Useful hotkeys in Photoshop

Hotkeys are indispensable for a digital artist: they allow you to speed up the work process and make it comfortable. Evgenia Chernova, curator of the 2D graphics course, has compiled a list of commands and tools for which you can set up hotkeys.  

1. Mirroring

Mirroring an image is a very useful trick, it helps to take a fresh look at the drawing and correct mistakes. Edit → Keyboard Shortcuts → Shortcuts For: Application Menus → Image Rotation → Flip Canvas Horizontal  

2. Black and white conversion

When working with color, it is important to monitor the tone difference, since our eye primarily reads tone rather than the color of the object. Converting the picture to black and white helps to see the tone “stuck” and correct the work. It is set up once, and then the ctrl+y combination translates the work into black and white and back. View → Proof Setup → Custom → Device to simulate → Dot Gain 20%. Then use the hotkey Ctrl+Y.  

3. Layer lock on Q

Blocking pixels is a fairly frequently used function, and in order not to strain your fingers лишний раз and save a little time, you can put it on a key that is convenient for you. Edit → Keyboard Shortcuts → Shortcuts For: Tools → Toggle Preserve Transparency  

4. Window duplicate

It often happens that while working with an image, we get bogged down in the details and stop monitoring the work as a whole. To avoid this, it is worth creating a small duplicate window and looking at the drawing in a reduced form.

Edit → Keyboard Shortcuts → Shortcuts For: Application Menus → Window → New Window

 

5. Smudge tool on S

The “Finger” tool is a Photoshop boon that gives us the effect of a soft touch and also allows you to easily blend anything.

Edit → Keyboard Shortcuts → Shortcuts For: Tools → Smudge Tool