Arrow Key Navigation in List View

Transform your Odoo workflow with spreadsheet-style keyboard navigation. Navigate, edit, and traverse records seamlessly using arrow keys, eliminating the constant switch between mouse and keyboard.

Problem Statement

Standard Odoo list views require heavy reliance on mouse-clicking for cell navigation and data entry. This forces users to constantly switch between their keyboard and mouse, leading to a slow, disruptive, and inefficient workflow. This lack of keyboard-driven navigation significantly hampers productivity, increases user fatigue, and prevents the rapid data entry speeds possible in modern spreadsheet-like applications.

Solution Overview

The Arrow Key Navigation module transforms the Odoo user experience by introducing intuitive, keyboard-first navigation for list views. This solution eliminates the disruptive back-and-forth between mouse and keyboard by allowing users to navigate, edit, and traverse records seamlessly using standard arrow and tab keys. By replicating the familiar and efficient navigation patterns of desktop spreadsheets, it empowers users to achieve faster data entry, streamline review processes, and maintain focus, ultimately dramatically boosting productivity and user satisfaction.

Key Features

• Spreadsheet-Style Navigation: Navigate effortlessly through list view cells using keyboard Arrow Keys (Up, Down, Left, Right)
• Efficient Row Traversal: Move to the next or previous cell quickly using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, with automatic wrapping to the next or previous row
• Rapid Sequential Entry: Use the Enter key to edit a cell and then save the changes, automatically moving selection down to the next row for continuous data entry
• Safe Edit Cancellation: Discard unintended changes instantly during editing by pressing the Escape (Esc) key, reverting the cell to its original value
• Advanced Cursor Control: Move cursor within text fields using arrow keys, with smart navigation to adjacent cells when at the beginning or end of text
• Seamless User Experience: Functions intuitively within the native Odoo interface without complex configuration, providing an immediate productivity boost out-of-the-box
• Reduced Physical Strain: Minimizes repetitive mouse movements, reducing wrist strain and fatigue for users who perform high-volume data tasks
• 90% Google Spreadsheet Compatibility: Works almost like Google Spreadsheet, making it instantly familiar to users

How It Works

Step 1: Use Up and Down arrow keys to move between cells vertically.

Step 2: Enter key navigation: jump to first column of next row and auto-enter edit mode.

Step 3: Use Left and Right arrow keys to move between cells horizontally.

Step 4: Enhanced Left and Right arrow key functionality.

New Features:

• When a cell is in focus, pressing the left or right arrow key moves the cursor within the textbox, allowing you to edit characters or use Shift to select text
• If the cursor is at the end position and you press the right arrow key, the cursor moves to the next available cell
• If the cursor is at the beginning position and you press the left arrow key, the cursor moves to the previous available cell
• This functionality makes the list view work almost like Google Spreadsheet (90% compatibility)