# Keys in the character backend multiplexer

During emulation, if you are using a character backend multiplexer (which is the default if you are using `-nographic`) then several commands are available via an escape sequence. These key sequences all start with an escape character, which is `Ctrl`+`a` by default, but can be changed with `-echr`. The list below assumes you’re using the default.

Multiplexer Keys
Key Sequence | Action
--- | ---
`Ctrl`+`a` `h` | Print this help
`Ctrl`+`a` `x` | Exit emulator
`Ctrl`+`a` `s` | Save disk data back to file (if -snapshot)
`Ctrl`+`a` `t` | Toggle console timestamps
`Ctrl`+`a` `b` | Send break (magic sysrq in Linux)
`Ctrl`+`a` `c` | Rotate between the frontends connected to the multiplexer (usually this switches between the monitor and the console)
`Ctrl`+`a` `Ctrl`+`a` | Send the escape character to the frontend