IntelliJ Column Selection using Cursor Keys

Question

Is it possible to some how setup IntelliJ IDEA so that I can column select with the cursor keys similarly to how I might in Notepad++, Visual Studio, or FlashDevelop.

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Answer 1

Multiline Caret (without mouse)

Windows/Linux: CTRL + CTRL(Hold) + ↑ / ↓

Mac: ⌘ + ⌘(Hold) + ↑ / ↓

ESC will end multiline mode.

Change Multi-caret Hotkey

To add a custom Keymap, CTRL+SHIFT+A, type keymap and click on the one with Settings as subtext. Search for Clone Caret Above and Clone Caret Below.

I mapped mine to ALT+SHIFT+↑ / ↓.

Bonus

Try holding combinations of CTRL, SHIFT, and arrows for improved selection power.

Answer 2

On a mac (with default keyboard mappings):

⇧⌘8

Answer 3

Most convenient way is to:

• MAC: Hold Option+Shift and click with mouse.
• Windows: Hold Alt and click with mouse.

Answer 4

Go to the Settings | Keymap and set a shortcut for Clone Caret Above and for Clone Caret Below