Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts
Adobe Photoshop's most-used default shortcuts: tool switching, layer work and the moves that speed up every edit.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step backward (undo history) | ⌥⌘Z | Ctrl+Alt+Z | |
| Free Transform | ⌘T | Ctrl+T | |
| New layer | ⇧⌘N | Ctrl+Shift+N | |
| Merge visible layers | ⇧⌘E | Ctrl+Shift+E | |
| Deselect | ⌘D | Ctrl+D | |
| Fill with foreground color | ⌥⌫ | Alt+Backspace | |
| Decrease / increase brush size | [ / ] | [ / ] | |
| Move tool | V | V | |
| Brush tool | B | B | |
| Clone stamp | S | S | |
| Fit image on screen | ⌘0 | Ctrl+0 | |
| Zoom to 100% | ⌘1 | Ctrl+1 | |
| Save for Web | ⇧⌥⌘S | Ctrl+Shift+Alt+S |
The tool letters are the real time-saver
Single-letter tool shortcuts (V move, B brush, S clone) are what separate fast retouchers from menu-clickers. Learn the five tools you touch most and you'll rarely leave the keyboard. Hold the letter down instead of tapping it to switch tools only while held — release to snap back.
Bracket keys for brushes
The bracket keys [ and ] resize any brush on the fly; add Shift to change hardness. This works for the eraser, clone stamp and healing brush too, so you never open the brush panel mid-stroke.
FAQ
Why did Ctrl+Z stop toggling undo?
Since Photoshop 2019 the default changed: Ctrl+Z (⌘Z) now steps backward through history repeatedly, matching other apps. The old toggle behaviour moved to Ctrl+Alt+Z / ⌥⌘Z.
Can I use these in Photoshop on iPad?
No — the iPad version uses touch gestures and a different modifier bar. These are the desktop (Windows/macOS) defaults.
How do I customise Photoshop shortcuts?
Go to Edit ▸ Keyboard Shortcuts (Window on macOS), or press ⇧⌥⌘K / Ctrl+Shift+Alt+K to open the editor and save your own set.