65+ Pro-Level Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts You’re Not Using!

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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

  • 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

Pro-Level Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts Reference

ActionWindowsmacOS
Liquify: reconstruct while paintingAltOption
Clone Stamp: prevent snappingCtrl dragCmd drag
Zoom to layer contentAlt click thumbnailOption click thumbnail
Temporary EyedropperAltOption
Restore the brush previewCaps LockCaps Lock
DeselectCtrl DCmd D
Reselect the last selectionCtrl Shift DCmd Shift D
Invert a selectionCtrl Shift ICmd Shift I
Quick Mask modeQQ
Fade the last filter or adjustmentCtrl Shift FCmd Shift F
Revert the imageF12F12
Close all documents but the active oneCtrl Alt PCmd Option P
Cancel the current actionEscEsc
Reset preferences at launchCtrl Alt Shift at startupCmd Option Shift at startup
Show rulersCtrl RCmd R
Reset default colorsDD
Swap foreground and background colorsXX
Fill with foreground colorAlt BackspaceOption Delete
Fill with background colorCtrl BackspaceCmd Delete
Fill with historyCtrl Alt BackspaceCmd Option Delete
Hide or show the active layerCtrl CommaCmd Comma
Activate all layersCtrl Alt ACmd Option A
Move a layer to the topShift Ctrl ]Shift Cmd ]
Lock transparent pixels//
Rename a layer, move to the nextTabTab
Cycle canvas color forwardSpace Bar FSpace Bar F
Repeat a transformationCtrl Alt Shift TCmd Option Shift T
Transform active text and stay in edit modeCtrlCmd
Reset text formattingCtrl Shift YCmd Shift Y
Save all shortcuts to an HTML fileCtrl Alt Shift KCmd 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.

Clone Stamp tool used in Photoshop with snapping prevented by holding Ctrl while dragging

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.

Clone Stamp sample source scaled in Photoshop with Alt plus Shift and the bracket keys

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

Clone Stamp sampled pixels rotated in Photoshop with the greater than and less than keys

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

Photoshop Clone Source panel with the Reset button used to reset the clone source

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.

Puppet Warp in Photoshop with pins used to reposition and rotate elements

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.

Zooming to fit a layer's content in Photoshop by Alt-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.

Erasing with the active brush in Photoshop by holding the tilde key while painting

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.

Temporarily switching to the Eyedropper tool in Photoshop by holding Alt while painting

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.

Intersecting selections in Photoshop made with the Lasso and Polygonal Lasso tools

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.

Loading a luminosity selection in Photoshop with Ctrl plus Alt plus 2

15. Inverting Selection

CtrlShiftI (Windows) or CommandShiftI (macOS)

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

Inverting an active selection in Photoshop with Ctrl plus Shift plus I

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.

The hidden Banana Tool Easter egg added to the Photoshop toolbar

20. Distance Between Objects

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

Measuring the distance between layers in Photoshop by holding Ctrl while hovering

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.

Rulers enabled in Photoshop with guides dragged onto the canvas

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.

Customizing a guide's color and position in Photoshop

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.

The Photoshop History panel used with the Fill with History shortcut

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.

History states in the Photoshop History panel with the history brush icon marking the active source

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.

Cycling through layers in Photoshop with the Alt key and the bracket keys

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%).

Adjusting layer opacity in Photoshop with the number keys

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.

Bird's Eye View in Photoshop used to see the whole canvas while zoomed in

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.

Repeating a transformation in Photoshop with Ctrl plus Alt plus Shift plus T to duplicate and rotate layers

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.

Changing the Photoshop interface color theme in the Preferences panel

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.

The toast and coffee cup Easter egg applied to the Photoshop interface icons

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.

The HTML file of Photoshop keyboard shortcuts saved from the Keyboard Shortcuts preferences

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

What is the fastest way to deselect in Photoshop?

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.

How do I reset Photoshop’s preferences with a keyboard shortcut?

Hold Ctrl Alt Shift (Command Option Shift on macOS) while Photoshop is launching. This clears corrupted settings without touching any of your files.

What does holding Alt do in Photoshop?

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.

How do I change the canvas background color in Photoshop?

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.

Can I save my Photoshop keyboard shortcuts to a file?

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.

How do I fill a layer with the foreground color using a shortcut?

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.

What is the Banana Tool in Photoshop?

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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Keep going

Next, check out 10 Genius Photoshop Features You Didn’t Know Existed for even more hidden tricks.

Jesús Ramirez

About the author

Jesús Ramirez

Jesús Ramirez is a graphic designer and the founder of the Photoshop Training Channel, which he started in 2012 and has grown past two million YouTube subscribers. He has taught at Adobe MAX, Adobe Summit, and Photoshop World, teaches courses for CreativeLive and Pluralsight, and was one of five artists chosen for Adobe Stock's Make a Masterpiece campaign. His Photoshop templates shipped inside Photoshop CC 2018.

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