18 Game-Changing Shortcuts in Photoshop to Master

For hobbyists and professional designers alike, Photoshop is an indispensable tool for editing, retouching, combining and creating images of all kinds. But with its vast array of tools and features, Photoshop can be a time-consuming software to navigate.

That's where shortcuts come into play. With their help, you can accomplish a wide variety of tasks in Photoshop more quickly and efficiently. Understanding and utilizing shortcuts won't just save you time, though—it will also enhance your workflow and allow you to let your creativity run free without being bogged down by repetitive actions.

Keyboard Shortcuts 101

Simply put, keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop—also sometimes referred to as Photoshop controls or Photoshop quick keys—are combinations of keys that can be pressed together to perform specific commands or actions within the software.

They offer a convenient alternative to using more time-consuming menus and mouse clicks, and can significantly streamline your workflow and boost productivity. By memorizing and incorporating shortcuts into your workflow, you can perform tasks much more efficiently and with greater precision.

Shortcuts in Photoshop for Mac or PC

When it comes to navigating Photoshop efficiently, understanding the subtle differences between Photoshop Mac shortcuts and their PC counterparts can make a significant impact on your workflow. While the core functionalities remain consistent across both platforms, the key variances lie in the modifier keys used to execute commands.

For Mac users, the Command key (⌘) is a staple modifier key utilized in conjunction with other keys to execute various commands. For example, Command + Z is used to undo the last action performed, Command + S can be used to save your work and Command + T activates the transform tool.

On the other hand, PC users rely instead on the Control key (Ctrl) as the primary modifier key for keyboard shortcuts. Ctrl + Z still serves as the undo command, Ctrl + S is used for saving and Ctrl + T for activating the transform tool. These combinations mirror their Mac counterparts in functionality but utilize the Control key rather than the Command key to achieve the same actions.

Beyond the Command and Control keys, other shortcuts in Photoshop may have slight variations in execution between Mac and PC. For instance, while Mac users use Command + Option + Shift + S to save for web and devices, PC users use Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S to achieve the same function. These minor differences may take some adjustment for users transitioning between platforms, but are easy to adapt to with a little bit of practice.

Whether you're using a Mac or PC, mastering these shortcuts is essential if you want to maximize your efficiency and productivity in Photoshop. By familiarizing yourself with your platform's specific shortcuts and incorporating them into your workflow, you can streamline your design process and achieve better results in less time.

18 Shortcuts in Photoshop Everyone Should Know

In software as fully-featured as Photoshop, certain shortcuts are invaluable for every user, whether they’re just getting started or use Photoshop for professional graphic design.

Here are some of the essential shortcuts that every Photoshop user should know by heart:

1. Ctrl + N (Cmd + N for Mac): Opening a new document is a basic action in Photoshop. This shortcut allows you to create a new canvas quickly, whether you're starting a new project or simply need an additional workspace.
2. Ctrl + O (Cmd + O for Mac): Opening existing documents is a breeze with this shortcut. It's a time-saving alternative to navigating through menus or searching for files manually, especially when you're working on multiple projects at the same time.
3. Ctrl + S (Cmd + S for Mac): To avoid losing progress in Photoshop, you'll need to save your work frequently. This shortcut ensures that you can quickly save your document with a simple keystroke, thus protecting your edits against unexpected interruptions and crashes.
4. Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z for Mac): The undo command is a lifesaver when experimenting with different design elements or fixing mistakes, and can be particularly helpful when editing portraits. With this shortcut, you can effortlessly revert to previous states of your project and remedy errors without disrupting your workflow.
5. Ctrl + Shift + Z (Cmd + Shift + Z for Mac): Redoing actions is just as important as undoing them. This shortcut allows you to step forward through your edit history, which means you can backtrack and redo changes as needed.
6. Ctrl + C (Cmd + C for Mac): Copying elements within your document is a common task in Photoshop. This shortcut simplifies the process and makes it possible to duplicate selections or layers with ease.
7. Ctrl + V (Cmd + V for Mac): Once you've copied an element, pasting it elsewhere in your document is as simple as using this shortcut. It's an essential tool for arranging and organizing elements within your design.
8. Ctrl + T (Cmd + T for Mac): Transforming objects is a fundamental aspect of design in Photoshop. This shortcut instantly activates the transform tool, which lets you immediately scale, rotate, skew or distort any elements you've selected, such as when resizing an image.
9. Ctrl + A (Cmd + A for Mac): Selecting the entire canvas is useful when you need to apply edits or transformations to the entire document. This shortcut saves time by instantly highlighting the entire area.
10. Ctrl + D (Cmd + D for Mac): To avoid accidentally editing the wrong elements, you'll often find yourself needing to deselect. This shortcut clears any active selections, which ensures that subsequent actions only affect the intended elements.
11. Ctrl + E (Cmd + E for Mac): Merging layers is a common task in Photoshop, especially when combining multiple elements or adjustments. This shortcut streamlines the process and allows you to quickly merge any selected layers.
12. Ctrl + J (Cmd + J for Mac): Duplicating layers is a handy way to create multiple copies of elements within your document. Whether you're experimenting with different effects or need identical elements in various parts of your design, this shortcut simplifies the task.
13. Ctrl + Shift + C (Cmd + Shift + C for Mac): Copying all visible layers is useful when you want to duplicate your project's current composition while maintaining its appearance. This shortcut copies all visible elements in your document in an instant.
14. Ctrl + Shift + V (Cmd + Shift + V for Mac): By pasting copied layers in place, you can ensure precise alignment with the original position. This shortcut is invaluable for maintaining consistency and accuracy when duplicating elements.
15. Ctrl + Shift + N (Cmd + Shift + N for Mac): Creating a new layer is a crucial action in Photoshop, and allows you to add additional elements or adjustments without altering existing layers. This shortcut expedites the process by instantly generating a new layer.
16. Ctrl + Shift + Alt + N (Cmd + Shift + Option + N for Mac): Creating a new layer without the New Layer dialog bypasses additional prompts, saving time when rapidly generating multiple layers. This shortcut is particularly useful for creating a series of identical layers or elements in quick succession.
17. Ctrl + Shift + S (Cmd + Shift + S for Mac): Saving a copy of the current document is essential for creating backups or exporting variations of your design. This shortcut initiates the Save As dialog, which allows you to specify the file format, location and filename for the saved copy.
18. Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S (Cmd + Option + Shift + S for Mac): Saving for web and devices is a specialized function in Photoshop that images for online use or specific devices. This shortcut accelerates the process by presenting the Save for Web dialog with various optimization settings.

By incorporating these essential shortcuts into your daily practice, you can streamline your design process, enhance precision and control and ultimately unlock the full potential of Adobe Photoshop.

Tips for Creating Your Shortcuts

Customizing shortcuts in Photoshop is a powerful way to tailor the software to your specific workflow and preferences. Try using these tips to create and manage your shortcuts effectively:

• Identify your most used commands: Take some time to analyze your workflow and identify the commands or tools you use most frequently in Photoshop. These could include actions like selecting, cropping, painting or applying filters. By focusing on the commands you use often, you can prioritize which shortcuts to create or customize.
• Review default shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with the default keyboard shortcuts that are built into Photoshop. This will give you a solid foundation to work from and help you avoid duplicating existing shortcuts. Pro tip: You can review the default shortcuts by navigating to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts.
• Choose intuitive key combinations: When creating custom shortcuts, opt for key combinations that feel intuitive and are easy to remember. Consider using combinations that involve modifier keys like Ctrl, Shift or Alt (that's Command, Shift or Option for Mac users) along with a letter or number key. Also, avoid using single-letter shortcuts that may conflict with existing commands.
• Document your shortcuts: Keep track of your custom shortcuts by documenting them in a readily accessible format. This could be a digital document, a physical cheat sheet or even a custom keyboard overlay. Doing so will help reinforce your shortcuts in memory and make it easier to recall them during your design sessions.
• Experiment and refine: Don't be afraid to experiment with different shortcut combinations until you find the ones that work best for you. As you use Photoshop and encounter repetitive tasks or actions, consider creating shortcuts to streamline those processes.
• Consider consistency across software: If you use multiple Creative Cloud applications such as Adobe Fresco or Illustrator, consider maintaining consistency in your shortcut configurations across these programs. This will make it easier to transition between applications and minimize confusion when switching apps.
• Backup your settings: Once you've created your custom shortcuts, it's essential to back up your settings regularly in case of system crashes or software updates. You can do this by exporting your keyboard shortcuts configuration from the Edit menu.
• Stay open to updates: Adobe periodically releases updates to Photoshop, which may introduce new features or changes to existing functionality. So, it's important to stay informed about these updates and be prepared to adjust your shortcuts accordingly.

By following those tips, you can create a personalized set of shortcuts that aligns with your unique workflow and boosts your productivity in Photoshop.

Master Your Usage of Photoshop with Shortcuts

Mastering shortcuts in Photoshop is a game-changer for anyone looking to enhance their efficiency and productivity in digital design. By understanding the fundamentals of keyboard shortcuts, learning platform-specific variations, familiarizing yourself with essential shortcuts and customizing your own, you can elevate your Photoshop skills to new heights.

Written By

Carrie Buchholz

Carrie Buchholz is a freelance writer who lives in Northern Colorado with her husband and dog.

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