Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts That Will Help You Save Time

Despite being one of the most creative programs available, Photoshop’s menus and features can frequently cause delays. It might be time to learn how to use Photoshop’s keyboard shortcuts if you find yourself reaching for your mouse to select commands. These shortcuts not only expedite your work but also simplify and improve the efficiency of editing.

In this post, we’ll discuss the most important keyboard shortcuts that every Photoshop user needs to be aware of. To make them easier to understand, we’ll group them according to their functions.

The Significance of Keyboard Shortcuts in Photoshop

Professional photographers and designers occasionally have to fulfill strict deadlines. Every second you save when editing photos, switching between tools, or changing layers adds up. By eliminating the need to click repeatedly, keyboard shortcuts allow you to focus on your innovative ideas rather than navigating menus. As you get used to them, these shortcuts become instinctive.

Crucial Navigational Shortcuts
Ctrl + + / Ctrl + – (Windows) or Cmd + + / Cmd + – (Mac) → Zoom in or out quickly.

To temporarily activate the Hand Tool and move around your canvas, hold down the spacebar and drag.

Mac: Cmd + 0 | Windows: Ctrl + 0 Make sure the entire image fills your screen.
Tab → To reduce distractions at work, hide or reveal all panels.

Quick Tips for Layer Management

Press Ctrl + J on Windows, or Cmd + J on Mac. Create a duplicate of the selected layer.
Cmd + Shift + N (Mac) or Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) → Create a new layer immediately.
Ctrl + G on Windows; Cmd + G on Macs; Combine the layers of your choice.
Mac: Cmd + E → Windows: Ctrl + E Put the layers together however you like.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E on Windows, or Cmd + Option + Shift + E on Mac. Create a new layer with a copy of every layer that is visible.

Shortcuts to the Selection Process

To select the entire canvas, press Ctrl + A on Windows or Cmd + A on Mac.
To unselect everything, press Ctrl + D (Windows) or Cmd + D (Mac).
Cmd + Shift + I (Mac) or Ctrl + Shift + I (Windows) → Flip a selection over.
M → To make elliptical or rectangular selections, activate the Marquee Tool.
L → Select the Lasso Tool to make freehand selections.

Paint and Brush Shortcuts

B → Launch the Brush Tool.
E → Select the Eraser Tool.
To move on to the next step while using the Brush, press Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac). For a brief moment, switch to the Eyedropper Tool.
[ and ] → Modify the brush’s size.
To alter the brush’s hardness, press Shift + [ or ].

Text and Type Shortcuts

T → Switch the Type Tool on.
Ctrl + Enter (Windows) or Cmd + Return (Mac) → Complete the text modification as soon as possible.
Cmd + Shift + > (Mac) or Ctrl + Shift + > (Windows) → Enlarge the font.
Mac: Cmd + Shift + <; Windows: Ctrl + Shift + <; Reduce the size of the font.

Rapid Tool Switching

V → Move Tool.
C: The Crop Tool.
I ← Eyedropper Tool
G = Paint Bucket or Gradient Tool (switch by pressing Shift + G).
W stands for Magic Wand or Quick Selection Tool; to switch, press Shift + W.

The Past and the Undo

Use Ctrl + Z on Windows, or Cmd + Z on Macs. Return to your most recent action.
Cmd + Option + Z (Mac) or Ctrl + Alt + Z (Windows) → Go back in time a little.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Z on Windows, or Cmd + Shift + Z on Mac. A historical first.

Modifications

To alter a layer’s size, shape, or rotation, press Ctrl + T (Windows) or Cmd + T (Mac) → Use Free Transform.
Shift + Drag Corner → Scale uniformly.
Mac: Option + Drag Corner; Windows: Alt + Drag Corner Modify the size starting in the center.
Some Advice for Increasing the Efficiency of Your Workflow

Ctrl + S (Windows) or Cmd + S (Mac) → Remember to frequently save your work.

F → To gain more space, switch between different screen modes.
Mac: Shift + Cmd + N; Windows: Shift + Ctrl + N Without launching the Layers window, create a new layer.
Ctrl + Shift + Alt + S for Windows; Cmd + Shift + Option + S for Mac Open the “Save for Web” window to obtain the best exports.

How to Keep in Mind Shortcuts Without Getting Overloaded

Start with your most frequently used tools. Learn the text shortcuts first, for example, if you work with text. Learn more gradually as you become more at ease. Another option is to print out a cheat sheet with Photoshop shortcuts and keep it handy until you are familiar with them.

Final Thoughts

In Photoshop, keyboard shortcuts are more than just a convenience; they are essential for completing tasks more quickly and creatively. Whether you’re creating graphics, editing photos, or creating digital art, knowing these shortcuts will help you work more quickly and efficiently.
Photoshop will become faster and easier for you to use the more you use it. Make it a habit by starting with a couple. You’ll be working like a pro without even trying before you know it.

Tags: Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts That Will Help You Save Time

Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts That Will Help You Save Time