What are the default controls for Hearts of Iron III?

Hearts of Iron III, a strategy game, uses 45 default keybinds across 6 categories. The complete, up-to-date list is free to read on this page.

Can you remap Hearts of Iron III controls?

Yes. These are the game's default bindings — nearly all of them can be reassigned from Hearts of Iron III's in-game control or key-binding settings.

Which platforms do these Hearts of Iron III controls cover?

These keyboard controls apply on Windows and Mac. Most bindings are identical across platforms unless noted.

Is this an official Hearts of Iron III resource?

No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hearts of Iron III or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Windows · Mac · 45 default keybinds

Hearts of Iron III Keyboard Controls

Strategy games → Part of the Hearts of Iron collection →

Keyboard and mouse controls for Hearts of Iron III, Paradox Development Studio's 2009 grand strategy game of the Second World War. Covers pausing and pacing the hourly clock, the F-key interface screens, the unit keys for building and reshaping a chain of command, the right-click orders that move divisions, and the Shift-letter keys that queue construction in a province.

Hearts of Iron III official site ↗ View on Steam ↗

Put it on your wall

Hearts of Iron III controls poster

A generative poster unique to Hearts of Iron III — styled by its genre and signature colour. Pure design, zero spoilers. Free to download for your battlestation.

✎ Customize this poster Browse all genre-styled posters →

Free PNG is web-resolution & lightly watermarked.

Want it print-ready?

Framed-quality 300 DPI, no watermark — $2.99 (PC / keyboard edition). Drop your email and we'll send the checkout link.

All Hearts of Iron III keyboard controls

45 default keybinds across 6 categories. Most can be reassigned in Hearts of Iron III's control settings.

Layout

Esc

F10

F11

F12

⌫ Back

Tab

[

]

Caps

;

Enter ⏎

Shift

Ctrl

Win

Alt

Space

Alt

Win

Ctrl

↑

←

↓

→

+ 4 more controls in the table below

45 shortcuts

Interface 13

Action	Shortcut
Close Window / Deselect / Game Menu	`Esc`
Diplomacy Interface	`F1`
Production Interface	`F2`
Technology Interface	`F3`
Politics Interface	`F4`
Accept Default Event Option	`Enter`
Intelligence Interface	`F5`
Theatre Interface	`F6`
Statistics Interface (Ledger)	`F7`
Multiplayer Chat	`Tab`
Open Console	`
Take Screenshot	`F11`
Save World Political Map Image	`F12`

Units 11

Action	Shortcut
Add to Selection (units or provinces)	`ShiftLMB`
Attach Units (Attachment Interface)	`A`
Merge Selected Units	`G`
Assign Unit to Hotkey	`Ctrl09`
Create HQ Above Unit	`C`
Detach Unit from HQ	`D`
Reorganise / Create New Unit	`R`
Unit Stance Selection	`S`
Show / Hide Command Hierarchy Links	`H`
Select Air Units Loaded on Ship	`,`
Select Land Units Loaded on Ship or Plane	`.`

Province Construction 10

Action	Shortcut
Build Industry (IC)	`ShiftI`
Build Airbase	`ShiftA`
Build Naval Base	`ShiftN`
Build Infrastructure	`F`
Build Coastal Fort	`ShiftC`
Build Land Fort	`ShiftL`
Build Radar Station	`ShiftR`
Build Anti-Aircraft	`N`
Build Nuclear Reactor	`U`
Build Rocket Test Platform	`O`

Movement/Orders 5

Action	Shortcut
Movement Options (Move, Support Attack, Strategic Redeployment)	`CtrlRMB`
Add Movement Leg (Waypoint)	`ShiftRMB`
Load / Unload Unit onto Ship	`L`
Set Axis of Advance (AI-controlled HQ selected)	`ShiftRMB`
Load / Unload Unit onto Plane	`P`

Game Speed 3

Action	Shortcut
Pause / Resume	`Space`then`/`then`Pause`
Increase Game Speed	`Num +`
Decrease Game Speed	`Num −`

Camera/Map 3

Action	Shortcut
Scroll Map	`Arrows`
Center Map on Capital	`Home`
Center Map on Selected Unit	`W`

Sourced from store.steampowered.com, hoi3.paradoxwikis.com Last verified September 30, 2026

Unofficial reference. ShortcutPosters is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Hearts of Iron III. All product names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. See our licensing & trademark notice.

Hearts of Iron III controls — FAQ

What are the default controls for Hearts of Iron III?: Hearts of Iron III, a strategy game, uses 45 default keybinds across 6 categories. The complete, up-to-date list is free to read on this page.
Can you remap Hearts of Iron III controls?: Yes. These are the game's default bindings — nearly all of them can be reassigned from Hearts of Iron III's in-game control or key-binding settings.
Which platforms do these Hearts of Iron III controls cover?: These keyboard controls apply on Windows and Mac. Most bindings are identical across platforms unless noted.
Is this an official Hearts of Iron III resource?: No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hearts of Iron III or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Was this reference helpful?