Close Menu
PSD VaultPSD Vault
  • VIP Area
  • Photoshop Basics
  • Photo Effect
  • Text Effect
  • Premium Tuts
  • Resources
  • Drawing
  • Inspiration
  • Web Graphics
  • Abstract
  • Freebies
  • Advertise
  • Get in Touch
  • About PSD Vault
Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube TikTok
Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube TikTok RSS
PSD VaultPSD Vault
  • VIP Area
    • Sign Up
    • Log In
  • Photoshop Basics
  • AI
  • Photoshop Error Fixes
  • Video Tutorial
  • Photo Effect
  • Text Effect
  • Premium Tuts
  • Drawing
  • Opinion
PSD VaultPSD Vault
Home»Basics»Unlock Photoshop Efficiency: The Best Keyboard Shortcuts You Need to Know
Basics

Unlock Photoshop Efficiency: The Best Keyboard Shortcuts You Need to Know

By James QuFebruary 1, 20254 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Keyboard shortcuts are essential for streamlining your workflow in Adobe Photoshop. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, knowing the right shortcuts can save you hours of work. In this guide, we’ve compiled the most useful Photoshop keyboard shortcuts to help you work faster and smarter.


Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts?

  • Speed Up Your Workflow: Perform tasks in seconds instead of navigating menus.
  • Improve Precision: Access tools and features with a single keystroke.
  • Reduce Mouse Dependency: Minimize hand movement and fatigue.
  • Professional Edge: Impress clients and colleagues with your efficiency.

Essential Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts

General Shortcuts

ShortcutFunction
Ctrl + N (Win) / Cmd + N (Mac)Create a new document
Ctrl + O (Win) / Cmd + O (Mac)Open an existing file
Ctrl + S (Win) / Cmd + S (Mac)Save the current file
Ctrl + Shift + S (Win) / Cmd + Shift + S (Mac)Save As
Ctrl + Z (Win) / Cmd + Z (Mac)Undo the last action
Ctrl + Alt + Z (Win) / Cmd + Opt + Z (Mac)Step backward (multiple undos)
Ctrl + Shift + Z (Win) / Cmd + Shift + Z (Mac)Step forward (redo)
Ctrl + T (Win) / Cmd + T (Mac)Free Transform
Ctrl + D (Win) / Cmd + D (Mac)Deselect
Ctrl + A (Win) / Cmd + A (Mac)Select all

Tool Shortcuts

ShortcutTool
VMove Tool
MMarquee Tool (Rectangular/Elliptical)
LLasso Tool
WQuick Selection Tool / Magic Wand
CCrop Tool
EEraser Tool
BBrush Tool
SClone Stamp Tool
GGradient Tool / Paint Bucket
TType Tool
UShape Tool
HHand Tool
ZZoom Tool

Layer Shortcuts

ShortcutFunction
Ctrl + J (Win) / Cmd + J (Mac)Duplicate layer
Ctrl + G (Win) / Cmd + G (Mac)Group layers
Ctrl + Shift + G (Win) / Cmd + Shift + G (Mac)Ungroup layers
Ctrl + Shift + N (Win) / Cmd + Shift + N (Mac)Create a new layer
Ctrl + Alt + G (Win) / Cmd + Opt + G (Mac)Create clipping mask
Ctrl + E (Win) / Cmd + E (Mac)Merge layers
Ctrl + Shift + E (Win) / Cmd + Shift + E (Mac)Merge visible layers

Selection and Masking Shortcuts

ShortcutFunction
Ctrl + Click Layer Thumbnail (Win) / Cmd + Click Layer Thumbnail (Mac)Load layer as selection
Ctrl + Shift + I (Win) / Cmd + Shift + I (Mac)Inverse selection
QQuick Mask Mode
Alt + Click Layer Mask (Win) / Opt + Click Layer Mask (Mac)View layer mask

Navigation Shortcuts

ShortcutFunction
SpacebarTemporarily switch to Hand Tool
Ctrl + 0 (Win) / Cmd + 0 (Mac)Fit image to screen
Ctrl + + (Win) / Cmd + + (Mac)Zoom in
Ctrl + - (Win) / Cmd + - (Mac)Zoom out
Ctrl + Tab (Win) / Cmd + Tab (Mac)Switch between open documents

Pro Tips for Using Shortcuts

  1. Customize Shortcuts: Go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts to create your own shortcuts for frequently used tools.
  2. Practice Regularly: Start with a few shortcuts and gradually add more to your routine.
  3. Use Cheat Sheets: Print out a list of shortcuts and keep it near your workspace for quick reference.
  4. Combine Shortcuts: Many shortcuts can be combined for advanced workflows (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E to stamp visible layers).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I reset Photoshop shortcuts to default?

Yes, go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts and click Reset All.

2. Are these shortcuts the same for Photoshop on Mac and Windows?

Most shortcuts are the same, but Windows uses Ctrl while Mac uses Cmd. Some shortcuts may vary slightly.

3. How do I remember all these shortcuts?

Start with the basics and gradually incorporate more shortcuts into your workflow. Practice makes perfect!


Conclusion

Mastering Photoshop keyboard shortcuts is a game-changer for any designer. By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily workflow, you’ll save time, work more efficiently, and unlock new creative possibilities. Bookmark this guide or download our cheat sheet to keep these shortcuts at your fingertips!


Call to Action

  • Share Your Favourite Shortcut: Let us know in the comments which shortcut you use the most!
  • Explore More Tutorials: Check out our Photoshop Basics Guide for more tips and tricks.
  • Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Get the latest Photoshop tutorials and resources delivered to your inbox.

keyboard photoshop shortcut
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
James Qu
  • Website

James is a seasoned Photoshop expert with over 25 years of experience, mastering the software since its 5.0 version. As the driving force behind PSD Vault, he authors the majority of its in-depth tutorials and insightful articles.

Related Posts

How to Resize Images Without Losing Quality in Photoshop 2025

May 17, 2025

The Beginner’s Guide to Photoshop AI Masking Tool

May 10, 2025

Curves or Levels: Choosing the Right Tool for Stunning Edits

May 9, 2025

Comments are closed.

Don't Miss

How to Resize Images Without Losing Quality in Photoshop 2025

May 17, 2025

The Beginner’s Guide to Photoshop AI Masking Tool

May 10, 2025

Curves or Levels: Choosing the Right Tool for Stunning Edits

May 9, 2025

For Beginners

Basics

How to Resize Images Without Losing Quality in Photoshop 2025

By James QuMay 17, 20255 Mins Read

Curves or Levels: Choosing the Right Tool for Stunning Edits

May 9, 2025

Photoshop Clipping Masks – Everything You Need to Know

May 8, 2025

10 Photoshop Blur Gallery Tricks That Will Make Your Photos Look Professional

April 26, 2025

You May Also Like

Basics

How to Resize Images Without Losing Quality in Photoshop 2025

By James QuMay 17, 20255 Mins Read
AI

The Beginner’s Guide to Photoshop AI Masking Tool

By James QuMay 10, 20254 Mins Read
Basics

Curves or Levels: Choosing the Right Tool for Stunning Edits

By Lana WilsonMay 9, 20255 Mins Read
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • About Us
  • Get in Touch
  • Advertise
  • VIP Area
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
© 2025 PSD Vault. All Right Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}