Save time and boost creativity with the top Photoshop keyboard shortcuts. Learn essential and advanced tips for efficiency, plus how to customise your shortcuts!
Every second counts in the fast-paced world of graphic design. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to speed up your workflow and focus more on creativity rather than navigating through endless menus. That’s why Photoshop keyboard shortcuts are a game-changer.
Whether you’re cropping images, applying effects, or fine-tuning layers, these shortcuts streamline your work and improve productivity. By the end of this post, you’ll have mastered not just the basics but also advanced tips that can transform your design process.
| Feature | Adobe Photoshop | Other Editing Software |
| Professional-Grade Tools | Offers comprehensive, industry-standard tools for advanced editing. | May lack some advanced capabilities and precision. |
| Customisation Options | Highly customisable workspace, brushes, and tools. | Limited customisation options in some programs. |
| Learning Curve | Steeper learning curve due to its vast feature set. | Easier to learn, often designed for beginners. |
| Pricing | Subscription-based model, often considered expensive. | Usually offered at a one-time cost or for free, more budget-friendly. |
| File Format Compatibility | Supports a wide range of file formats, including PSD, TIFF, and RAW. | May not support all professional file formats. |
| Community and Support | Large community with extensive resources and tutorials available. | Smaller community; fewer tutorials and resources may be available. |
Table of Contents
Why Keyboard Shortcuts Matter in Photoshop
Keyboard shortcuts are more than just time-savers—they’re efficiency enablers. Think about how often you switch tools or apply adjustments in Photoshop. Clicking through menus repeatedly can be tedious and waste precious time. With shortcuts, you can instantly access tools and functions, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your design.
Mastering these shortcuts will save you hours weekly while reducing strain from repetitive clicks. Most importantly, they give you seamless control over your creative process.
Essential Keyboard Shortcuts for Common Photoshop Tasks
Below, I’ve organised some of the most commonly used shortcuts in Photoshop into categories so they’re easy to understand and apply. If you’re a beginner, start here!
1. General Photoshop Shortcuts
These shortcuts work across most Photoshop tasks and are foundational skills.
- Ctrl + N (Command + N for Mac): Create a new project.
- Ctrl + O (Command + O): Open an existing file.
- Ctrl + S (Command + S): Save your work.
- Ctrl + Z (Command + Z): Undo the last action. You can also use Ctrl + Alt + Z to step backward multiple times.
- Spacebar + Drag: Move around your canvas when zoomed in.
These are essential for tasks as simple as starting a project to cleaning up mistakes in real-time.
2. Tool Selection Shortcuts
These help you toggle between different tools without reaching for your mouse.
- V: Move Tool
- M: Marquee Tool (Rectangle, Elliptical)
- L: Lasso Tool
- W: Magic Wand/Quick Selection Tool
- C: Crop Tool
- B: Brush Tool
- E: Eraser Tool
When I work on a project, I often find myself switching between tools. Using these shortcuts makes it virtually instantaneous.
3. Layer Management Shortcuts
Working with layers in Photoshop? These will be life-changing.
- Ctrl + J (Command + J): Duplicate a layer.
- Ctrl + Shift + N (Command + Shift + N): Create a new layer.
- Ctrl + ] or [ (Command + ]/[): Move layers up or down in the stack.
- Ctrl + G (Command + G): Group layers together.
- Ctrl + Alt + G (Command + Option + G): Create a clipping mask.
For any designer, effective layer management is critical, and these shortcuts make it simple.
4. Selection Shortcuts
Photoshop is often about making precise edits, and these selection shortcuts are indispensable.
- Ctrl + A (Command + A): Select the entire canvas.
- Ctrl + D (Command + D): Deselect a selection.
- Ctrl + Shift + D (Command + Shift + D): Reselect a previous selection.
- Shift + Click with Selection Tool: Add to your current selection.
If you’re fine-tuning images, such as removing backgrounds, shortcuts like these will save a ton of effort.
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Advanced Keyboard Shortcuts for Experienced Users
For experienced users, these advanced shortcuts can enhance your workflow even further. They focus on fine-tuning and faster editing processes.
1. Brushes and Painting
- Alt + Right-Click Drag (Option + Control Drag): Adjust brush size and hardness on the fly.
- Shift + [ or ]: Adjust brush softness or hardness.
- 0 – 9 Keys: Adjust brush opacity (e.g., press 5 for 50% opacity).
2. Adjustments and Masks
- Ctrl + M (Command + M): Open the Curves adjustment panel.
- Ctrl + L (Command + L): Open the Levels adjustment panel.
- Alt + Click on Mask (Option + Click): Edit layer masks directly.
3. Smart Objects and Transformations
- Ctrl + T (Command + T): Free transform your layer.
- Ctrl + Shift + T (Command + Shift + T): Repeat the last transformation.
- Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E (Command + Option + Shift + E): Merge visible layers into one new layer.
These shortcuts are ideal for detailed or repetitive work—helping even seasoned designers work smarter.
Customising Your Own Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts
While Adobe Photoshop provides a comprehensive list of default shortcuts, you can go one step further by customising them to fit your personal workflow.
How to Customise Keyboard Shortcuts
- Go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts
From the menu, select “Keyboard Shortcuts,” which opens a customisation dialog.
- Select the Menu or Tool You Want to Edit
Choose from options like Application Menus or Tools, depending on where the feature is located.
- Create Your Shortcut
Highlight the function and enter your desired key combination. Be sure it doesn’t conflict with an existing shortcut.
Customising shortcuts can feel like a small adjustment, but trust me—it makes a big difference in overall efficiency.
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The Impact of Keyboard Shortcuts on Productivity
If you still haven’t embraced Photoshop keyboard shortcuts, you’re likely missing out on achieving peak productivity. Using shortcuts is not just about speed—it fosters better focus. By reducing reliance on menus and mouse clicks, you stay in your creative flow.
Personally, since fully committing to shortcuts, I’ve noticed I save several hours on large projects. It’s also reduced the physical strain on my hands, an underrated perk for those long editing sessions.
More Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts
Here are more essential keyboard shortcuts to supercharge your efficiency in Photoshop. Incorporate these into your workflow for even greater control and speed.
Layer Management
- Cmd/Ctrl + J – Duplicate Layer
Make a copy of the selected layer or selection in an instant.
- Cmd/Ctrl + ] – Bring Layer Forward
Move the selected layer one step forward in the layer panel stack.
- Cmd/Ctrl + [ – Send Layer Backward
Send the selected layer one step backward in the layer panel stack.
- Shift + Cmd/Ctrl + N – New Layer
Quickly create a new blank layer for your edits.
- Alt/Option + Drag Layer – Duplicate Layer in Place
Drag a layer while pressing Alt/Option to duplicate it without impacting its position.
Selection Tools
- Shift + M – Cycle between Rectangular and Elliptical Marquee Tools
Switch seamlessly between marquee tools to adapt to the shape of your selection.
- Cmd/Ctrl + H – Hide Selection Edges
Temporarily hide the borders of your selection while you work.
- Shift + Alt/Option + Drag Selection – Duplicate Selection
Copy your selection and drag it to a new location in one step.
Colour Adjustment
- Cmd/Ctrl + U – Hue/Saturation
Open the Hue/Saturation panel to tweak colours in your image.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + B – Auto Colour
Balance colours automatically for a quick enhancement.
- Alt/Option + Cmd/Ctrl + B – Black and White
Bring up the Black and White adjustment for full control over monotone conversion.
Other Handy Shortcuts
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + T – Repeat Last Transformation
Repeat the previous transformation quickly for consistency.
- Cmd/Ctrl + R – Show/Hide Rulers
Toggle rulers on and off to align your elements perfectly.
- Alt/Option + Delete/Backspace – Fill with Foreground Colour
Fill the selected area or layer with the current foreground colour in one step.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Alt/Option + Z – Step Backward
Go back multiple steps in your history, perfect for correcting mistakes.
Start incorporating these shortcuts into your projects, and you’ll notice substantial time savings and smoother workflows. Keep practicing, and watch as your proficiency skyrockets!
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Additional Photoshop Shortcuts
- Cmd/Ctrl + T – Free Transform
Resize, rotate, skew, and distort your selection or layer with this essential tool.
- Shift + Cmd/Ctrl + I – Invert Selection
Reverse your current selection to select everything outside it.
- Cmd/Ctrl + E – Merge Layers
Combine the selected layer with the one directly below it for better organisation.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + U – Desaturate
Quickly remove all colour from the selected layer or image.
- Cmd/Ctrl + D – Deselect
Clear your current selection and work freely on the canvas again.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Alt/Option + Shift + S – Save for Web
Optimise your images for web use with a dedicated export dialogue.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + N – Create New Layer
Add a new blank layer to your composition without disrupting your workflow.
These additional shortcuts will enhance your efficiency and allow you to perform various tasks with greater speed. Familiarise yourself with them to take full advantage of Photoshop’s capabilities!
- Cmd/Ctrl + Z – Undo
Step back through your actions to correct mistakes and refine your work.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + Z – Redo
Move forward again after undoing, allowing greater flexibility in editing.
- Cmd/Ctrl + T – Free Transform
Activate transformation controls to resize, rotate or scale your selection or layer.
- Cmd/Ctrl + J – Duplicate Layer
Quickly create a duplicate of the currently active layer, preserving your original.
- Cmd/Ctrl + G – Group Layers
Organise your workflow by grouping selected layers into a single folder.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Alt/Option + G – Create Clipping Mask
Use one layer to define the visible areas of the layer directly above it.
- Cmd/Ctrl + L – Levels Adjustment
Open the levels dialogue to adjust the tonal range and contrast of your image.
Mastering these additional shortcuts will not only streamline your creative process but also help you focus on your artistic vision without unnecessary interruptions. Practice regularly to embed them into your routine!
- Cmd/Ctrl + E – Merge Layers
Combine selected layers into a single layer, keeping your layer stack organised and simplified.
- Cmd/Ctrl + ; – Show/Hide Guides
Toggle the visibility of guides to aid in alignment without cluttering your workspace.
- Cmd/Ctrl + D – Deselect
Remove any active selection to proceed with editing the entire image.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + I – Invert Selection
Switch the active selection to the unselected areas of your image.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Alt/Option + Shift + S – Save for Web
Access optimisation options to export your artwork efficiently for web use.
- Cmd/Ctrl + H – Hide Extras
Temporarily remove visual aids like gridlines and selection outlines for a clearer view of your work.
By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily practice, you can further elevate your efficiency and focus within Photoshop, ultimately empowering you to achieve greater creative control.
- Cmd/Ctrl + L – Levels
Adjust the tonal range and colour balance of your image using the Levels dialogue box.
- Cmd/Ctrl + M – Curves
Open the Curves adjustment tool to fine-tune contrast and colour with precision.
- Cmd/Ctrl + T – Free Transform
Resize, rotate, or skew your selection or layer quickly and efficiently.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + N – New Layer
Create a new layer instantly, keeping your workflow seamless and non-destructive.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + C – Copy Merged
Copy all visible layers within a selection to the clipboard, enabling quick compositing.
- Cmd/Ctrl + + / – – Zoom In/Out
Effortlessly zoom in or out of your canvas to focus on details or view your work in full.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + U – Desaturate
Remove all colour from the selected layer to create a grayscale effect.
Mastering these additional shortcuts will enhance your productivity and ensure that your creative process is as smooth and effective as possible!
- Cmd/Ctrl + J – Duplicate Layer
Quickly duplicate the selected layer or selection, helping you save time while editing.
- Cmd/Ctrl + E – Merge Layers
Merge the selected layer with the one directly below it to streamline your project.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + Z – Step Backward
Undo multiple steps in your editing process, giving you greater flexibility.
- Cmd/Ctrl + F – Reapply Last Filter
Effortlessly reapply the last filter used, speeding up repetitive tasks.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + I – Image Size
Open the Image Size dialogue box to adjust your project’s dimensions or resolution.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + G – Create Clipping Mask
Use this to clip a layer to the one below it, allowing more controlled edits.
- Cmd/Ctrl + D – Deselect
Quickly remove any active selection, maintaining the flow of your work.
- Cmd/Ctrl + H – Hide Extras
Toggle the visibility of guides, grid, and selections for an unobstructed view of your artwork.
- Cmd/Ctrl + T – Free Transform
Enable the Free Transform tool to resize, rotate or skew your selected layer or object with precision.
- Cmd/Ctrl + L – Levels
Open the Levels adjustment panel to fine-tune the brightness, contrast, and tonal range of your image.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + N – New Layer
Create a new layer quickly, allowing you to organise your edits effectively.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + I – Invert Selection
Invert your current selection, switching from selected to unselected areas for greater control.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + C – Copy Merged
Copy all visible layers within the selected area into a single merged copy, ready for pasting.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + U – Desaturate
Remove all colour from the selected layer or object to create a black-and-white effect instantly.
- Cmd/Ctrl + R – Show/Hide Rulers
Toggle the visibility of rulers to help align your elements for a more organised composition.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + Alt + S – Save for Web
Open the Save for Web dialogue box to optimise your image for web use, balancing quality and file size.
- Cmd/Ctrl + T – Free Transform
Activate the Free Transform tool, enabling you to resize, rotate, skew, or distort the selected layer or object effortlessly.
- Cmd/Ctrl + E – Merge Layers
Merge the selected layer with the layer immediately below it, helping to streamline your workspace.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + G – Ungroup Layers
Remove grouped layers from a group while keeping their position intact in the layer stack.
- Cmd/Ctrl + ; – Show/Hide Guides
Toggle the visibility of guides to assist with precise alignment during your design process.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + Z – Step Backward
Undo multiple actions step by step, giving you a safety net during edits.
- Cmd/Ctrl + D – Deselect
Remove the current selection to reset your focus and work on a different part of the image.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + Shift + K – Keyboard Shortcuts
Open the Keyboard Shortcuts dialogue to customise and review Photoshop hotkeys for a more personalised workflow.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + I – Image Size
Access the Image Size dialogue to adjust the dimensions and resolution of your project for specific requirements.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + N – New Layer
Create a new layer instantly, allowing you to begin fresh adjustments without disrupting existing elements.
- Cmd/Ctrl + [ or ] – Move Layer
Quickly move the selected layer up or down within the layer stack to reorganise your project.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + I – Invert Selection
Invert your current selection to focus on the areas outside your original selection.
- Cmd/Ctrl + T – Free Transform
Resize, rotate, or skew the selected layer or object to fit your design needs seamlessly.
- Cmd/Ctrl + H – Hide Selection
Temporarily hide the selection’s edges for a cleaner workspace while preserving the selection.
- Cmd/Ctrl + U – Hue/Saturation
Open the Hue/Saturation dialogue to adjust the colours of your image for creative effects or corrections.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + J – Cut to New Layer
Cut the selected content and paste it into a new layer for easier manipulation during edits.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S – Save for Web
Open the Save for Web dialogue, optimising your project for web usage by compressing size while maintaining quality.
- Cmd/Ctrl + E – Merge Layers
Combine the selected layer with the one below it, streamlining your layer stack for a more organised project.
- Cmd/Ctrl + L – Levels
Open the Levels dialogue to adjust the tonal range and contrast of your image for precise corrections.
- Cmd/Ctrl + G – Group Layers
Group selected layers into a folder to keep your workspace tidy and improve project organisation.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + E – Merge Visible
Merge all visible layers into a single layer while keeping hidden layers intact.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + N – New Layer
Create a new, blank layer within your project, providing more flexibility for your edits.
- Cmd/Ctrl + F – Repeat Last Filter
Apply the previously used filter again for consistent effects across multiple elements.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + ALT + K – Keyboard Shortcuts
Open the Keyboard Shortcuts menu to customise or review your preferred shortcuts, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Cmd/Ctrl + T – Free Transform
Enable the Free Transform tool to resize, rotate, or distort a layer or selection for precise adjustments.
- Cmd/Ctrl + I – Invert
Invert the colours of the selected layer or area, creating quick negative effects.
- Cmd/Ctrl + U – Hue/Saturation
Open the Hue/Saturation adjustment dialogue to modify the colour intensity and tone of your image.
- Cmd/Ctrl + D – Deselect
Deselect an active selection, allowing you to resume working without affecting the previously selected area.
- Cmd/Ctrl + J – Duplicate Layer
Duplicate the selected layer or selection into a new layer for non-destructive edits.
- Cmd/Ctrl + R – Show/Hide Rulers
Toggle the visibility of rulers to assist with precise alignment and composition.
- Cmd/Ctrl + H – Hide Extras
Hide gridlines, guides, and selections without disabling them for a cleaner workspace while editing.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + U – Desaturate
Remove all colour from the selected layer or area, quickly converting it to grayscale.
- Cmd/Ctrl + ; – Toggle Guides
Show or hide guides in your project, useful for aligning elements with precision.
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + Z – Step Forward
Step forward through your undo history, advancing to the next change you’ve made.
Start Practicing Today
Mastering Photoshop keyboard shortcuts isn’t something that happens overnight. I recommend selecting 10-15 essential shortcuts to focus on at first. Keep a list or sticky note nearby and make a conscious effort to use them. Gradually, introduce advanced ones into your workflow.
Want to fast-track your learning? Bookmark this guide and refer back to it as you practice. You’ll find that with consistent use, these shortcuts become second nature.
Conclusion
Mastering these shortcuts can significantly enhance your efficiency and confidence when working on complex projects. By reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks, you can focus on the creative aspects of your work and achieve professional results with ease.
However, it’s important to remember that shortcuts are only tools—they are most effective when combined with a solid understanding of underlying techniques. Practice regularly to turn these commands into instinctive actions and tailor them to suit your specific workflow.
Ultimately, integrating these shortcuts into your routine will empower you to work smarter, not harder, encouraging a smoother and more enjoyable editing experience. Adjusting to them may take time, but the long-term benefits are well worth the effort.
FAQs Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts
Why should I learn keyboard shortcuts?
Learning keyboard shortcuts enhances your workflow efficiency by saving time on repetitive tasks and allowing you to focus more on creativity.
Do I need to memorise all shortcuts at once?
No, start with the most commonly used shortcuts and gradually incorporate more as you become comfortable.
Can I customise the shortcuts for my workflow?
Yes, many software programs allow you to customise shortcuts to better suit your specific needs.
How long does it take to get used to shortcuts?
With regular practice, shortcuts can become instinctive within a few weeks, but this may vary based on your usage frequency and familiarity with the software.
Are shortcuts the same across all software?
Not always. While some shortcuts are universal, many are software-specific. Always check the documentation for the software you are using.
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