Photoshop Weekly "Quick Tip" - 04/05/12   

 

In this "Quick Tip" ...
F.Y.I.
"Speed Keys? I hate Speed Keys ..."
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Hi ,

 

Here's the "Quick Tip" for this week ...  

 

Thanks again, and Cheers,

 

John :-)

   

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F. Y. I.

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Quick Tip: "Speed Keys?  I hate Speed Keys ..."  

 

Question -  

 

From Erika J. in Rochester, NY -  

 

"Hi, I've just started learning Photoshop, and I'm confused with the emphasis on using speed keys mentioned in most books, workshops, websites, etc. -  Speed Keys?  I hate Speed Keys! However, I value your opinion, so maybe you can convince me otherwise.  Thanks!"

 

Answer -   

 

I admit, Erika - I'm very partial to Speed Keys , but I'm also finding out that many people simply hate them.  I hope I'm up to the task of convincing you to use them, so here goes...  

 

You should get into the habit of using a few basic Speed Keys:  Once you start to memorize these, you'll significantly increase the speed with which you work.  

 

It's like anything else - it's a habit, so the key words here are "a few basic speed keys"  (We're only talking about a half-dozen to start).  There are hundreds of speed key combinations -- don't be over-whelmed, as you really only need a handful (I probably use less than 2 dozen on a regular basis). 

 

I'd suggest that you print out the "basic" list below, all having to do with moving around your Photoshop Workspace; these are Speed Keys you'll end up using on a regular basis, and will really speed up your workflow (Mac in parentheses): 

 

Control (Command) + " S "           Save your File

   

Control (Command) + " + "            Enlarge Image Size

 

Control (Command) + " - "             Reduce Image Size

 

Control (Command) + " 0 "            Fit to Monitor Screen

 

"F" Key                                               Toggle through Standard  

& Full Screen Modes

 

"Tab" Key                                           Toggle to Show/Hide all Panels

 

"Navigator" Panel                            Drag with mouse to desired location

 

"Space Bar" Key                              Drag with mouse to desired location

 + Left Mouse Button

 

Once you're comfortable with these, simply add to your list those speed keys that you find helpful  - Enjoy!

________________________   


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