The Ultimate List of Keyboard Shortcuts to Supercharge Your Design Skills

I know how demanding a design life can be, especially when you’re juggling multiple projects and deadlines. Mastering keyboard shortcuts can make a huge difference in your day-to-day workflow.

These nifty little tricks not only save you heaps of time but also keep you in the creative zone without the pesky interruptions of navigating menus. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s dive into the essential keyboard shortcuts that will boost your productivity and keep you smiling through your workday.

1. Adobe Photoshop Shortcuts

Adobe Photoshop is a powerhouse for graphic designers and photographers, offering a myriad of tools to bring creative visions to life. Mastering keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop can dramatically speed up your workflow.

• Ctrl + N (Cmd + N): New Document
  • Quickly create a new document.
  • I remember when I was rushing to meet a deadline for a client. I was panicking and accidentally saved over the original file. This shortcut saved me by quickly creating a fresh document so I could redo the last steps without the stress.
• Ctrl + O (Cmd + O): Open Document
  • Quickly open your existing masterpieces.
  • Keep your frequently used files in an easily accessible folder. It’s a real time-saver, especially when you’re managing multiple projects.
• Ctrl + S (Cmd + S): Save Document
  • Regularly save your progress to avoid any heart attacks from unexpected crashes.
  • I learned the hard way to hit save frequently after losing two hours of work on a particularly complex retouching project. Now, it’s like muscle memory.
• Ctrl + Shift + S (Cmd + Shift + S): Save As
  • Perfect for creating different versions of your work.
  • Use this to save iterations of your design. It’s great for comparing different styles or keeping a backup just in case.
• Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z): Undo
  • Reverse your last action instantly.
  • This one’s my favorite. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve accidentally painted over a layer or moved something I didn’t mean to. This shortcut is like a magic eraser for mistakes.
• Ctrl + Shift + Z (Cmd + Shift + Z): Redo
  • Reapply the last undone action.
  • Great for toggling between edits to decide which version you like best.
• Ctrl + T (Cmd + T): Free Transform
  • Resize, rotate, and skew elements with ease.
  • Hold Shift while transforming to maintain the aspect ratio. It’s a lifesaver for keeping your proportions just right.
• B: Brush Tool
  • Switch to the brush tool for painting and retouching.
  • Adjust brush size quickly with the bracket keys [ ] to keep your workflow smooth.
• E: Eraser Tool
  • Remove parts of an image effortlessly.
  • Use different eraser modes (block, brush, pencil) for various effects. It’s like having a toolkit in your hand.
• Ctrl + J (Cmd + J): Duplicate Layer
  • Create a copy of the current layer instantly.
  • Duplicating layers allows for non-destructive editing. Experiment away without fear!
• Ctrl + Shift + N (Cmd + Shift + N): New Layer
  • Add a new layer to your project in a snap.
  • I’m a layer junkie. I once had over 50 layers in a single project! This shortcut makes it so easy to keep things organized and my creative flow uninterrupted.

2. Adobe Illustrator Shortcuts

If vectors and logos are your playground, these shortcuts will become your best friends.

• Ctrl + N (Cmd + N): New Document
  • Kickstart a new project file instantly.
  • Save document presets for common project types. This is especially handy if you often work with similar dimensions or settings.
• Ctrl + O (Cmd + O): Open Document
  • Open your existing Illustrator files with ease.
  • File previews are a godsend for quickly identifying the file you need without opening a bunch of wrong ones.
• Ctrl + S (Cmd + S): Save Document
  • Save your changes regularly.
  • I can’t stress this enough. Illustrator has a knack for crashing right when you’re in the groove. Regular saves are your safety net.
• Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z): Undo
  • Undo the last action.
  • Illustrator allows for multiple undos, which is perfect for those detailed adjustments and trial-and-error moments.
• Ctrl + Shift + Z (Cmd + Shift + Z): Redo
  • Redo the last undone action.
  • This is super helpful when you’re deciding between changes. Flip back and forth to see which looks better.
• Ctrl + G (Cmd + G): Group Objects
  • Group elements together for easier manipulation.
  • Grouping objects saved me during a logo design project where I had to align multiple elements perfectly. It kept everything together and streamlined my edits.
• Ctrl + Shift + G (Cmd + Shift + G): Ungroup Objects
  • Ungroup elements to edit them individually.
  • Remember, you can always regroup them later. It’s about flexibility and control.
• V: Selection Tool
  • Quickly switch to the selection tool.
  • Use this to move objects around and make sure everything is in its right place.
• P: Pen Tool
  • Switch to the pen tool for precise path creation.
  • The pen tool can be tricky, but it’s a powerhouse once you get the hang of it. Practice makes perfect, and shortcuts make it faster.
• Ctrl + R (Cmd + R): Show/Hide Rulers
  • Toggle rulers on and off to aid in precise design.
  • Use guides and grids along with rulers for maximum precision.

3. Microsoft Word Shortcuts

Word might not be your first thought when you think design, but it’s essential for creating proposals, reports, and other documents. Here are some shortcuts that will keep your workflow smooth.

• Ctrl + N (Cmd + N): New Document
  • Start a new document instantly.
  • Create templates for frequently used documents to save even more time.
• Ctrl + O (Cmd + O): Open Document
  • Open your existing documents quickly.
  • I often have multiple client documents open at once. This shortcut keeps me from getting lost in my files.
• Ctrl + S (Cmd + S): Save Document
  • Save your work regularly.
  • Set up autosave intervals to ensure you never lose your progress.
• Ctrl + P (Cmd + P): Print Document
  • Print your documents with ease.
  • Check print settings to avoid wasting paper. Trust me, I’ve printed a 50-page document in the wrong orientation before – not fun!
• Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z): Undo
  • Undo the last action.
  • This one’s saved me from accidental deletions and formatting mishaps more times than I can count.
• Ctrl + Y (Cmd + Y): Redo
  • Redo the last undone action.
  • Handy for quickly reversing an undo if you change your mind.
• Ctrl + B (Cmd + B): Bold Text
  • Bold your selected text.
  • Use bold sparingly to highlight key points and maintain readability.
• Ctrl + I (Cmd + I): Italicize Text
  • Italicize your selected text.
  • I love using italics for emphasis in my coaching materials. It adds a touch of personality.
• Ctrl + U (Cmd + U): Underline Text
  • Underline your selected text.
  • Combine with bold for headers and key points to make them stand out.
• Ctrl + F (Cmd + F): Find
  • Find specific words or phrases in your document.
  • Use this to quickly navigate long documents. It’s a lifesaver when reviewing client feedback.

4. Windows System Shortcuts

For those managing systems or developing software, these Windows shortcuts will keep you efficient and effective.

• Windows Key + E: Open File Explorer
  • Quickly access your file system.
  • Pin frequently accessed folders to Quick Access for even faster navigation.
• Windows Key + D: Show Desktop
  • Minimize all open windows and show the desktop.
  • This is great for clearing the clutter when you need a quick breather or need to find a file on your desktop.
• Alt + Tab: Switch Between Open Apps
  • Cycle through open applications.
  • Perfect for multitasking. I often have multiple windows open for different parts of a project.
• Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager
  • Quickly access the Task Manager.
  • I once used this during a presentation when my computer started lagging. It saved the day by quickly closing unnecessary programs.
• Windows Key + L: Lock Your PC
  • Lock your computer when stepping away.
  • Essential for security, especially in a shared or public workspace.
• Windows Key + R: Open Run Dialog Box
  • Open the Run dialog for quick access to system commands.
  • Use this for advanced system tasks like accessing the registry or launching specific applications.
• Windows Key + I: Open Settings
  • Quickly access system settings.
  • Personalize your settings to optimize your workflow environment.
• Windows Key + X: Open Quick Link Menu
  • Access a menu with key system tools.
  • This shortcut is my go-to for quick access to Device Manager and Disk Management.
• Ctrl + C: Copy
  • Copy selected text or items.
  • Combine with other shortcuts like Ctrl + V (paste) and Ctrl + X (cut) for efficient data handling.
• Ctrl + V: Paste
  • Paste copied text or items.
  • Whether I’m coding, writing, or designing, this combo is in constant use. It’s the backbone of efficient multitasking.

5. macOS System Shortcuts

For those working on Macs, these shortcuts will help you stay productive and organized.

• Cmd + Space: Spotlight Search
  • Quickly find files, apps, and web content.
  • Customize Spotlight settings to prioritize your search results.
• Cmd + Shift + 4: Screenshot Selection
  • Take a screenshot of a selected area.
  • I use this all the time to capture parts of my screen for tutorials and feedback.
• Cmd + Tab: Switch Between Open Apps
  • Cycle through your open applications.
  • Great for multitasking. Keep pressing Cmd + Tab to quickly switch back and forth.
• Cmd + Q: Quit Application
  • Quit the current application.
  • Close applications you’re not using to free up system resources.
• Cmd + Option + Esc: Force Quit
  • Force quit unresponsive applications.
  • This has saved me from rebooting my entire system during critical work moments.
• Cmd + ,: Open Preferences
  • Open the preferences of the current application.
  • Quickly adjust settings to suit your workflow.
• Cmd + Shift + N: New Folder in Finder
  • Create a new folder.
  • Organize your files into folders for a cleaner workspace.
• Cmd + Option + L: Open Downloads Folder
  • Quickly access your downloads.
  • This shortcut is my go-to after downloading multiple files for a project. Keeps everything organized.
• Cmd + C: Copy
  • Copy selected text or items.
  • Use Cmd + V to paste and Cmd + X to cut for efficient file and text management.
• Cmd + V: Paste
  • Paste copied text or items.
  • Whether I’m coding, writing, or designing, this combo is in constant use. It’s the backbone of efficient multitasking.

6. Google Chrome Shortcuts

No matter your role, we all spend a significant amount of time in our web browsers. These Google Chrome shortcuts will keep your browsing efficient and your tabs organized.

• Ctrl + N (Cmd + N): New Window
  • Open a new browser window.
  • Use this for separating different tasks or projects.
• Ctrl + T (Cmd + T): New Tab
  • Open a new tab.
  • I usually have multiple tabs open for research, email, and project management. This shortcut keeps my browsing organized.
• Ctrl + Shift + N (Cmd + Shift + N): New Incognito Window
  • Open a new incognito window for private browsing.
  • Great for testing websites or logging into multiple accounts simultaneously.
• Ctrl + W (Cmd + W): Close Tab
  • Close the current tab.
  • I’m a tab hoarder. This shortcut helps me declutter quickly when I’ve got too many open.
• Ctrl + Shift + T (Cmd + Shift + T): Reopen Closed Tab
  • Reopen the last closed tab.
  • If you accidentally close a tab, this shortcut is a lifesaver.
• Ctrl + Tab: Switch to Next Tab
  • Move to the next tab in your browser.
  • Keep pressing Ctrl + Tab to cycle through all open tabs.
• Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Switch to Previous Tab
  • Move to the previous tab in your browser.
  • I use this to flip between related tabs quickly. It’s great for comparing information or data.
• Ctrl + L (Cmd + L): Focus Address Bar
  • Highlight the URL in the address bar.
  • Use this to quickly enter a new web address or search query.
• Ctrl + D (Cmd + D): Bookmark Current Page
  • Bookmark the current page.
  • Bookmarking research articles and resources is a habit. This shortcut keeps my bookmarks organized and accessible.
• Ctrl + F (Cmd + F): Find on Page
  • Find specific words or phrases on the current page.
  • Use this to quickly locate information within long articles or documents.

Conclusion

Mastering these keyboard shortcuts can transform your workflow, saving you time and enhancing your productivity. Whether you’re designing intricate graphics, managing a small business, or developing software, these shortcuts are essential tools in your productivity arsenal. Practice and incorporate them into your daily routine to see a significant improvement in your efficiency. Happy shortcutting, friends!