Work faster and finish work early, by using these Photoshop shortcuts for layering, text, viewing, image handling and more.
(Image credit: Adobe / Future)
Photoshop shortcuts can help speed up your workflow, increasing your productivity and making your working hours more efficient. In theory, that means you'll finish work earlier and have more time to relax. And who doesn't want that?
Most users of Adobe's software will already know at least some Photoshop shortcuts. After all, some are the same as in other programs. But there are so many Photoshop shortcuts that there are probably some very useful ones that you're not using. Below, we list some of the most useful Photoshop shortcuts from our experience. Even this non-exhaustive selection is a lot for anybody to remember on a single read, so we've broken it into sections to allow you to find the most useful shortcuts for your re of work.
The general section includes the best Photoshop shortcuts for all users to be familiar with, while the others deal with more specific kinds of tasks, from changing brushes quickly to editing text, making image adjustments and managing your files. Finally, at the bottom real run though how you can change Photoshop shortcuts and create your own custom Photoshop shortcuts.
If you don't yet have the software, then you'll need to see how to download Photoshop. If you'd like to learn more about using the software, check out our roundup of Photoshoptutorials: whether you're a Photoshop novice or pro. We've also rounded up the best Photoshop actions. And if you work better with a visual aid, you might want to see this nifty Photoshop shortcuts cheat sheet.
Photoshop shortcuts: General use
(Image credit: Adobe)
01. Show and hide the layers panel
WINDOWS: F7
MAC: F7
Quickly show and hide the Layers panel easily by pressing F7 on your keypad. This will also show and hide the Channels and Paths panels because they are grouped together.
02. Scroll through the Layers
MAC: Option [ ]
WINDOWS: Alt [ ]
To scroll through the layers quickly, hold Alt/Option and use left and right bracket keys [ ] to scroll through: right is up and left is down.
03. Create New layer
MAC: Shift+Cmd+N
WINDOWS: Shift+Ctrl+N
Get started on your latest project in next to no time with this handy shortcut that instantly whips up a new layer and dialogue box.
04. Create new layer behind selected layer
MAC: Ctrl+New Layer icon
WINDOWS: Cmd+New Layer Icon
Mastering the new layer shortcut is a doddle, so once you're ready to drop in a layer behind it, be sure to use this shortcut.
05. Fill a layer
MAC: Alt+Backspace (foreground) or Cmd+Backspace (background)
WINDOWS: Alt+Delete (foreground) or Ctrl+Delete (background)
This command will fill an empty layer with the current foreground or background colour.
06. Flatten layers
MAC: Cmd+Alt+Shift+E
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E
Add a new, empty layer to the top of your stack, select it and use the above command to flatten the layers in an image to sharpen the result. This adds a flattened version of the image to the new layer but leaves the stacked layers intact too.
07. Merge visible layers
MAC: Cmd+Shift+E
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+E
This command enables you to merge all your existing layers to create one new layer. Beware! Once merged, they're extremely difficult to separate.
08. Stamp down selected layers
MAC: Cmd+Alt+E
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Alt+E
Once you've selected your layers, use this command to merge them into just one layer. To see them merged as a new layer, simply add in the Shift modifier. This is useful if you need to make adjustments later on.
09. New layer via copy
MAC: Cmd+J
WINDOWS: Ctrl+J
Use this command to create a new layer from an existing one. Sounds complicated? Give it a go!
10. New layer via cut
MAC: Cmd+Shift+J
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+J
Like creating a new layer via copy, this command will create a new layer with the selected image area in it. The only difference via cut is that it will remove the selected image portion from the original image.
11. Bring layer to top of stack
MAC: Cmd+Shift+]
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+]
Here, you can move your preferred layer to the top of the stack of images you're working with in Photoshop.
12. Send layer to bottom of stack
MAC: Cmd+Shift+[
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+[
Yep, this is pretty self-explanatory. It does exactly the same as the command above, but in the opposite direction.
13. Bring layer forward
MAC: Cmd+]
WINDOWS: Ctrl+]
This Photoshop shortcut enables you to bring any selected image to the front.
14. Send layer back
MAC: Cmd+[
WINDOWS: Ctrl+[
If you decide to change your mind, you can always select the image and send it to the back of the pile.
15. Copy multiple layers
MAC: Shift+Cmd+C
WINDOWS: Shift+Ctrl+C
Draw a selection, then use this command to take every layer into the clipboard, rather than just the current layer selection.
16. Edit layer style
MAC AND WINDOWS: Double-click layer
This shortcut gives you quick access to Photoshop's style controls, such as Drop Shadow, Bevel & Emboss and Color Overlay.
Photoshop shortcuts: Selections
(Image credit: Adobe)
17. Reselect
MAC: Cmd+Shift+D
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+D
This is a great command for when you accidentally click away from a section. Pressing these keys will have that section reselected in no time.
18. Invert selection
MAC: Cmd+Shift+I
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+I
Select objects around a pre-selected image. This way, you can work around your main focus without losing it.
19. Load layer transparency as selection
MAC: Cmd+click layer thumbnail
WINDOWS: Ctrl+click layer thumbnail
Select all the non-transparent or non-masked areas of a layer.
20. Feather selection
MAC AND WINDOWS: Shift+F6
Soften the edges of a selection by creating a transition between selected pixels and surrounding area.
21. Open Select & Mask (Refine Edge) dialog box
MAC: Cmd+Alt+R
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Alt+R
Cutting out complex objects is a doddle with Select & Mask.
22. Select all layers
MAC: Cmd+Opt+A
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Alt+A
A perfect command for those times when you need to get everything in sync.
23. Select bottom layer
MAC: Opt+,
WINDOWS: Alt+,
This will select the bottom layer in the Layers panel.
24. Select top layer
MAC: Opt+.
WINDOWS: Alt+.
This will select the top layer in the Layers panel.
25. Deselect from the selection area
MAC: Opt+drag
WINDOWS: Alt+drag
If you need to deselect a certain area sharpish, then hit these keys and drag your mouse.
26. Deselect all but the intersected area
MAC: Shift+Opt+drag
WINDOWS: Shift+Alt+drag
If you don't want to deselect an area, you can use this shortcut to ensure you're clicking on what you want.
27. Deselect the entire image
MAC: Cmd+D
WINDOWS: Ctrl+D
If you need to get away from the image, use this Photoshop shortcut to deselect anything that you've clicked on.
28. Find the sizing handles
MAC: Cmd+T, then Cmd+0
WINDOWS: Ctrl+T, then Ctrl+0
When pasting a layer or selection into a Photoshop image and it's bigger than the current image, it can be difficult to find the sizing handles. This command selects Transform and sizes the image inside the window so you can see the sizing handles.
29. Move a selection
MAC: Spacebar+Marquee tool
WINDOWS: Spacebar+Marquee tool
Want to move a selection easily? Simply choose the Marquee tool, and press and hold the Spacebar. Continue to do so until the selection is in the correct place.
30. Select individual channels
MAC: Cmd+3 (red), 4 (green), 5 (blue)
WINDOWS: Ctrl+3 (red), 4 (green), 5 (blue)
Selecting with Photoshop Channels makes removing a complex object from the background much easier than using other tools. And using this Photoshop shortcut makes the process even simpler.
31. Select a colour from an image
MAC: Opt+Brush tool
WINDOWS: Alt+Brush tool
When working with a Photoshop brush, if you want to sample a colour from an image, instead of clicking the Eyedropper tool, simply hold the Alt or Option key to switch temporarily. Then let go to return to the Brush tool.
Photoshop shortcuts: Brushes and filling
(Image credit: Adobe/Kyle T Webster)
32. Show/Hide Brush panel
MAC AND WINDOWS: F5
Experiment with different brush types and dynamics in Brush Settings.
33. Increase/decrease brush size
MAC: ]/[
WINDOWS: ]/[
Getting your brush size just right is one of the most important aspects of Photoshop. Do it with this command.
34. Fill
MAC: Shift+F5
WINDOWS: Shift+F5
Whether you want to fill the selection with the foreground colour or with a selected pattern, use this Photoshop shortcut to get the job done quickly.
35. Default foreground/background colour
MAC AND WINDOWS: D
This is especially useful for masking. Instantly switch to black and white for foreground and background colours.
36. Switch foreground/background colours
MAC AND WINDOWS: X
Toggle between two colours without having to take your cursor off the image.
37. Increase/decrease brush hardness
MAC: }/{
WINDOWS: }/{
Brush hardness is just as important, so get it right with this shortcut.
38. Previous/next brush
MAC: ,/.
WINDOWS: ,/.
Save time and distractions by using these simple commands to swiftly move through the various brushes on offer.
39. First/last brush
MAC: </>
WINDOWS: </>
If you don't want to have go through the entire array of brushes on offer, hit these commands to go back to the start or end.
40. Toggle airbrush option
MAC: Shift+Opt+P
WINDOWS: Shift+Alt+P
Simulate spraying painting with Photoshop's Airbrush tool using this helpful shortcut.
Photoshop shortcuts: Saving and closing
41. Save for web & devices
MAC: Cmd+Shift+Opt+S
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+Alt+S
Pretty self-explanatory, but if you prefer not to drag your mouse onto a number of options, use this Photoshop shortcut on your keyboard.
42. Close all open documents other than current document
MAC: Cmd+Alt+P
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Alt+P
Tidy your workspace in seconds without getting handcramp from clicking on all those crosses.
43. Close and go to Bridge
MAC: Cmd+Shift+W
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+W
As the name implies, this will close your document and then open up Adobe Bridge, where you can select the next file you wish to work on.
Photoshop shortcuts: Working with images
(Image credit: Adobe)
44. Levels
MAC: Cmd+L
WINDOWS: Ctrl+L
When editing your images, you'll be using the Levels box regularly. Save yourself some time with this Photoshop shortcut.
45. Free Transform
MAC: Cmd+T
WINDOWS: Ctrl+T
This command opens Photoshop's Free Transform tool for resizing, rotating, and skewing an image using a draggable outline.
46. Curves
MAC: Cmd+M
WINDOWS: Ctrl+M
This Photoshop shortcut enables you to quickly edit the Curves on an image.
47. Colour Balance
MAC: Cmd+B
WINDOWS: Ctrl+B
This is the perfect Photoshop shortcut to edit the Colour Balance of your images.
48. Hue/Saturation
MAC: Cmd+U
WINDOWS: Ctrl+U
These two powerful Photoshop tools will aid you in the colour balance battle, and decrease the amount of crossover.
49. Desaturate
MAC: Cmd+Shift+U
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+U
Convert your colour image to grayscale values, leaving the image in the same colour mode.
50. Quick image fixes
Auto Tone
MAC: Shift+Cmd+L
WINDOWS: Shift+Ctrl+L
Auto Contrast
MAC: Opt+Shift+Cmd+L
WINDOWS: Alt+Shift+Ctrl+L
Auto Color
MAC: Shift+Cmd+B
WINDOWS: Shift+Ctrl+B
After a quick fix for a photo? While they're not reliable cure-alls, these tools are usually worth a go for automatically improving your images.
51. Lens correction
MAC: Shift+Cmd+R
WINDOWS: Shift+Ctrl+R
The camera always lies, particularly where lens distortion is involved. Use the lens correction filter to reduce the effect of barrel distortion, pincushion distortion and vignetting.
52. Adaptive Wide Angle
MAC: Opt+Shift+Cmd+A
WINDOWS: Opt+Shift+Ctrl+A
Wide-angle lenses can bring their own particular distortions, and Photoshop has a filter for this. The Adaptive Wide Angle filter can quickly straighten lines that appear curved in panoramas, or photos taken with fish-eye and wide-angle lenses.
53. Camera Raw Filter
MAC: Shift+Cmd+A
WINDOWS: Shift+Ctrl+A
With older versions of Photoshop you have to run Adobe Camera Raw as a separate program. But in Photoshop CC it's available as a filter, enabling you to non-destructively apply sophisticated adjustments to any image type.
54. Content Aware Scale
MAC: Cmd+Shift+Opt+C
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+Alt+C
Scale your image to your preferred state with this super-quick Photoshop shortcut.
55. Content-Aware Move
MAC AND WINDOWS: Shift+J (cycle through tools)
The content-aware tool enables you to move objects around in a photograph, and it'll intelligently fill in the gaps where they used to be.
56. Create clipping mask
MAC: Cmd+Opt+G
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Alt+G
A great way to keep shadows and shading where they belong, the clipping mask tool is basic but useful.
57. Blending modes
MAC: Shift++ or -
WINDOWS: Shift++ or -
Photoshop has a variety of blending modes to create cool effects. Use this command to cycle through each.
58. Black and white dialogue box
MAC: Shift+Cmd+Opt+B
WINDOWS: Shift+Ctrl+Alt+B
Speed up the process of converting colour photos to black and white with this Photoshop shortcut, which opens the black and white adjustment dialogue box.
59. Change image size
MAC: Cmd+Opt+i
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Alt+i
Set up your image sizes with ease with this quick and simple shortcut.
60. Change canvas size
MAC: Cmd+Opt+c
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Alt+c
Create up your canvas size quickly using this nifty shortcut.
Photoshop shortcuts: 3D work
(Image credit: Adobe)
61. Show/Hide polygons
Within Selection
MAC: Opt+Cmd+X
WINDOWS: Alt+Ctrl+X
Reveal All
MAC: Opt+Shift+Cmd+X
WINDOWS: Opt+Shift+Ctrl+X
If you're working with 3D assets, use this option to view the polygons that make up your 3D models.
62. Render
MAC: Opt+Shift+Cmd+R
WINDOWS: Alt+Shift+Ctrl+R
Once you're happy with your 3D model, use this Photoshop shortcut to create a final render and create the highest quality version for output to web, print, or animation.
Photoshop shortcuts: Viewing
63. View actual pixels
MAC: Cmd+Opt+0
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Alt+0
Viewing an image in Photoshop in actual pixels gives you the chance to see each pixel individually – ensuring your work is perfect.
64. Fit on screen
MAC: Cmd+0
WINDOWS: Ctrl+0
This Photoshop shortcut is a great way to view your work in all its glory on screen.
65. Toggle between screen modes
MAC AND WINDOWS: F
Handy to know this in case your hand accidentally brushes the F key and you don't know where your toolbars have gone.
66. Zoom in
MAC: Cmd++
WINDOWS: Ctrl++
If you want to get down to the nitty gritty of an image, zoom right in with this Photoshop shortcut command.
67. Zoom out
MAC: Cmd+-
WINDOWS: Ctrl+-
Get an insight into how your work will look from afar with this zoom out command.
Photoshop shortcuts: Text
68. Increase/decrease size of selected text by 2pts
MAC: Cmd+Shift+>/<
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+>/<
Experiment with text in Photoshop by using this command to change its size by 2pts.
69. Increase/decrease size of selected text by 10pts
MAC: Cmd+Option+Shift->/<
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Alt+Shift+>/<
This Photoshop shortcut works the same as the command above, but it's by 10pts this time.
70. Increase/decrease kerning or tracking
MAC: Opt+right/left arrow
WINDOWS: Alt+right/left arrow
Adjust the space between your text in Photoshop with this handy keyboard command.
71. Align text left/centre/right
MAC: Cmd+Shift+L/C/R
WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+L/C/R
A great way to experiment with the alignment of your text, this Photoshop shortcut will enable you to do it quickly.
72. Show/Hide selection on selected type
MAC: Cmd+H
WINDOWS: Ctrl+H
Speed up the process of selecting elements on type with this easy-to-remember Photoshop shortcut.
How to create change Photoshop Shortcuts
You can easily create custom Photoshop shortcuts if you don't like the defaults.
Photoshop comes with a huge number of shortcuts by default, but if you find that the shortcut for a regular part of your workflow is too cumbersome, or you have memorised shortcuts from another program and would like to use them in Photoshop, you can always create custom shortcuts in Photoshop.
To do so, go to either Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts or Window > Workspace > Keyboard Shortcuts & Menus and click the Keyboard Shortcuts tab. Once there, choose a set of shortcuts from the Set menu at the top of the Keyboard Shortcuts & Menus dialogue box.
Choose a shortcut type from Application Menus (shortcuts for items in the menu bar), Panel Menus, Tools or Taskspaces (this covers the Content-Aware Fill and Select and Mask workspaces). In the Shortcut column of the scroll list, select the shortcut you want to modify and type a new shortcut.
Note that if the shortcut you enter is already assigned to another command, you'll see an alert. Click Accept to assign the shortcut to the new command and erase the previous assignation (you can click Undo Changes to go back if you change your mind). Click Accept and Go To Conflict to assign a new shortcut to the other command. To save all changes to the current set of shortcuts, click 'Save Set'. If you're saving changes to the Photoshop Defaults set, the Save dialogue box opens. Enter a name for the new set and click Save.
Matt has worked for various publishing houses and design agencies, covering studio photography, video production, editorial design, branding, illustration and motion graphics. He currently works for Future PLC with brands such as T3, Woman&Home, Marie Claire, Music Week, TechRadar, Golden Joysticks, Cycling Weekly, Brand Impact Awards, Horse&Hound and Tech&Learning. In the past he has designed titles including Mac|Life, IQ, Bow International, Drummer, iDrum, Acoustic, Clay Shooting, Sea Fishing and GunTradeNews. He has experience across the full Adobe Suite and is currently spending a lot of time creating projects in Blender and After Effects.
