SQL Server Management Studio Keyboard Shortcuts

Using shortcuts in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), DBAs can be more productive. Here’s a collection of my most frequently used SSMS keyboard shortcuts.

1. Connect to Server: ALT+ F, E
Connect to and manage the SQL Server relational database engine as well as Analysis Services, Integration Services, Reporting Services and any local instances of SQL Server Compact Edition. You'll be prompted for server type, authentication. Object Explorer displays the connected server.

2. Display Object Explorer: F8
In Object Explorer, where you perform most management functions, a hierarchical tree view displays all of the connected SQL Server server types. Right-click any object for a context-sensitive menu that lets you perform actions for the selected node.

3. Scroll Up, Down: UP ARROW, DOWN ARROW
When the SSMS Object Explorer window is displayed, scroll up and down in the tree hierarchy by using the up and down arrows on the keyboard.

4. Expand, Collapse tree nodes: +, -
The plus sign on the numeric keypad expands an Object Explorer tree node, and the minus sign collapses it. The right and left arrows also expand and collapse nodes, respectively.

5. Object Explorer Details: F7
Display the details of each different node in the Object Explorer tree. The window is automatically updated as you navigate through the different database objects.

6. Display Registered Servers: CTRL+ALT+G
This shows SQL Server Local Server groups and Central Management Server groups. Local Server Groups are related SQL Server systems that SSMS connects to. Central Management Server groups store groups of SQL Server systems that let you perform management tasks to be enacted on all servers in a group.

7. Display Template Explorer: CTRL+ALT+T
Use this shortcut to see SSMS’s built-in T-SQL templates. These T-SQL scripts let you perform common management tasks such as backups and creating and dropping SQL Server databases and objects. Custom templates are also listed here. Object Explorer’s shortcuts also navigate Template Explorer.

8. Display the Browser Window: CTRL+ALT+R
SSMS’s built-in browser is a little-known, fully capable web browser that runs within SSMS and uses Windows Live as a search engine. By default it connects to the SQL Server 2008 website.

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