photo editing, tutorials
How to Create Keyboard Shortcuts in Photoshop | Tutorial by PHLEARN
Are you tired of constantly switching between tools and menu options in Photoshop? Do you wish there was a faster way to navigate through the software and streamline your workflow? Look no further – we have the perfect solution for you! In this tutorial by PHLEARN, we will show you how to create custom keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop, allowing you to perform frequent actions with just a few clicks. With the ability to assign shortcuts to your favorite tools and commands, you’ll be amazed at how much time and effort you can save. Say goodbye to tedious menu searching and hello to efficient editing!
How to Create Keyboard Shortcuts in Photoshop | Tutorial by PHLEARN
If you’re thinking about becoming a heavy Photoshop user, try to remember at least one or two new keyboard shortcuts a week. You’ll be surprised at how quickly they all stack up in your mind. Keyboard shortcuts are the best way to get faster in Photoshop.
Creating a Layer Mask
There are certain actions in Photoshop that don’t have keyboard shortcuts set up by default, such as creating a layer mask. Let’s take a quick example of where you might want to create a layer mask and how to set up a keyboard shortcut for it.
For this example, we have a sample image which can be downloaded on phlearn.com. Let’s say we want to get rid of a reflection in our subject’s sunglasses. We can use the brush tool (shortcut: B) with a large soft edge brush to paint over the reflection area.
When removing an object like this, it’s best to use a large soft edge brush as it helps to blend everything together seamlessly. We’re not concerned if the brush overlaps areas like the glasses because we’ll be creating a layer mask.
To create a layer mask, you can simply click on the layer mask icon. However, if you find yourself creating layer masks frequently, it’s more efficient to create a keyboard shortcut for it. To do this, go to “Edit” and then “Keyboard Shortcuts”.
Creating a Keyboard Shortcut for Layer Mask
In the “Keyboard Shortcuts” menu, navigate to “Layer” and scroll down until you find “Layer Mask” and then “Reveal All”. If you already have a shortcut for it, you can delete it. Otherwise, you’ll see an empty field next to “Shortcuts”.
To set a keyboard shortcut, click on the field next to “Shortcuts” and then hold down the icons you want to use. For example, on a Mac, I like to use Shift + Option + Command and a letter on the keyboard. This combination usually has available keys that aren’t already taken by other program actions.
In this case, I’ll set the shortcut for layer mask as Shift + Option + Command + M. Once you enter the shortcut, it will fill in the field. Click “Enter” to save the shortcut.
Note that there may be conflicts with existing shortcuts. For example, the shortcut Control(Command) + U is already in use for hue saturation. In such cases, you can either accept the conflict or undo the shortcut and try a different combination.
In addition to layer masks, you can create keyboard shortcuts for other Photoshop functions. For example, Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) can have a shortcut like Option + Shift + Command + G. Similarly, you can set shortcuts for other commonly used functions.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Once you’ve set up your keyboard shortcuts, you can easily access the functions by pressing the designated keys. For example, to create a layer mask, simply press Option + Shift + Command + M. This saves time, especially when you need to perform these actions repeatedly in an editing session.
Keyboard shortcuts can also be used to quickly toggle the visibility of layers. For example, you can set a shortcut (such as Option + Shift + Command + V) to hide or reveal layers or groups.
In conclusion, creating keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop allows you to speed up your workflow and save time. By remembering and utilizing these shortcuts, you can become a more efficient Photoshop user.
Frequently Asked Questions – How to Create Keyboard Shortcuts in Photoshop
1. Can I customize keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop?
Yes, you can easily customize keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop to fit your workflow.
2. How can I access the Keyboard Shortcuts panel in Photoshop?
To access the Keyboard Shortcuts panel, go to the “Edit” menu, then select “Keyboard Shortcuts” (or use the shortcut “Alt + Shift + Ctrl + K”).
3. How do I create a new keyboard shortcut?
To create a new keyboard shortcut, select the desired command/function from the list in the Keyboard Shortcuts panel. Then, click on the empty box under the “Shortcut” column, and press the keys you want to assign as the shortcut for that function.
4. Can I remove or disable existing keyboard shortcuts?
Yes, you can remove or disable existing keyboard shortcuts by selecting the command/function in the panel, and then clicking on the “Delete Shortcut” or “Disable Shortcut” button.
5. Can I reset the keyboard shortcuts to their default settings?
Yes, you can reset the keyboard shortcuts to their default settings by clicking on the “Use Default Set” button in the Keyboard Shortcuts panel.
6. How do I save my customized keyboard shortcuts?
To save your customized keyboard shortcuts, click on the “Save Set” button in the Keyboard Shortcuts panel, and give your set a name. It will be saved as a .kys file on your computer.
7. Can I import/export keyboard shortcuts between different Photoshop installations?
Yes, you can import/export keyboard shortcuts between different Photoshop installations. To do this, click on the “Import” or “Export” button in the Keyboard Shortcuts panel, and choose the .kys file you want to import/export.
8. Are there any recommended keyboard shortcuts for beginners?
Yes, there are a few recommended keyboard shortcuts for beginners in Photoshop. Some commonly used shortcuts include “Ctrl + Z” for Undo, “Ctrl + S” for Save, and “Ctrl + T” for Transform.
9. Where can I find more tutorials on using Photoshop shortcuts?
You can find more tutorials on using Photoshop shortcuts, including the tutorial by PHLEARN mentioned in the title, on various websites, YouTube channels, and online learning platforms.
10. Can I create custom shortcuts for specific actions or filters?
Yes, you can create custom shortcuts for specific actions or filters in Photoshop. Just locate the desired action/filter in the Keyboard Shortcuts panel and assign a new shortcut to it.
I hope you find useful my article How to Create Keyboard Shortcuts in Photoshop | Tutorial by PHLEARN, I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog at this link.
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