Emacs: Bind Number Pad Keys

By Xah Lee. Date: . Last updated: .
generic computer keyboard 1999 numpad
generic computer keyboard 1999 numpad

See that large useless number pad on your keyboard? It's your best friend. It adds 17 programable keys!

For example, key to List Buffers, open bookmark.

;; bind number pad keys

(global-set-key (kbd "<kp-1>") 'bookmark-bmenu-list)
(global-set-key (kbd "<kp-2>") 'ibuffer)

To use, be sure the number lock is on.

Note: On the Mac, defining keys for the numeric keypad will not work. You need to use some keymap tool first to make them send numpad key signals. [see Mac Keyboard Software Guide]

If you run emacs in terminal, numberpad may not work.

More examples:

;; number pad keys

(global-set-key (kbd "<kp-decimal>") 'other-window)
(global-set-key (kbd "<kp-0>") 'delete-window)
(global-set-key (kbd "<kp-1>") 'delete-other-windows)
(global-set-key (kbd "<kp-2>") 'split-window-below)
(global-set-key (kbd "<kp-3>") 'xah-open-file-at-cursor)

(global-set-key (kbd "<kp-subtract>") 'xah-close-current-buffer)
(global-set-key (kbd "<kp-divide>") 'xah-previous-user-buffer)
(global-set-key (kbd "<kp-multiply>") 'xah-next-user-buffer)

;; with control key down
(global-set-key (kbd "<C-kp-divide>") 'xah-previous-emacs-buffer)
(global-set-key (kbd "<C-kp-multiply>") 'xah-next-emacs-buffer)

You can also use the numberpad keys for outside of emacs. See: