How they help productivity
The thing I wish I would have learned sooner, are all the Adobe application shortcuts. Instead of constantly having to go back and forth to change tools. Although Adobe application shortcuts may differ, knowing the most common ones can make the process faster. Being able to quickly switch between the tools (pen tool and selection tool, etc.) can make things a lot easier for you in the long run.
Basic computer shortcuts
It is also really helpful to learn your basic computer shortcuts. Shortcuts can be a great time saver and an easier way of working. When using multiple screens, you can easily use Ctrl or Cmd tab (depending on Mac or Windows users). This is helpful so you can easily switch between applications. Knowing your copy/paste shortcuts are also really helpful and basic shortcuts. Although these basics are important the best use of shortcuts is when you’re working on content.
Most useful application shortcuts
Universal adobe application shortcuts and specific application shortcuts.
Universal shortcuts
- T = text tool
- I = eyedropper tool
- P = pen tool
- H = hand tool
- Z = zoom
- V = selection tool
- A = direct selection tool
- D = default fill/stroke
- cmd+0 = fit in window
Illustrator shortcuts
- G = gradient tool
- L = elipse tool
- J = column graph tool
- B = brush tool
- M = rectangle tool
- ] = increase diameter
- [ = decrease diameter
- shift+O = artboard
Photoshop shortcuts
- Q = quick mask tool
- W = magic wand tool
- E = eraser tool
- C = crop tool
- B = brush tool
- M = marquee tool
- J = healing brush tool
- L = lasso tool
Indesign shortcuts
- W = preview mode
- E = free transform tool
- X = toggle fill/stroke
- / = line tool
- G = gradient tool
- M = rectangle tool
- shift+X = swap fill/stroke