Fill a layer – Alt+Delete (foreground) or Ctrl+Delete(background)
This command will fill an empty later with the current foreground or background colour.
Merge visible Layers – Ctrl+Shift+E
This command will allow you merge all your existing layers in order to create one new layer. Beware! Once merged, they are extremely difficult to seperate.
Flatten layers – Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E
Add a new, empty layer to the top of your stack, select it and use the above command to flatten the layers in an image to sharpen the result. This adds a flattened version of the image to the new layer but leaves the layers intact too.
New layer via copy – Ctrl+J
Use this command to create a new layer from an existing one. Sound complicated? Give it a go!
New layer via cut – Ctrl+Shift+J
Like creating a new layer via copy, this command will create a new layer with the selected image area in it, the only difference via cut is that it will remove the selected image portion from the original image.
Bring layer to top of stack – Ctrl+Shift+]
Here, you can move your preferred layer to the top of the stack of images you’re working with in Photoshop.
Send layer to bottom of stack – Ctrl+Shift+[
This is plenty self-explanatory in that it does exactly the same as the command above but in the opposite direction.
Bring layer forward – Ctrl+]
This will allow you to bring any selected image to the front.
Send layer back – Ctrl+[
If you decide to change your mind, you can always select the image and send it to the back of the pile!
Copy multiple layers – Shift+Ctrl+C
Draw a selection, then use this command to take every layer into the clippig, rather than just the current layer selection.
Selecting – Ctrl+Shift+D
This is a great command for any of you that accidentally click away from a section. Pressing these buttons will have that section reselected in no time.
Invert selection – Ctrl+Shift+I
Select objects around an already pre-selected image. This way, you’ll be able to work around your main focus without losing it!
Select all layers – Ctrl+Alt+A
A perfect command for those times when you need to get everything in sync.
Select bottom layer – Alt+Comma(,)
This will select the bottom layer in the layers panel.
Select top layer – Alt+Period(.)
This will select the top layer in the layers panel.
Deselect from the selection area – Alt+drag
If you need to deselect a certain area sharpish, then hit these keys.
Deselect all but the intersected area – Shift+Alt+drag
If you don’t want to deselect an area, you can use this shortcut to ensure you’re clicking on what you want.
Deselect the entire image – Ctrl+D
If you need to get away from the image, use this shortcut to deselect anything that you’ve clicked on.
Find the sizing handles – Ctrl+T, then Ctrl+0
When pasting a layer or selection into a Photoshop image and it’s bigger than the current image, it can be difficult to find the sizing handles. This command selects Transform and sizes the image inside the window so you can see the sizing handles.
Move a selection – Spacebar+Marquee Tool
Want to move a selection easily? Simple press and hold the Spacebar and continue to do so until the selection is in the correct place.
Select individual channels – Ctrl+3(red),4(green),5(blue)
Selecting with Photoshop Channels makes removing a complex object from the background much easier than with other tools. And using this shortcut makes it even simpler.
Select a colour from an image – Alt+Brush Tool
When working with a Photoshop brush, if you want to sample a colour from an image, instead of clicking the Eyedropper tool, simply hold the Alt or Option key to switch temporarily. Then let go to return to the Brush tool.
