A new Visualizer tool displays (almost) every keyboard shortcut for Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign on a virtual keyboard.
Adobe applications feature keyboard shortcuts for just about every task imaginable. Unfortunately, very few designers realise just powerful these shortcuts can be.
We're talking cut, copy, paste (CTRL + X/C/V respectively) – possibly even basic tool selection – but did you know that there are literally hundreds more shortcuts built into every Adobe application? Possibly not, as unfortunately, these often go unnoticed.
It displays well over 1,000 keyboard shortcuts for Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign on a virtual keyboard displayed in your web browser.
Here's how to use it:
01. Pick your application
Choose the application for which you would like view the keyboard shortcuts (Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign?).
02. Pick your operating system
Adobe applications behave differently depending upon the host operating system. Next up, choose your OS.
03. Modifier keys
Step #3: Toggle modifier keys (e.g. ALT, CONTROL, SHIFT, etc.) on/off to view even more shortcuts.
04. Magnifying & searching for shortcuts
If you find that the text on the virtual keys is difficult to read, no problem, just hover over any key to magnify the shortcut.
You'll see this displayed in large type just below the keyboard.
05. Find a shortcut
If you have a specific keyboard shortcut in mind, but can't seem to find it, you can use the in-built search function (this is displayed just below the virtual keyboard).
Simply start typing and the shortcut visualizer will suggest some shortcuts for you.
Download the desktop wallpapers
If you want to keep a handy reference of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts for Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign, you can also download one of the free, beautiful desktop wallpapers created by FastPrint.
Unlike most of the wallpapers currently out there, these are available for Mac and PC keyboards (so no more CTRL/CMD fiasco!). They're also available for just about every screen resolution imaginable (including iPad's).
Words: Joshua Pagin
Joshua Pagin is a highly experienced graphic designer currently working at FastPrint, a leading UK-based printing company specialising in the production of high quality printed marketing materials. Follow them on twitter @fastprintuk.
