Guide to mouse and keys used in SpaceEngine.
SpaceEngine Controls Guide
Mouse Tools
Name
Key/Bar
Instructions
Description
Mouse
Left-click
On any visible object.
If you left click on any visible object on the screen, SpaceEngine will select it and display information about it.
Mouse
Left-drag
Hold left button, move mouse
To look around
Mouse
Right-drag
Hold right button, move mouse
You can move the camera around an object in an orbital fashion to see different perspectives
Mouse
Both Left & Right and drag
Hold both left and right mouse buttons and drag
By dragging mouse vertically while holding both left and right mouse buttons, you can zoom in and zoom out. Also used to land on a planet or take-off.
Mouse
Hover
Hover over toolbar items
To learn more about the tools in the toolbars
Screen Tools
Name
Key/Bar
Instructions
Description
Screen Tools
Bottom-left Toolbar
–
Also called the ‘Navigation Toolbar’ controls movement and time. Useful options include flying automatically to selected object, changing free-flight speed and setting date. Actions = immediate.
Screen Tools
Bottom-right Toolbar
–
Also called the ‘Camera Toolbar’ has an option to change the overall screen brightness (exposure) and the limiting stellar magnitude of galaxies, stars and planets. It also controls and current field-of-view (FOV).
Screen Tools
Left Toolbar
–
Also called the ‘Main Toolbar’ gives you access to all basic functions of SpaceEngine. Clicking any icon opens a special dialog window.
Screen Tools
Right Toolbar
–
Also called the ‘Filters Toolbar’ has an option to hide/show some types of objects and information overlays; i.e. hide clouds on a planet to observe its surface.
Screen Tools
Tiny rotating arrows
–
Tiny rotating arrows indicate which object is selected. It’s called ‘selection pointer’.
Screen Tools
Right drag up
Click and hold right mouse button drag up or down
To orbit to North or South Pole.
Screen Tools
o
Pin icon at bottom (left and/or right) of toolbars.
Hide/show toolbars. Lock by clicking pin again. The two bottom toolbars have a half-lock option. Tick the pin icon again.
Keys
Name
Key/Bar
Instructions
Description
Keys
+
–
Increase velocity (also by rolling mouse wheel)
Keys
–
–
Decrease velocity (also by rolling mouse wheel)
Keys
‘
Apostrophe
Brings up the names of objects
Keys
F1
Universe Map
For Universe map use F1, M, or 3rd item in mail toolbar
Keys
F3
Find object tool
To find object (F3), select or enter name of object then (OK). Press (G) key once and enjoy interstellar flight.
Keys
F8
–
Solar System Chart or 4th item in the mail toolbar
Keys
A
Press and hold
Fly left
Keys
C
–
Center on screen
Keys
D
Press and hold
Fly right
Keys
E
–
Rotates counter-clockwise
Keys
F
–
Fly down
Keys
G
–
Takes you there after finding object in (F3)
Keys
L
–
To speed up time (10x)
Keys
O
–
To show objects orbital path
Keys
Q
–
Rotate clockwise
Keys
R
–
Fly up
Keys
S
Press and hold
Fly backward
Keys
W
Press and hold
Fly forward
Keys
(W) with mouse
Press and hold both
Fly forward plus directional
Keys
X
–
To show Constellations
Keys
Shift + (G)
–
To land on a planet automatically
Thanks to Leona for his great guide, all credit to his effort. you can also read the original guide from Steam Community. enjoy the game.
