65+ Pro-Level Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts You’re Not Using!
Your choices stick across every tutorial on this device.
Pro-level Photoshop keyboard shortcuts speed up brushes, selections, layers, and text so you can keep working without reaching for a menu.
Master these pro-level Photoshop keyboard shortcuts to unleash the power of brushes, selections, layers, and hidden features! – this video is your all-access pass to a faster, more efficient editing workflow.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ve got something for you. Watch now and discover the keys to unlocking your full creative potential in Photoshop!
This tutorial contains both Photoshop Windows keyboard shortcuts and macOS keyboard shortcuts. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways
- Most of these shortcuts use the same modifier key on both platforms, just under a different name: Alt on Windows is Option on macOS, and Ctrl is Command.
- Holding Alt (or Option) acts as a universal modifier across tools, from the Liquify filter to the Eyedropper and Puppet Warp.
- The number keys double as instant opacity controls for the active layer, and adding Shift switches them to fill controls instead.
- Pressing Esc cancels almost any action in progress, which makes it the fastest way to back out of a mistake.
- A few of these shortcuts, like the toast and coffee cup icons, are pure Easter eggs with no effect on your actual editing.
- You can export every current keyboard shortcut, including your own custom ones, to an HTML file straight from the Preferences panel.
Table of contents
- What You Will Learn
- Requirements
- Pro-Level Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts Reference
- 1. Liquify Filter
- 2. Preventing Snapping
- 3. Clone Stamp Sample Scaling & Resetting Clone Source
- 4. Puppet Warp for Precise Distortion
- 5. Zoom to Layer Content
- 6. Opening Flattened PSD Files
- 7. Erase with Active Brush
- 8. Rotating Brush
- 9. Eyedropper Tool Shortcut
- 10. Brush Preview Shortcut
- 11. Intersecting Selections
- 12. Deselecting
- 13. Redoing Last Selection
- 14. Loading Luminosity
- 15. Inverting Selection
- 16. Quick Mask Mode
- 17. Feathering Selection
- 18. Fade Command
- 19. Easter Egg: Banana Tool
- 20. Distance Between Objects
- 21. Revert Image
- 22. Closing Multiple Documents
- 23. Whoopsie-Daisy Key
- 24. Resetting Preferences
- 25. Turn the Cancel Button to Reset
- 26. Enabling Visual Guides
- 27. Moving Multiple Guides
- 28. Guide Customization
- 29. Setting Default Colors
- 30. Swap Colors
- 31. Fill with Foreground Color
- 32. Fill with Background Color
- 33. Opaque Pixels Filling
- 34. Fill with History
- 35. Hide Layers
- 36. Activate Layers
- 37. Adding to Active Layers
- 38. Activate All Layers
- 39. Move Layer Up
- 40. Move Layer To Top
- 41. Activate Masks
- 42. Activate Layer
- 43. Opacity & Fill Shortcuts
- 44. Lock Transparent Pixels
- 45. Renaming Layers
- 46. Tool Shortcuts
- 47. Spring-Loaded Shortcuts
- 48. Cycle Canvas Color Forward
- 49. Repeating Transformation
- 50. Cycle Canvas Color Backward
- 51. Interface Color Themes
- 52. Easter Egg: Toast and Coffee Cup
- 53. Precise Rotations
- 54. Moving Curves
- 55. Transforming Active Text
- 56. Creating New Text On Where You Click
- 57. Fast Font Size Change
- 58. Text Formatting
- 59. Reset Text Format
- 60. Adjust Leading
- 61. Adjust Baseline Shift
- 62. Adjust Kerning
- 63. Disable/Enable Hyphens
- 64. Saving All Shortcuts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- Related Links
What You Will Learn
- How to fine-tune tools like Liquify, Puppet Warp, and the Clone Stamp with modifier keys
- How to speed up selections, masks, and layer navigation without opening a menu
- How to fill layers and adjust opacity using only the keyboard
- How to format and transform text layers faster with dedicated shortcuts
- How to uncover a few hidden Easter eggs built into the Photoshop interface
Requirements
Before you start
- Photoshop 2024 (version 25.3 or later) or the current version
Pro-Level Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts Reference
| Action | Windows | macOS |
|---|---|---|
| Liquify: reconstruct while painting | Alt | Option |
| Clone Stamp: prevent snapping | Ctrl drag | Cmd drag |
| Zoom to layer content | Alt click thumbnail | Option click thumbnail |
| Temporary Eyedropper | Alt | Option |
| Restore the brush preview | Caps Lock | Caps Lock |
| Deselect | Ctrl D | Cmd D |
| Reselect the last selection | Ctrl Shift D | Cmd Shift D |
| Invert a selection | Ctrl Shift I | Cmd Shift I |
| Quick Mask mode | Q | Q |
| Fade the last filter or adjustment | Ctrl Shift F | Cmd Shift F |
| Revert the image | F12 | F12 |
| Close all documents but the active one | Ctrl Alt P | Cmd Option P |
| Cancel the current action | Esc | Esc |
| Reset preferences at launch | Ctrl Alt Shift at startup | Cmd Option Shift at startup |
| Show rulers | Ctrl R | Cmd R |
| Reset default colors | D | D |
| Swap foreground and background colors | X | X |
| Fill with foreground color | Alt Backspace | Option Delete |
| Fill with background color | Ctrl Backspace | Cmd Delete |
| Fill with history | Ctrl Alt Backspace | Cmd Option Delete |
| Hide or show the active layer | Ctrl Comma | Cmd Comma |
| Activate all layers | Ctrl Alt A | Cmd Option A |
| Move a layer to the top | Shift Ctrl ] | Shift Cmd ] |
| Lock transparent pixels | / | / |
| Rename a layer, move to the next | Tab | Tab |
| Cycle canvas color forward | Space Bar F | Space Bar F |
| Repeat a transformation | Ctrl Alt Shift T | Cmd Option Shift T |
| Transform active text and stay in edit mode | Ctrl | Cmd |
| Reset text formatting | Ctrl Shift Y | Cmd Shift Y |
| Save all shortcuts to an HTML file | Ctrl Alt Shift K | Cmd Option Shift K |
1. Liquify Filter
Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS)
The Liquify filter offers powerful pixel manipulation. Use the four warp tools to push and pull pixels. Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) while painting to reconstruct areas as you move a layer.

2. Preventing Snapping
Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS) while dragging
Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS) while dragging with the Clone Stamp tool to prevent unintentional snapping, ensuring precise cloning without interference.

3. Clone Stamp Sample Scaling & Resetting Clone Source
AltShift (Windows) or OptionShift (macOS) plus the bracket keys; Window > Clone Source, then click Reset
Scale the sample source by holding AltShift (Windows) or OptionShift (macOS) and tapping the bracket keys.

Left bracket scales down, while the greater than and less than keys rotate the sampled pixels.

Reset the Clone Source by accessing Window > Clone Source and clicking the Reset button.

4. Puppet Warp for Precise Distortion
Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) drag
In Edit Puppet Warp, use pins to reposition elements. Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) to rotate a selected pin, providing finer control over distortions.
Puppet Warp itself is a deep tool beyond this one shortcut. Learn the full workflow in How To Use Puppet Warp in Photoshop.

5. Zoom to Layer Content
Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) click the layer thumbnail
Zoom in to fit the entire content of a layer on the screen by holding Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and clicking the layer thumbnail.

6. Opening Flattened PSD Files
ShiftAlt (Windows) or ShiftOption (macOS) and click Open
Open large PSD files faster by holding ShiftAlt (Windows) or ShiftOption (macOS) and clicking Open.
Note: Saving a file opened this way overwrites your original PSD, so keep a backup copy first.
7. Erase with Active Brush
~ (Windows) or ~ (macOS) while painting
Avoid using the eraser tool; instead, hold ~ (Windows) or ~ (macOS) while painting to erase with the currently active brush.

8. Rotating Brush
Left Arrow or Right Arrow while painting
Rotate the brush tip clockwise or counterclockwise while painting by tapping Right Arrow or Left Arrow.
9. Eyedropper Tool Shortcut
Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS)
Temporarily enable the Eyedropper tool while painting by holding Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS), allowing you to pick colors seamlessly.

10. Brush Preview Shortcut
Caps Lock (Windows) or Caps Lock (macOS)
If the brush preview disappears, tap Caps Lock to bring it back.
11. Intersecting Selections
Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) while dragging
Switch between Lasso and Polygonal Lasso tools seamlessly by holding Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) during selection. Create complex selections by intersecting shapes. Hold AltShift (Windows) or OptionShift (macOS) while dragging to subtract from the existing selection.

12. Deselecting
CtrlD (Windows) or CommandD (macOS)
Deselect active selections quickly by pressing CtrlD (Windows) or CommandD (macOS).
13. Redoing Last Selection
CtrlShiftD (Windows) or CommandShiftD (macOS)
Reapply the last active selection by pressing CtrlShiftD (Windows) or CommandShiftD (macOS).
14. Loading Luminosity
CtrlAlt2 (Windows) or CommandOption2 (macOS)
Load luminosity to target bright or dark pixels for precise adjustments.

15. Inverting Selection
CtrlShiftI (Windows) or CommandShiftI (macOS)
Invert the active selection quickly using CtrlShiftI (Windows) or CommandShiftI (macOS).

16. Quick Mask Mode
Q (Windows) or Q (macOS)
Enter Quick Mask mode (Q) to refine selections by painting with white or black.
17. Feathering Selection
ShiftF6 (Windows) or ShiftF6 (macOS)
After making a selection, press ShiftF6 (Windows) or ShiftF6 (macOS) to open the feather selection window. Input your desired blur amount and hit OK. Note that, unlike other methods, this approach lacks a visual preview of how the feathering impacts your selection.
18. Fade Command
CtrlShiftF (Windows) or CommandShiftF (macOS)
Immediately adjust the opacity or blending mode of the last applied filter or adjustment using CtrlShiftF (Windows) or CommandShiftF (macOS).
19. Easter Egg: Banana Tool
Simply click the three-dot icon in the toolbar, choose “Edit Toolbar,” hold Shift, and click “Done” to add the Banana Tool. Unveil the banana icon, bringing a playful twist to your editing experience.

20. Distance Between Objects
Utilize Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS) while hovering to see the distance between layers, aiding in precise alignment.

21. Revert Image
F12 (Windows) or F12 (macOS)
Quickly revert the image to the last saved state or its initial state using F12.
22. Closing Multiple Documents
CtrlAltP (Windows) or CommandOptionP (macOS)
Close all documents except the active one with CtrlAltP (Windows) or CommandOptionP (macOS).
23. Whoopsie-Daisy Key
Esc (Windows) or Esc (macOS)
Escape from unintended actions or tools by pressing Esc, a helpful “whoopsie-daisy” key.
24. Resetting Preferences
CtrlAltShift (Windows) or CommandOptionShift (macOS) during startup
Reset Photoshop preferences by holding CtrlAltShift (Windows) or CommandOptionShift (macOS) immediately after startup.
25. Turn the Cancel Button to Reset
Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) in a dialog box
Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) to turn the Cancel button into a Reset button in various dialog boxes.
26. Enabling Visual Guides
CtrlR (Windows) or CommandR (macOS)
Press CtrlR (Windows) or CommandR (macOS) to activate rulers, then effortlessly create visual aids by dragging from the rulers. These guides won’t appear in your final image. Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and click a vertical guide to transform it into a horizontal guide, and vice versa.

27. Moving Multiple Guides
AltShift (Windows) or OptionShift (macOS) drag on guides
Hold AltShift (Windows) or OptionShift (macOS) and drag to move multiple guides simultaneously.
28. Guide Customization
AltShift (Windows) or OptionShift (macOS) double-click a guide
Customize guides by holding AltShift (Windows) or OptionShift (macOS) and double-clicking, allowing for color and positional adjustments.

29. Setting Default Colors
D (Windows) or D (macOS)
Set foreground and background colors to default (black and white) using D.
30. Swap Colors
X (Windows) or X (macOS)
Toggle between foreground and background colors by tapping X.
31. Fill with Foreground Color
AltBackspace (Windows) or OptionDelete (macOS)
Fill the active layer or selection with the foreground color using AltBackspace (Windows) or OptionDelete (macOS).
32. Fill with Background Color
CtrlBackspace (Windows) or CommandDelete (macOS)
Fill the active layer or selection with the background color using CtrlBackspace (Windows) or CommandDelete (macOS).
33. Opaque Pixels Filling
AltShiftBackspace (Windows) or OptionShiftDelete (macOS)
Fill opaque pixels with foreground or background color using appropriate shortcuts like holding AltShiftBackspace (Windows) or OptionShiftDelete (macOS). Witness the magic as you fill only the opaque pixels.
34. Fill with History
CtrlAltBackspace (Windows) or CommandOptionDelete (macOS)
Press CtrlAltBackspace (Windows) or CommandOptionDelete (macOS) to trigger this feature. Delve into the history of your edits by exploring Window > History.

Each action creates a history state, representing the image’s evolution. Use CtrlAltBackspace (Windows) or CommandOptionDelete (macOS) to fill your canvas with content from a specific historical moment. The active history source, indicated by the history brush icon, determines the content filled.
Photoshop can also log every edit automatically. See History Log: Hidden Photoshop Script to turn it on.

35. Hide Layers
CtrlComma (Windows) or CommandComma (macOS)
Quickly toggle layer visibility by hiding the currently active layer with CtrlComma (Windows) or CommandComma (macOS). Use the same shortcut to reveal it.
36. Activate Layers
Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) plus [ or ]
Effortlessly cycle through layers by holding Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and tapping the bracket keys. Alt[ (Windows) or Option[ (macOS) activates the layer below, while Alt] (Windows) or Option] (macOS) activates the layer above.

37. Adding to Active Layers
ShiftAlt (Windows) or ShiftOption (macOS) plus [ or ]
Expand your layer selection by incorporating ShiftAlt (Windows) or ShiftOption (macOS) with the bracket keys. Add the layer below with ShiftAlt[ (Windows) or ShiftOption[ (macOS). Add the layer above with ShiftAlt] (Windows) or ShiftOption] (macOS).
38. Activate All Layers
CtrlAltA (Windows) or CommandOptionA (macOS)
Activate all layers at once with CtrlAltA (Windows) or CommandOptionA (macOS), streamlining your workflow for comprehensive adjustments.
39. Move Layer Up
Ctrl] (Windows) or Command] (macOS)
Efficiently rearrange layers in the stack by holding Ctrl] (Windows) or Command] (macOS) to move a layer up.
40. Move Layer To Top
ShiftCtrl] (Windows) or ShiftCommand] (macOS)
Swiftly place a layer at the top of the stack by holding ShiftCtrl] (Windows) or ShiftCommand] (macOS).
41. Activate Masks
CtrlBackslash (Windows) or CommandBackslash (macOS)
Directly access layer masks by pressing CtrlBackslash (Windows) or CommandBackslash (macOS), allowing for focused adjustments on the mask.
42. Activate Layer
Ctrl2 (Windows) or Command2 (macOS)
Toggle between the layer and its mask with ease using Ctrl2 (Windows) or Command2 (macOS), simplifying your editing process.
43. Opacity & Fill Shortcuts
(Shortcut: Number keys)
Adjust layer opacity swiftly by tapping the desired number key (e.g., 8 for 80%).

For fill adjustments, hold Shift and tap the corresponding number key (e.g., Shift 6 for 60%).
44. Lock Transparent Pixels
/ (Windows) or / (macOS)
Securely lock transparent pixels by pressing /, ensuring adjustments only affect opaque areas.
45. Renaming Layers
Tab (Windows) or Tab (macOS)
Accelerate the renaming process by editing a layer’s name, then pressing Tab to move to the layer below. ShiftTab (Windows) or ShiftTab (macOS) moves to the layer above.
46. Tool Shortcuts
Activate essential tools seamlessly using dedicated keyboard shortcuts, such as B for the Brush tool, Z for the Zoom tool, and W for the Object Selection tool.
47. Spring-Loaded Shortcuts
Employ spring-loaded shortcuts for on-the-fly tool changes. Hold down a key (e.g., R for Rotate View) to switch temporarily, then release to revert to the original tool.
48. Cycle Canvas Color Forward
Space BarF (Windows) or Space BarF (macOS)
Press Space BarF (Windows) or Space BarF (macOS) to cycle the canvas color forward through the available shades, minimizing distractions and enhancing focus on your artwork. To move through them in the opposite direction, see step 50.

49. Repeating Transformation
CtrlAltShiftT (Windows) or CommandOptionShiftT (macOS)
Duplicate and rotate layers systematically by pressing CtrlAltShiftT (Windows) or CommandOptionShiftT (macOS), creating a series of transformations.

50. Cycle Canvas Color Backward
CtrlSpace BarF (Windows) or CommandSpace BarF (macOS)
Cycle the canvas color backward using CtrlSpace BarF (Windows) or CommandSpace BarF (macOS). This runs the reverse of step 48, so you can land on the shade you want without cycling all the way around.
51. Interface Color Themes
CtrlShiftF1 (Windows) or CommandShiftF1 (macOS) or CtrlShiftF2 (Windows) or CommandShiftF2 (macOS)
Quickly transform the entire interface by adjusting the brightness using CtrlShiftF1 (Windows) or CommandShiftF1 (macOS) for a darker tone. Use CtrlShiftF2 (Windows) or CommandShiftF2 (macOS) for a lighter one instead. You can also open these options from the Preferences panel with CtrlK (Windows) or CommandK (macOS), under the Interface tab.

52. Easter Egg: Toast and Coffee Cup
CtrlAltShift (Windows) or CommandOptionShift (macOS) click a theme
Hold CtrlAltShift (Windows) or CommandOptionShift (macOS) and click any theme to transform icons into toast. Repeat for a switch to coffee cups. While it won’t alter your interface, these fun surprises add a delightful touch to your editing experience.

53. Precise Rotations
(Shortcut: Arrow keys in Rotate field)
Fine-tune rotations during free transform by clicking in the rotate field and using arrow keys for 1-degree increments (Shift for 10-degree increments).
54. Moving Curves
(Shortcut: Arrow keys)
Enhance precision in curves adjustments by selecting a point and using arrow keys for precise movement.
55. Transforming Active Text
Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS) while transforming
Effortlessly transform active text layers while retaining editability by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS) during transformations.
56. Creating New Text On Where You Click
Shift (Windows) or Shift (macOS) click
Initiate a new text layer precisely where you click by holding Shift and clicking, eliminating the need for repositioning.
57. Fast Font Size Change
CtrlShift> (Windows) or CommandShift> (macOS) or CtrlShift< (Windows) or CommandShift< (macOS)
Swiftly adjust the font size by highlighting text and using the keyboard shortcuts for incremental changes.
58. Text Formatting
CtrlShiftKUBI (Windows) or CommandShiftKUBI (macOS)
Quickly format text by using CtrlShiftK (Windows) or CommandShiftK (macOS) to capitalize. Use CtrlShiftU (Windows) or CommandShiftU (macOS) to underline. Use CtrlShiftB (Windows) or CommandShiftB (macOS) to bold, and CtrlShiftI (Windows) or CommandShiftI (macOS) to italicize.
59. Reset Text Format
Double-click the text layer thumbnail, then CtrlShiftY (Windows) or CommandShiftY (macOS)
Efficiently reset text formatting to default by double-clicking the text layer thumbnail and pressing CtrlShiftY (Windows) or CommandShiftY (macOS).
60. Adjust Leading
AltUp Arrow (Windows) or OptionUp Arrow (macOS) or AltDown Arrow (Windows) or OptionDown Arrow (macOS)
Fine-tune leading by selecting text and holding Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) while tapping Up Arrow or Down Arrow for precise adjustments.
61. Adjust Baseline Shift
Shift AltUp Arrow (Windows) or Shift OptionUp Arrow (macOS) or Shift AltDown Arrow (Windows) or Shift OptionDown Arrow (macOS)
Refine baseline shift by selecting characters, holding ShiftAlt (Windows) or ShiftOption (macOS), and using Up Arrow or Down Arrow for controlled vertical movement.
62. Adjust Kerning
AltLeft Arrow (Windows) or OptionLeft Arrow (macOS) or AltRight Arrow (Windows) or OptionRight Arrow (macOS)
Enhance character spacing by clicking between characters, holding Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS), and using Left Arrow or Right Arrow for precise kerning adjustments.
63. Disable/Enable Hyphens
ShiftAltCtrlH (Windows) or ShiftOptionCommandH (macOS)
Toggle hyphens in paragraphs on and off using ShiftAltCtrlH (Windows) or ShiftOptionCommandH (macOS), ensuring control over text appearance.
64. Saving All Shortcuts
CtrlAltShiftK (Windows) or CommandOptionShiftK (macOS)
Save an HTML file containing all Photoshop keyboard shortcuts, including custom ones, using CtrlAltShiftK (Windows) or CommandOptionShiftK (macOS). Accessible under Keyboard Shortcuts in the Preferences panel.

Whether navigating layers, fine-tuning text, or customizing your interface, these shortcuts elevate your skills. Embrace the power of key commands, streamline your workflow, and become a Photoshop master with these Photoshop keyboard shortcuts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Press Ctrl D (Command D on macOS) to deselect instantly. Use Ctrl Shift D (Command Shift D on macOS) to bring back your last selection.
Hold Ctrl Alt Shift (Command Option Shift on macOS) while Photoshop is launching. This clears corrupted settings without touching any of your files.
Alt (Option on macOS) works as a universal modifier. It reconstructs pixels in the Liquify filter, rotates a pin in Puppet Warp, and turns a Cancel button into a Reset button in dialog boxes.
Press Space Bar F to cycle the canvas color forward, or add Ctrl (Command on macOS) to cycle it backward. This changes only the pasteboard around your image, not the image itself.
Yes. Press Ctrl Alt Shift K (Command Option Shift K on macOS) to open the Keyboard Shortcuts panel, then save an HTML file listing every shortcut, including your custom ones.
Press Alt Backspace (Option Delete on macOS) to fill with the foreground color. Press Ctrl Backspace (Command Delete on macOS) to fill with the background color instead.
It’s a hidden Easter egg. Click the three-dot menu in the toolbar, choose Edit Toolbar, hold Shift, and click Done to reveal a banana icon with no real editing function.
Conclusion
These pro-level Photoshop keyboard shortcuts cover brushes, selections, layers, guides, and text, plus a few hidden Easter eggs along the way.
You don’t need to memorize all 64 at once. Start with the shortcuts for tools you already use daily, like deselecting and filling layers, and add more as you go.
Watch the full video above to see every shortcut in action, and comment on the video if you have a question.
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Next, check out 10 Genius Photoshop Features You Didn’t Know Existed for even more hidden tricks.






