This is our next installment on a series of posts about undocumented Photoshop shortcuts and tricks. For our previous 5 pointers – click here.

1. Hide Other Layers

By holding down Opt whilst also clicking on the visibility icon, this hides all other layers.

2. Navigate layer blending mode

This is a super quick way of viewing all the different blending mode options available for use upon a layer. Just hold down Opt + Shift + “-” OR “+” key which allows you to navigate through the various modes/effects.

3. Navigate the tool list

You can navigate through the tool list by pressing Shift + tool shortcut. For example: B = Brush tool, if you press Shift + B again, you will switch to Pencil tool. If you hover your mouse over the various tool options, you will see that they each carry a letter shortcut – indicating what letter shortcut to press.

4. Opacity

You can set the layer opacity by pressing the number keys (ie. 1 = 10%, 2 = 20%…). Also, when you have the brush tool selected, pressing the number keys will adjust the brush opacity.

5. Increase / decrease brush size

With the Brush tool selected, you can increase / decrease the brush size by pressing [ or ] key (square bracket key). Press Shift + [ or ] will increase / decrease brush hardness.

Enjoy!

We’ll be posting the next set of tricks in a few days time, so do pop back.

For more information on custom t-shirt printing, get in touch 🙂

Whether you’re a Photoshop novice or a total wizz, it’s likely you’ve used or heard about the programs keyboard shortcuts. They’re nothing new, but there are actually a few sneaky “undocumented” tricks that can boost your productivity. A selection of them are shown within the drop down menus, but there are also just as many that aren’t.

You’ll also be glad to know that most of them are transferable across to Illustrator and InDesign too. I’m using a Mac to write this post, so if you are using PC, Cmd = Ctrl and Opt = Alt.

1. Square Marquee Tool

To create a perfect square marquee or object, just hold down the SHIFT key. This also works, when re-sizing or scaling an object – by holding the SHIFT key down, your objects proportions are locked, creating an even enlargement or scale down.

2. Space Between Lettering

A really quick way of changing the tracking (posh word for the spacing between letters) of a font, is to select the word and then hold down the ALT key and then tap either the left or right arrow. If you only want to change the spacing between two letters – as apposed to the entire word, just click your cursor down between the two letters in question and nudge them closer or further apart using the same keys.

3. Zoom to 100%

Double click on the ZOOM (little magnify glass) tool and it will instantly zoom your document to 100%.

4. Show/Hide Layers

If you need to show / hide more than one layer, instead of clicking on each one by one, you can click on the visibility (eye) icon and drag your mouse up or down – you’ll notice each layer appear or disappear.

5. Precise cursor

When using tools such as brushes, cloning or healing – you can press down your CAPS key, this will show you a precise cursor, should you need it for accuracy.

That’s the first five for you to have a play with – you’ll be using them without even thinking in no time! Don’t forget to check back soon, as we will be posting the next 5 in a few days time.

Don’t forget to get in touch for any more information on garment printing. We even do express t-shirt printing.