---
description: How to navigate like a SysOp
---

# Navigation Guide

Master the keyboard and browse your vault like a true SysOp.

## Scrolling

| Key          | Action              |
|--------------|---------------------|
| `j` / Down   | Scroll down one line |
| `k` / Up     | Scroll up one line   |
| `PgDn`       | Scroll down one page |
| `PgUp`       | Scroll up one page   |

## Link Navigation

BBS-MD uses a **modal link navigation** system:

1. Press **Tab** to enter link mode
2. A highlight appears on the first link
3. Use **Up/Down** arrows (or `j`/`k`) to cycle between links
4. Press **Enter** to follow the selected link
5. Press **Tab** or **Esc** to exit link mode

> In link mode, the status bar updates to show link-specific hints. Watch the bottom of your screen for context.

## Page Navigation

| Key              | Action             |
|------------------|---------------------|
| Left / Backspace | Go back in history  |
| Right            | Go forward in history |
| Alt+Left         | Go back (always)    |
| Alt+Right        | Go forward (always) |

History works like a web browser. Following a new link from a mid-history position forks the history — forward entries are discarded.

## Directory Page

The [[Directory]] page behaves differently:

- You're **always** in link mode on the directory page
- Up/Down arrows cycle through document entries
- Enter opens the selected document
- **Esc** navigates back to the previous page
- Tab has no effect (link mode can't be toggled off)

## Quitting

| Key            | Action                            |
|----------------|-----------------------------------|
| `q`            | Quit immediately (normal mode)    |
| `Ctrl+C` x2   | Quit with confirmation (always)   |

In **login shell mode**, `q` is disabled. You must use double `Ctrl+C` to disconnect.

## Tips

- The **breadcrumb** in the status bar shows your current location
- **File metadata** (last modified date and size) appears on the right side of the status bar
- Links that can't be resolved appear in ~~red strikethrough~~
- The vault is **live** — edit a file externally and the page refreshes automatically

Back to [[index|home]] or see [[Features]].