How to detect Delete
document.addEventListener('keydown', (event) => {
if (event.key === "Delete") {
// Delete was pressed
}
});Use event.key to react to what the key means (it follows the keyboard layout) and event.code for its physical position, for example WASD in games. keyCode and which are deprecated: they still work, but their values differ between browsers and layouts.
How browsers treat Delete
Delete removes the character after the caret, or the selected item in file managers and lists. On Mac laptops it’s Fn+Delete, because the key labeled “delete” sends Backspace.
In React
<input onKeyDown={(e) => { if (e.key === "Delete") { /* … */ } }} />JavaScript Keycode FinderPress any key and instantly see every property of the keyboard event, with a copy-ready keydown snippet for shortcuts.
Open the tool Frequently asked questions
What is the keyCode for Delete?
46. It’s deprecated, though: use event.key (“Delete”) or event.code (Delete) in new code.
What is the difference between event.key and event.code?
event.key is the character or action the key produces with the current layout; event.code is the physical key position, the same on every layout.
Should I use keydown or keypress?
keydown. The keypress event is deprecated and doesn’t fire for keys that don’t produce characters, such as Escape or the arrow keys.