Adobe Indesign Quick Reference Guide

CMD vs. CTRL

On Macs, use CMD in place of CTRL for commands (e.g., CMD + N to create a new document).

Shift for Alternate Tool Options

For many tools, pressing Shift + [Shortcut Key] cycles through related tool options. For example, pressing Shift + M toggles between the Rectangular and Elliptical Marquee tools.

Option/Alt Key for Enhanced Selection and Precision

Many selection tools and painting tools use ALT (Windows) or Option (Mac) to modify selections or sample areas. For instance, ALT + Click with the Lasso tool removes from the selection.

Right-Click for Context Menus

Right-clicking on tools or selections often brings up context-specific menus, such as blending options for layers or quick adjustments for text.

Using Modifier Keys for Quick Adjustments

When using a tool, hold down Shift for precision movements, ALT to duplicate items, or Space to temporarily activate the Hand tool for panning.

Tool Hints in the Status Bar

When a tool is selected, the status bar at the bottom of the window provides hints and tips specific to that tool, offering shortcuts and options.

Customizing Shortcuts

Adobe allows users to customize shortcuts under Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts. This is useful if you have specific workflows or frequently used tools.

V - Selection Tool
Selects objects, frames, and text boxes.

A - Direct Selection Tool
Selects and edits individual points and paths on objects.

P - Pen Tool
Draws and edits custom shapes and paths.

CTRL + D - Place
Inserts images, text, or graphics into your document.

CTRL + A - Select All
Selects all objects on the current spread.

CTRL + 0 - Fit Page in Window
Adjusts zoom to fit the page within the workspace.

Z - Zoom Tool

Zooms in or out on the document. (CTRL + or CTRL - also works)

CTRL + B - Text Frame Options
Opens options to adjust the text frame (margins, columns, etc)

CTRL + ALT + C - Fit Frame to Content
Adjusts frame size to match the content.

CTRL + ALT + G - Group
Groups selected objects, allowing them to move as one.

Shift + CTRL + G - Ungroup
Ungroups previously grouped objects.

CTRL + ; - Show/Hide Guides

Displays or hides guides to align objects precisely.

T - Type Tool
Adds and edits text within a frame.

Shift + CTRL + > or < - Increase/Decrease Font Size
Quickly adjust font size for selected text.

CTRL + ALT + T - Paragraph Styles
Opens the Paragraph Styles panel for formatting consistency.

CTRL + ALT + Shift + E - Balance Columns

Balances text evenly across columns in a multi-column text frame.

M - Rectangle Tool
Draws rectangles for text, images, or colored backgrounds.

L - Ellipse Tool
Creates circles or ovals for design elements.

SHIFT + P - Pencil Tool
Draws freehand paths or shapes.

SHIFT + F6 - Color Theme Tool
Samples colors from images or objects to create a color theme.

SHIFT + CTRL + P - Rectangle Frame Tool

Creates placeholder frames for images or other content.

CTRL + ALT + Shift + K - Swatches
Opens the Swatches panel to manage colors, gradients, and tints.

I - Eyedropper Tool
Samples colors from objects to apply to text, frames, or shapes.

SHIFT + X - Swap Fill and Stroke

Switches fill color with stroke color on selected objects.

CTRL + N - New Document
Creates a new InDesign document with custom page settings.

CTRL + S - Save
Saves the active document.

SHIFT + CTRL + S - Save As
Saves the document with a new name or location.

CTRL + P - Print
Opens print settings and preview.

CTRL + W - Close Document

Closes the active document.

CTRL + L - Lock/Unlock Layer
Locks or unlocks selected layers for editing.

CTRL + Shift + [ - Send to Back
Moves selected object to the back of the layer stack.

CTRL + Shift + ] - Bring to Front
Moves selected object to the front of the layer stack.

ALT + Drag - Duplicate Object

Duplicates selected objects by dragging while holding ALT.

CTRL + Z - Undo
Reverts the last action.

CTRL + Shift + Z - Redo
Reapplies the last undone action.

F12 - Revert

Reverts the document to its most recently saved state.