PhotoShop Shortcuts At A Glance

Change brushes without using the Brush palette

This is a good one if you're working in full screen mode, with all the palettes hidden.

To change the brush to the next/previous option, simply use the '[' or ']' keys.

Build up a comprehensive set of brushes, and save them for future reference.

Change background outside an image

1. Select the Paint Bucket tool (G).


2. Select the colour you want to change the background to.


3. Move your cursor outside the bounds of the image, then press SHIFT + left click.

Change the opacity of a brush or layer

How's it done? Simply use the number keys. For example, 1 will give you 10% opactiy, while 9 will give you 90% opacity (0 gives you 100%!).

Also, if you type the number quickly, you can get increments, e.g. 56%. This works with brushes, rubber stamp -- even layers.

Close a working window

Press CTRL + W

Copy a layer

Hold ALT and click/drag on your canvas.

If you've got a selection, then CTRL + ALT and drag (within that selection) will copy and float the contents.

With no selection active, CTRL + ALT and drag will copy the contents of that layer to a new layer and drag it.

Copy Layer as new image

Layer > Duplicate Layer > Document: New

Create a clipping path without knowing how to use paths

1. Create two layers, one with a simple shape (a circle, for instance) and one with a picture.


2. Place the layer with the picture above the layer with the circle.


3. Holding down the ALT button, click the line that separates the two layers. You'll know you've got it right when the cursor changes to a left-facing arrow with two circles.

This tip allows you to create a clipping path based on the lower object's transparency. This means that if you have an object that's feathered at the edges, the picture will be feathered as well.

Create new Layers without using the Layers palette

You can do this in a number of ways:

• Press CTRL + SHIFT + N to open the "new layer" dialog box. This will allow you to name the layer at the same time you create it.
• Copy the current layer to a new layer: CTRL + J
• Copy the current layer to a new layer and name the layer: CTRL + ALT + J
• Copy the current selection to a new layer: CTRL + J
• Copy the current selection to a new layer and name the layer: CTRL + ALT