# 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.

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