What are the default controls for Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization?

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization, a strategy game, uses 32 default keybinds across 6 categories. The complete, up-to-date list is free to read on this page.

Can you remap Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization controls?

Yes. These are the game's default bindings — nearly all of them can be reassigned from Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization's in-game control or key-binding settings.

Which platforms do these Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization controls cover?

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

Is this an official Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization resource?

No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization Keyboard controls

Windows · Mac
32 default keybinds
Strategy →
Civilization collection →

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Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is Firaxis' 2008 remake of the 1994 classic, rebuilt on the Civilization IV engine: you found colonies in the New World, trade with the Crown and ultimately declare independence. This reference collects the default PC hotkeys from the official manual, from quick-saving and camera control to the F-key advisor screens, the Europe screen and the Continental Congress.

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization official site ↗ View on Steam ↗

All Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization keyboard controls

Layout

32 shortcuts

Screens & Advisors 11

Action	Shortcut
Europe Screen	`F2`
Domestic Advisor	`F1`
Revolution Advisor	`F3`
Foreign Advisor	`F4`
Founding Fathers	`F6`
Events Log	`CtrlTab`
Military Advisor	`F5`
Continental Congress	`F7`
Civilopedia	`F12`
Victory Conditions	`F8`
Info Screen (Demographics & Scores)	`F9`

Map & Camera 9

Action	Shortcut
Center on Active Unit	`C`
Zoom In	`PgUp`
Zoom Out	`PgDn`
Zoom In / Out (mouse)	`Wheel`
Scroll Map	`Arrows`
Rotate View Left 45 Degrees	`CtrlLEFT`
Rotate View Right 45 Degrees	`CtrlRIGHT`
Center on Active Unit (mouse)	`MMB`
Re-Center Map on Tile	`LMB`

Menus 5

Action	Shortcut
Save Game	`CtrlS`
Quick Save	`ShiftF5`
Game Menu	`Esc`
Load Game	`CtrlL`
Quick Load	`ShiftF8`

Units 4

Action	Shortcut
Move / Go To Tile	`RMB`
Select Additional Units	`ShiftLMB`
Heal (Fortify Until Healed)	`H`
Stack Attack (resolve immediately)	`AltRMB`

Pioneers 2

Action	Shortcut
Build Road	`R`
Route To	`AltR`

Settlements & Cargo 1

Action	Shortcut
Drag Exact Number of Goods	`ShiftLMB`

Sourced from store.steampowered.com, shared.fastly.steamstatic.com Last verified September 25, 2026

Esc

F10

F11

F12

⌫ Back

Tab

[

]

Caps

;

Enter ⏎

Shift

Ctrl

Win

Alt

Space

Alt

Win

Ctrl

MMB · Center on Active Unit (mouse)

↑

←

↓

→

+ 3 more controls in the table below

32 default keybinds across 6 categories. Most can be reassigned in Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization's control settings.

Unofficial reference. ShortcutPosters is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization. All product names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. See our licensing & trademark notice.

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Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization controls — FAQ

What are the default controls for Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization?: Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization, a strategy game, uses 32 default keybinds across 6 categories. The complete, up-to-date list is free to read on this page.
Can you remap Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization controls?: Yes. These are the game's default bindings — nearly all of them can be reassigned from Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization's in-game control or key-binding settings.
Which platforms do these Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization controls cover?: These keyboard controls apply on Windows and Mac. Most bindings are identical across platforms unless noted.
Is this an official Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization resource?: No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

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