IN THIS APPENDIX
Learning commands for almost every situation
Using functions
Saving time with shortcuts
Illustrator has more keyboard commands, functions, and shortcuts than ever before. The tables in this appendix give you a quick reference to the commands, functions, and shortcuts for both Windows and Mac.
Warning
Mac users should check to make sure that their function keys aren't assigned to complete any system tasks. In the Mac's Keyboard & Mouse System Preferences pane's Keyboard Shortcuts tab, you can assign or reassign keyboard shortcuts that are in conflict.
Table A.1. The File Menu
Shortcut | |
|---|---|
New | Ctrl (  |
New from Template | Ctrl ( |
Open | Ctrl ( |
Browse | Ctrl ( |
Close | Ctrl ( |
Save | Ctrl ( |
Save As | Ctrl ( |
Save a Copy | Ctrl ( |
Save for Web | Ctrl ( |
Revert | F12[a] |
Document Setup | Ctrl ( |
File Info | Ctrl ( |
Ctrl ( | |
Exit (Quit) | Ctrl ( |
[a] In Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger), reassign this in the Exposé & Dashboard System Preferences pane, and in Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard), reassign this in the Exposé & Spaces System Preferences pane. | |
Table A.3. The Object Menu
Command | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Transform  | Ctrl ( |
Transform | Ctrl ( |
Transform | Ctrl ( |
Arrange | Ctrl ( |
Arrange | Ctrl ( |
Arrange | Ctrl ( |
Arrange | Ctrl ( |
Group | Ctrl ( |
Ungroup | Ctrl ( |
Lock | Ctrl ( |
Unlock All | Ctrl ( |
Hide | Ctrl ( |
Show All | Ctrl ( |
Path | Ctrl ( |
Path | Ctrl ( |
Blend | Ctrl ( |
Blend | Ctrl ( |
Envelope Distort | Ctrl ( |
Envelope Distort | Ctrl ( |
Envelope Distort | Ctrl ( |
Envelope Distort | Ctrl ( |
Live Paint | Ctrl ( |
Clipping Mask | Ctrl ( |
Clipping Mask | Ctrl ( |
Compound Path | Ctrl ( |
Compound Path | Ctrl ( |
Table A.5. The Select Menu
Command | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Select All | Ctrl ( |
Deselect All | Ctrl ( |
Reselect | Ctrl ( |
Next Object Above | Ctrl ( |
Next Object Below | Ctrl ( |
Table A.7. The View Menu
Command | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Outline/Preview | Ctrl ( |
Overprint Preview | Ctrl ( |
Pixel Preview | Ctrl ( |
Zoom In | Ctrl ( |
Zoom Out | Ctrl ( |
Ctrl ( | |
Double-click the Hand tool | |
Actual Size (100%) | Ctrl ( |
Double-click the Zoom tool | |
Hide Edges | Ctrl ( |
Hide Template | Ctrl ( |
Show/Hide Rulers | Ctrl ( |
Show/Hide Bounding Box | Ctrl ( |
Show/Hide Transparency Grid | Ctrl ( |
Show/Hide Text Threads | Ctrl ( |
Guides | Ctrl ( |
Guides | Ctrl ( |
Guides | Ctrl ( |
Guides | Ctrl ( |
Smart Guides | Ctrl ( |
Show/Hide Grid | Ctrl ( |
Snap to Grid (Pixel) | Ctrl ( |
Snap to Point | Ctrl ( |
Warning
Mac users should check to make sure that their function keys aren't assigned to complete any system tasks. In the Mac's Keyboard & Mouse System Preferences pane's Keyboard Shortcuts tab, you can assign or reassign keyboard shortcuts that are in conflict.
Table A.8. The Window Menu
Command | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Align | Shift+F7 (toggle) |
Appearance | Shift+F6 (toggle) |
Attributes | Ctrl ( |
Brushes | F5 (toggle) |
Color | F6 (toggle) |
Gradient | Ctrl ( |
Shift+F5 (toggle) | |
Info | F8 (toggle) |
Layers | F7 (toggle) |
Pathfinder | Ctrl ( |
Stroke | Ctrl ( |
Symbols | Ctrl ( |
Transform | Shift+F8 (toggle) |
Transparency | Ctrl ( |
Type | Ctrl ( |
Type | Ctrl ( |
Type | Ctrl ( |
Type | Ctrl ( |
Table A.10. Tool Selection
Function | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Select the next popup tool | Drag to the right and then release on the desired tool |
Alt (Option)+click on a tool | |
Open a tool's dialog box | Double-click on the tool |
Hide the Tools panel and other panels | Tab |
Hide the panels (except the Tools panel) | Shift+Tab |
Table A.11. Selection Tools
Table A.12. Path Tools
Tool | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Pen tool | P |
Add Anchor Point tool | = |
Alt (Option)+Delete Anchor Point tool | |
Alt (Option)+Scissors tool | |
Delete Anchor Point tool | – |
Alt (Option)+Add Anchor Point tool | |
Convert Anchor Point tool | Shift+C |
Alt (Option)+Pen tool | |
Pencil tool | N |
Smooth tool | Alt (Option)+Pencil tool |
Alt (Option)+Erase tool | |
Alt (Option)+Paintbrush tool | |
Paintbrush tool | B |
Scissors tool | C |
Function | Procedure |
Create a straight corner point | Click with the Pen tool |
Create a smooth point | Drag with the Pen tool |
Continue an existing open path | Click+drag with the Pen tool on an endpoint of an existing path |
Close an open path | While drawing, click+drag with the Pen tool on the initial endpoint |
Click+drag with the Pen tool on each endpoint in succession | |
Select the path and then join it (Ctrl ( | |
Shift+drag with the Pen tool | |
Constrain control handles to 45 degrees | Shift while dragging a handle with the Pen tool |
Create a path | Click+drag a succession of points with the Pen tool |
Add anchor points to an existing path | Click with the Pen tool on a path |
Delete anchor points from an existing path | Shift+click with the Pen tool on an anchor point |
Convert an anchor point to a smooth point | Drag with the Convert Direction Point tool on an existing point |
Convert a smooth point to a corner point | Click with the Convert Direction Point tool on a smooth point |
Convert a smooth corner to a combination corner | Drag one handle with the Direct Selection tool back into the anchor point |
Convert a smooth corner to a corner curved | Drag one handle with the Convert Direction Point tool |
Draw freestyle paths | Drag with the Pencil tool |
View the Paintbrush options | Double-click the Paintbrush tool in the Tools panel |
Reshape a path | Select the points with the Direct Selection tool and then drag with the Reshape tool |
Split a path | Click with the Scissors tool |
Slice multiple paths | Drag with the Knife tool |
Constrain a Knife slice to straight lines | Option (Alt)+drag with the Knife tool |
Constrain a Knife slice to 45 degrees | Shift+Option (Alt)+drag with the Knife tool |
Table A.13. Type Tools
Tool | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Type tool | T |
Shift+Vertical Type tool | |
Area Type tool | Alt (Option)+Path Type tool |
Shift+Vertical Area Type tool | |
Alt (Option)+Shift Vertical Path Type tool | |
Path Type tool | Alt (Option)+Area Type tool |
Shift+Vertical Path Type tool | |
Alt (Option)+Shift Vertical Path Type tool | |
Shift+Type tool | |
Vertical Area Type tool | Alt (Option)+Vertical Path Type tool |
Shift+Area Type tool | |
Alt (Option)+Shift+Area Type tool | |
Vertical Path Type tool | Alt (Option)+Vertical Area Type tool |
Shift+Path Type tool | |
Alt (Option)+Shift+Area Type tool | |
Function | Procedure |
Create individual type | Click with the Type tool |
Create a type container | Drag with the Type tool |
Place path type on a closed path | Click the path with the Path Type tool |
Alt (Option)+click the path with the Type tool | |
Alt (Option)+click the path with the Area Type tool | |
Place path type on an open path | Click the path with the Path Type tool |
Click the path with the Type tool | |
Alt (Option)+click the path with the Area Type tool | |
Place area type on a closed path | Click the path with the Area Type tool |
Click the path with the Type tool | |
Option (Alt)+click the path with the Path Type tool | |
Place area type on an open path | Click the path with the Area Type tool |
Alt (Option)+click the path with the Type tool | |
Alt (Option)+click the path with the Path Type tool | |
Change vertical type to horizontal type | Choose Type |
Change horizontal type to vertical type | Choose Type |
Select an entire text block | Highlight the text block with the Selection tool |
Select one character | Drag across a character with any Type tool |
Select one word | Double-click a word with any Type tool |
Select one paragraph | Triple-click a paragraph with any Type tool |
Select all text in a text block | Click in text block with any Type tool and then press Ctrl ( |
Flip type on a path | Double-click the I-bar with any selection tool or just drag it to the opposite side |
Table A.14. Line Tools
Tool | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Line Segment tool | |
Function | Procedure |
Create line segments using numbers | Click with the Line Segment tool |
Draw a line segment | Drag with the Line Segment tool |
Constrain line segments to 45 degrees | Shift+drag with the Line Segment tool |
Create a line segment from the center using numbers | Alt (Option)+click with the Line Segment tool |
Draw a line segment from the center | Alt (Option)+drag with the Line Segment tool |
Move a line segment while drawing | Spacebar+drag with the Line Segment tool |
Create multiple line segments | ~+drag with the Line Segment tool |
Create arc segments using numbers | Click with the Arc tool |
Draw an arc segment | Drag with the Arc tool |
Constrain arc segments to circular sections | Shift+drag with the Arc tool |
Create an arc segment from the center | Alt (Option)+click with the Arc tool |
Draw an arc segment from the center | Alt (Option)+drag with the Arc tool |
Move an arc segment while drawing | Spacebar+drag with the Arc tool |
Create multiple arc segments | ~+drag with the Arc tool |
Toggle an arc between concave and convex | X+drag with the Arc tool |
Toggle between open and closed arcs | C+drag with the Arc tool |
Flip an arc | F+drag with the Arc tool |
Increase an arc's slope | ↑+drag with the Arc tool |
Decrease an arc's slope | ↓+drag with the Arc tool |
Create a spiral using numbers | Click with the Spiral tool |
Draw a spiral | Drag with the Spiral tool |
Constrain a spiral's angle | Shift+drag with the Spiral tool |
Move a spiral while drawing | Spacebar+drag with the Spiral tool |
Create multiple spirals | ~+drag with the Spiral tool |
Decrease a spiral decay | Ctrl ( |
Increase a spiral's length and size | Alt (Option)+drag with the Spiral tool (toggle) |
Increase a spiral's length | ↑+drag with the Spiral tool |
Decrease a spiral's length | ↓+drag with the Spiral tool |
Create a rectangular grid using numbers | Click with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Draw a rectangular grid | Drag with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Constrain a rectangular grid to a square | Shift+drag with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Create a square rectangular grid | Alt (Option)+click with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Draw a rectangular grid from the center | Alt (Option)+drag with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Move a rectangular grid while drawing | Spacebar+drag with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Create a multiple rectangular grid | ~+drag with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Skew horizontal dividers to the left | X+drag with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Skew horizontal dividers to the right | C+drag with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Skew vertical dividers to the top of the rectangular grid | F+drag with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Skew vertical dividers to the bottom of the rectangular grid | V+drag with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Increase vertical dividers | ↑+drag with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Decrease vertical dividers | ↓+drag with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Increase horizontal dividers | →+drag with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Decrease horizontal dividers | ←+drag with the Rectangular Grid tool |
Create a polar grid using numbers | Click with the Polar Grid tool |
Draw a polar grid | Drag with the Polar Grid tool |
Constrain a polar grid to a circle | Shift+drag with the Polar Grid tool |
Create a circular polar grid | Alt (Option)+click with the Polar Grid tool |
Draw a polar grid from the center | Alt (Option)+drag with the Polar Grid tool |
Move a polar grid while drawing | Spacebar+drag with the Polar Grid tool |
Create a multiple polar grid | ~+drag with the Polar Grid tool |
Skew concentric dividers inward | X+drag with the Polar Grid tool |
Skew concentric dividers outward | C+drag with the Polar Grid tool |
Skew radial dividers counterclockwise | F+drag with the Polar Grid tool |
Skew radial dividers clockwise | V+drag with the Polar Grid tool |
Increase concentric dividers | ↑+drag with the Polar Grid tool |
Decrease concentric dividers | ↓+drag with the Polar Grid tool |
Increase radial dividers | →+drag with the Polar Grid tool |
Decrease radial dividers | ←+drag with the Polar Grid tool |
Table A.15. Shape Tools
Shortcut | |
|---|---|
Rectangle tool | M |
Ellipse tool | L |
Function | Procedure |
Create a rectangle using numbers | Click with the Rectangle tool or the Rounded Rectangle tool |
Draw a rectangle | Drag with the Rectangle tool |
Draw a square | Shift+drag with the Rectangle tool |
Create a centered rectangle using numbers | Alt (Option)+click with the Rectangle tool |
Draw a centered rectangle | Alt (Option)+drag with the Rectangle tool |
Draw a square from the center | Alt (Option)+Shift+drag with the Rectangle tool |
Move a rectangle while drawing | Spacebar+drag with the Rectangle tool |
Create multiple rectangles | ~+drag with the Rectangle tool |
Create a rounded rectangle using numbers | Click with the Rounded Rectangle tool |
Draw a rounded rectangle | Drag with the Rounded Rectangle tool |
Draw a square with rounded corners | Shift+drag with the Rounded Rectangle tool |
Create a centered rounded rectangle | Alt (Option)+click with the Rounded Rectangle tool |
Draw a centered rounded rectangle | Alt (Option)+drag with the Rounded Rectangle tool |
Draw a square with rounded corners from the center | Alt (Option)+Shift+drag with the Rounded Rectangle tool |
Move a rounded rectangle while drawing | Spacebar+drag with the Rounded Rectangle tool |
Create multiple rounded rectangles | ~+drag with the Rounded Rectangle tool |
Create an ellipse using numbers | Click with the Ellipse tool |
Draw an ellipse | Drag with the Ellipse tool |
Draw a circle | Shift+drag with the Ellipse tool |
Create a centered ellipse using numbers | Alt (Option)+click with the Ellipse tool |
Draw a centered ellipse | Alt (Option)+drag with the Ellipse tool |
Move an ellipse while drawing | Spacebar+drag with the Ellipse tool |
Create multiple ellipses | ~+drag with the Ellipse tool |
Create a polygon using numbers | Click with the Polygon tool |
Draw a polygon | Drag with the Polygon tool |
Constrain a polygon's angle | Shift+drag with the Polygon tool |
Create a centered polygon using numbers | Alt (Option)+click with the Polygon tool |
Alt (Option)+drag with the Polygon tool | |
Increase a polygon's sides | ↑+drag with the Polygon tool |
Decrease a polygon's sides | ↓+drag with the Polygon tool |
Move a polygon while drawing | Spacebar+drag with the Polygon tool |
Create multiple polygons | ~+drag with the Polygon tool |
Create a star using numbers | Click with the Star tool |
Draw a star | Drag with the Star tool |
Constrain a star's angle | Shift+drag with the Star tool |
Draw an even-shouldered star | Alt (Option)+drag with the Star tool |
Move outer points only | Ctrl ( |
Increase a star's points | ↑+drag with the Star tool |
Decrease a star's points | ↓+drag with the Star tool |
Move a star while drawing | Spacebar+drag with the Star tool |
Create multiple stars | ~+drag with the Star tool |
Table A.16. Transformation Tools
Tool | Shortcut |
Rotate tool | R |
Reflect tool | O |
Scale tool | S |
Free Transform tool | E |
Function | Procedure |
|---|---|
Moving objects | Drag with the Selection or Free Transform tool |
Constrain movements along a 45-degree axis | Shift+drag with the Selection or Free Transform tool |
Rotate using numbers | Alt (Option)+click with the Rotate tool |
Rotate from the center of a selection with numbers | Double-click with the Rotate tool |
Free rotate (live) | Click with the Rotate tool to set the origin and then drag with the Rotate tool |
Free rotate around a selection's center | Drag with the Rotate tool |
Constrain a rotation to 45 degrees | Shift+drag with the Rotate tool |
Alt (Option)+drag with the Rotate tool | |
Rotate a pattern only | ~+drag with the Rotate tool |
Scale using numbers | Alt (Option)+click with the Scale tool |
Scale from the center of a selection with numbers | Double-click with the Scale tool |
Free scale (live) | Click with the Scale tool to set the origin and then drag with the Scale tool |
Free scale around a selection's center | Drag with the Scale tool |
Constrain scaling to 45 degrees | Shift+drag with the Scale tool |
Scale a copy | Alt (Option)+drag with the Scale tool |
Scale a pattern only | ~+drag with the Scale tool |
Reflect using numbers | Alt (Option)+click with the Reflect tool |
Reflect from the center of a selection with numbers | Double-click with the Reflect tool |
Free reflect (live) | Click with the Reflect tool to set the origin and then drag with the Reflect tool |
Free reflect around a selection's center | Drag with the Reflect tool |
Constrain a reflecting angle to 45 degrees | Shift+drag with the Reflect tool |
Reflect a copy | Alt (Option)+drag with the Reflect tool |
Reflect a pattern only | ~+drag with the Reflect tool |
Shear using numbers | Alt (Option)+click with the Shear tool |
Shear from the center of a selection with numbers | Double-click with the Shear tool |
Free shear (live) | Click with the Shear tool to set the origin and then drag with the Shear tool |
Free shear around a selection's center | Drag with the Shear tool |
Constrain a shearing to 45 degrees | Shift+drag with the Shear tool |
Shear a copy | Alt (Option)+drag with the Shear tool |
Shear a pattern only | ~+drag with the Shear tool |
Table A.17. Distortion Tools
Tool | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Warp tool | Shift+R |
Function | Procedure |
Twirl using numbers | Alt (Option)+click with the Rotate tool |
Drag with the Twirl tool | |
Reshape a distortion brush | Alt (Option)+drag with the Warp, Twirl, Pucker, Bloat, Scallop, Crystallize, or Wrinkle tool |
Constrain a brush to horizontal or vertical movements | Shift+drag with the Warp, Twirl, Pucker, Bloat, Scallop, Crystallize, or Wrinkle tool |
Set the distortion options | Double-click on the selected distortion tool |
Table A.18. Symbol Tools
Tool | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Symbol Sprayer tool | Shift+S |
Function | Procedure |
Add a single symbol | Click+Symbol Sprayer tool |
Add multiple symbols | Drag+Symbol Sprayer tool |
Remove symbols from set | Alt (Option)+Symbol Sprayer tool |
Move symbols in a set | Drag with the Symbol Shifter tool |
Change the stacking order of the symbols | Alt (Option)+Symbol Shifter tool |
Scrunch the symbols closer together | Drag with the Symbol Scruncher tool |
Move the symbols farther apart | Alt (Option)+Symbol Scruncher tool |
Increase a symbol's size | Drag with the Symbol Sizer tool |
Decrease a symbol's size | Alt (Option)+Symbol Sizer tool |
Rotate the symbols | Drag with the Symbol Spinner tool |
Increase a symbol's transparency | Drag with the Symbol Screener tool |
Decrease a symbol's transparency | Alt (Option)+Symbol Screener tool |
Change a symbol's color | Drag with the Symbol Stainer tool |
Restore a symbol's original color | Alt (Option)+Symbol Stainer tool |
Apply a style to a symbol | Drag with the Symbol Styler tool |
Remove a style from a symbol | Alt (Option)+Symbol Styler tool |
Table A.20. Paint Tools
Tool | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Gradient tool | G |
Gradient Mesh tool | U |
Live Paint Bucket tool | K |
Option (Alt)+Eyedropper tool | |
Eyedropper tool | I |
Alt (Option)+Paint Bucket tool | |
Function | Procedure |
Change the linear gradient direction and/or length | Drag with the Gradient tool |
Constrain the gradient direction to angle a 45-degree | Shift+drag with the Gradient tool |
Change the radial gradient size and/or location | Drag with the Gradient tool |
Change the radial gradient's origin point | Click with the Gradient tool |
Add the sample color to the Color panel | Click with the Eyedropper tool |
Add the sample screen color to the Color panel | Shift+click with the Eyedropper tool |
Change the paint style of selected objects | Double-click with the Eyedropper tool on an object with the desired style |
Measure a distance | Click the start and end locations with the Measure tool |
Measure a distance by 45-degree angles | Shift+click the start and end locations with the Measure tool |
Table A.21. Blend, Auto Trace, Artboard, and Slice Tools
Shortcut | |
|---|---|
Blend tool | W |
Slice tool | Shift+K |
Artboard tool | Shift+O |
Function | Procedure |
|---|---|
Blend two paths | Click corresponding selected points on each path with the Blend tool |
Set the blend options | Double-click on the Blend tool |
Auto-trace images | Click area to be traced with the Auto Trace tool |
Divide artwork into slices | Drag+Slice tool |
Constrain a slice to a square | Alt (Option)+drag with the Slice tool |
Slice selected objects | Drag+Slice Selected tool |
Table A.22. Viewing Tools
Tool | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Hand tool | H |
Spacebar (when not typing text) | |
Zoom tool | Z |
Ctrl ( | |
Zoom Out tool | Ctrl ( |
Alt (Option)+Zoom tool |
Function | Procedure |
|---|---|
Reposition the page | Drag with the Hand tool |
Fit the page within the document window | Double-click on the Hand tool |
Moving page boundaries | Drag with the Page tool |
Reset page boundaries | Double-click on the Page tool |
Zoom in | Click with the Zoom tool |
Ctrl ( | |
Zoom out | Alt (Option)+click with the Zoom tool |
Ctrl ( | |
Zoom in to a specific area | Drag with the Zoom tool |
Move the zoom marquee while drawing | Spacebar while dragging with the Zoom tool |
Draw the zoom marquee from its center | Ctrl+drag with the Zoom tool |
Table A.23. Type Shortcuts
Shortcut | |
|---|---|
Copy type on a path | Alt (Option)+drag the I-bar using any selection tool |
Flip type on a path | Double-click the I-bar with any selection tool or just drag it to the opposite side of the path |
Move the insertion point to the next character | → (right arrow) |
Move the insertion point to the previous character | ← (left arrow) |
Move the insertion point to the next line | ↓ (down arrow) |
Move the insertion point to the previous line | ↑ (up arrow) |
Move the insertion point to the next word | Ctrl ( |
Move the insertion point to the previous word | Ctrl ( |
Move the insertion point to the next paragraph | Ctrl ( |
Move the insertion point to the previous paragraph | Ctrl ( |
Select (by highlighting) all type in a story | Ctrl ( |
Select all type in a document | Ctrl ( |
Select the next character | Shift+→ |
Select the previous character | Shift+← |
Select the next line | Shift+↓ |
Select the previous line | Shift+↑ |
Select the next word | Ctrl ( |
Select the previous word | Ctrl ( |
Select the next paragraph | Ctrl ( |
Select the previous paragraph | Ctrl ( |
Select the word | Double-click the word |
Select the paragraph | Triple-click the paragraph |
Deselect all type | Ctrl ( |
Alt (Option)+drag the column outline with the Direct Selection tool | |
Insert a discretionary hyphen (one that only appears if the word has to break) | Ctrl ( |
Insert a line break | Press Enter (Return) |
Table A.24. Paragraph Formatting
Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Ctrl ( | |
Align a paragraph flush left | Ctrl ( |
Align a paragraph flush right | Ctrl ( |
Align a paragraph flush center | Ctrl ( |
Align a paragraph justified | Ctrl ( |
Align a paragraph force justified | Ctrl ( |
Display the Tab Ruler panel | Ctrl ( |
Align the Tab panel to a selected paragraph | Click the Tab panel size box |
Cycle through tab stops | Alt (Option)+click tab stop |
Move multiple tab stops | Shift+drag tab stops |
Table A.25. Character Formatting
Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Display the Character panel | Ctrl ( |
Highlight a font | Crtrl ( |
Increase the type size | Ctrl ( |
Decrease the type size | Ctrl ( |
Increase the type to the next size on the menu | Ctrl ( |
Decrease the type to the next size on the menu | Ctrl ( |
Set the leading to solid (same as point size) | Double-click the Leading symbol in the Character panel |
Increase the baseline shift (raise)[a] | Alt (Option)+Shift+↑ |
Decrease the baseline shift (lower)[a] | Alt (Option)+Shift+↓ |
Increase the baseline shift (raise) × 5[a] | Ctrl ( |
Decrease the baseline shift (lower) × 5[a] | Ctrl ( |
Kern/track closer[a] | Alt (Option)+← |
Kern/track apart[a] | Alt (Option)+→ |
Kern/track closer × 5[a] | Ctrl ( |
Kern/track apart × 5[a] | Ctrl ( |
Reset the kerning/tracking to 0 | Ctrl ( |
Highlight the kerning/tracking | Ctrl ( |
Reset the horizontal scale to 100% | Ctrl ( |
[a] Set this value/amount in Preferences. | |
Table A.26. Color Panel
Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Show/hide the Color panel | F6 (toggle) |
Ctrl ( | |
Revert to default colors | D (White fill; Black stroke) |
Toggle the focus between the fill and the stroke | X |
Choose the current color in the Color panel | , (comma) |
Change the paint style to None | / |
Apply to inactive fill/stroke (fill when stroke is active; stroke when fill is active) | Alt (Option)+click in the color ramp on the Color panel |
Apply a color to an unselected object | Drag the color swatch from the Color panel to the object |
Apply a color to a selected object | Click the swatch in the Color panel |
Copy the paint style to unselected objects | Click unselected objects with the Paint Bucket tool |
Copy the paint style from any (source) object to all selected objects | Click the source object with the Eyedropper tool |
Tint a process color | Shift+drag any Color panel slider |
Cycle through the color modes | Shift+click the color ramp (Grayscale, CMYK, RGB) |
Table A.27. Swatches Panel
Shortcut | |
|---|---|
None | |
Toggle focus between the fill and the stroke | X |
Add a swatch | Click the New Swatch icon |
Drag the swatch from the Color or Gradient panel into the Swatches panel | |
Replace a swatch | Alt (Option)+drag the swatch from the Color or Gradient panel into the Swatches panel |
Duplicate a swatch | Alt (Option)+drag the swatch onto the New Swatch icon in the Swatches panel |
Delete a swatch | Drag the swatch to the trash icon in the Swatches panel |
Click the trash icon with the swatches selected | |
Select contiguous swatches | Shift+click the first and last swatches |
Select noncontiguous swatches | Ctrl ( |
Switch the keyboard focus to the Swatches panel (for selecting swatches by name as they are typed) | Ctrl ( |
Apply a color to an unselected object | Drag the color swatch from the Swatches panel to the object |
Apply a color to a selected object | Click the swatch in the Swatches panel |
Table A.28. Gradient Panel
Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Choose the current gradient in the Gradient panel | . (period) |
Show/hide the Gradient panel | Ctrl ( |
Apply a swatch to the selected color stop (triangle) in the Gradient panel | Alt (Option)+click the swatch |
Add a new color stop | Click below the gradient ramp |
Duplicate a color stop | Alt (Option)+drag the color stop |
Swap color stops | Option (Alt)+drag the color stop on top of another color stop |
Suck color for a color stop with the Eyedropper tool | Shift+click with the Eyedropper tool |
Reset a gradient to the default color | Ctrl ( |
Apply a color to an unselected object | Drag a color swatch from the Gradient panel to the object |
Apply a color to a selected object | Click the swatch in the Gradient panel |
Table A.29. Stroke Panel
Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Ctrl ( | |
Increase/decrease a stroke's weight | Highlight the Stroke field, use the up or down arrows, and then press Enter (Return) when finished |
Increase/decrease the miter amount | Highlight the Miter field, use the up or down arrows, and then press Enter (Return) when finished |
Table A.30. Miscellaneous Panel Commands
Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
Collapse/display a panel | Click the box in the upper-right corner |
Cycle through panel views | Double-click the panel tab |
Apply the settings | Enter (Return) |
Apply the settings while keeping the last text field highlighted | Shift+ Enter (Return) |
Highlight the next text field | Tab |
Highlight the previous text field | Shift+Tab |
Highlight any text field | Click the label or double-click the current value |
Increase a value by the base increment | Highlight field, ↑ |
Decrease a value by the base increment | Highlight field, ↓ |
Increase a value by a large increment | Highlight field, Shift+↑ |
Decrease a value by a large increment | Highlight field, Shift+↓ |
Combine panels | Drag the panel tab within another panel |
Dock a panel | Drag the panel tab to the bottom of another panel |
Separate a panel | Drag the panel tab from the current panel |
Table A.32. Layers Panel
Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
F7 | |
Add a new layer | Click the New Layer icon |
Add a new layer with the Options dialog box | Alt (Option)+click the New Layer icon |
Add a new layer above the active layer | Ctrl ( |
Add a new layer below the active layer | Ctrl ( |
Duplicate layer(s) | Drag layer(s) to the New Layer icon |
Change the layer order | Drag layers up or down within the Layer list |
Select all objects on a layer | Alt (Option)+click that layer |
Select all objects on several layers | Shift+Alt (Option)+click each layer |
Select contiguous layers | Shift+click the layers |
Select noncontiguous layers | Ctrl ( |
Move objects to a different layer | Drag the colored square to a different layer |
Copy objects to a different layer | Alt (Option)+drag the color square to a different layer |
Hide/show a layer | Click the Eyeball icon |
View a layer while hiding others | Alt (Option)+click the Eyeball icon |
View a layer in Outline mode | Ctrl ( |
View a layer in Preview mode while others are Outline mode | Ctrl ( |
Lock/unlock a layer | Click the Pencil icon |
Unlock a layer while locking others | Alt (Option)+click the Pencil icon |
Delete a layer | Drag the layer to the trash icon |
Select the layer and then click the trash icon | |
Delete a layer without warning | Alt (Option)+drag the layer to the trash icon |
Select the layer and then Alt (Option)+click the trash icon |
Table A.33. Viewing Shortcuts
Shortcut | |
|---|---|
Fit a document in the window | Ctrl ( |
Double-click Hand tool | |
Outline/Preview mode | Ctrl ( |
Show/hide edges | Ctrl ( |
Show/hide guides | Ctrl ( |
Show/hide a grid | Ctrl ( |
Show/hide rulers | Ctrl ( |
Hide selected objects | Ctrl ( |
Show all hidden objects | Ctrl ( |
Window mode (normal) | F (when in Full Screen mode) |
Full Screen mode with menu | F (when in Window mode) |
Full Screen mode (no menus) | F (when in Full Screen mode with menus) |