diff --git a/core/modules/outside_in/js/outside_in.js b/core/modules/outside_in/js/outside_in.js
index f67fa9d..0d65a14 100644
--- a/core/modules/outside_in/js/outside_in.js
+++ b/core/modules/outside_in/js/outside_in.js
@@ -78,6 +78,13 @@
     });
   });
 
+  // Respond to the ESC key. Exit out of edit mode.
+  $(document).on('keyup', function(e) {
+    if (e.keyCode === 27) {
+      setToggleActiveMode(false);
+    }
+  });
+
   /**
    * Gets all items that should be toggled with class during edit mode.
    *