, you can refer to the official Notepad++ user manual.

Quick Reference: Line Operations in Notepad++

Action	Shortcut	Description
Move Line(s) Up	Ctrl + Shift + Up	Moves the current line or selected lines one position up in the document.
Move Line(s) Down	Ctrl + Shift + Down	Moves the current line or selected lines one position down in the document.
Move Cursor to Previous Line (Beginning)	Ctrl + Alt + Up	Jumps the cursor to the start of the line immediately above your current position.
Move Cursor to Next Line (Beginning)	Ctrl + Alt + Down	Jumps the cursor to the start of the line immediately below your current position.