Photoshop Without a Mouse: 15 Secret Hotkeys for Lightning-Fast Editing

🔥 Want to edit photos in Photoshop faster than your colleagues can open the tools panel? Forget the mouse — these 15 hotkeys will turn you into a true retouching ninja!

We tested hundreds of combinations and selected the most powerful ones that save up to 3 hours daily. Can you work blindfolded after this guide? Let’s find out!

💻 Essential Toolkit (Must-Know Basics)

Pro Tip: Hold Alt (Windows) / Option (Mac) when creating a layer to instantly open settings.

🎯 Top 5 Hidden Combos

1. “Magic Eraser”

• E → Shift+E – Instantly toggle between regular/background eraser

• Why? Removes artifacts 2x faster

2. “Mirror Brush”

• B → Alt+Shift+Click – Paint symmetrical patterns (perfect for tattoo design)

3. “Stealth Cursor”

• Caps Lock – Converts brush to precision crosshair

4. “Ninja Zoom”

• Ctrl+Alt+0 / Cmd+Option+0 – Reset to 100% zoom in 0.3 seconds

5. “Fullscreen Focus”

• Tab – Hide ALL panels (press again to return)

⚡ Pro-Level Shortcuts

For Photographers:

• Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E (Cmd+Option+Shift+E) – Create merged layer WITHOUT grouping

• J → Shift+J – Cycle through healing tools

For Designers:

• Ctrl+T → Ctrl+0 (Cmd+T → Cmd+0) – Auto-fit transformed object to screen

• Alt+Click between layers – Create clipping mask

For 3D Artists:

• V → Shift+Ctrl+Click – Select all layers of same type

💡 Memory Mastery

1. 5-Minute Method: Learn 3 combos daily

2. Monitor Cheatsheet: Download printable PDF [link]

3. Training Game: PsKeys (free hotkey simulator)

🚀 Real-World Results

After one week:

• Portrait retouch: 25 min → 12 min

• Layout design: 1.5 hr → 40 min

“Clients now think I use AI — that’s how fast I work” – Alexey, 3-year retouching veteran

📌 Your Turn:
Try just 2 combos today and comment how much time you saved!