Adobe Illustrator is a powerhouse when it comes to vector-based design, but with its vast toolset, navigating quickly can be challenging—especially for beginners. That’s where mastering Illustrator shortcut keys becomes a huge productivity booster. In this guide, we’ve compiled an Adobe Illustrator shortcut keys list categorized by tools and tasks. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned designer, this Illustrator shortcuts cheat sheet (also available in PDF format) will help you work faster and smarter.
Adobe Illustrator Shortcut Keys List by Tool (Windows & Mac)
| Action | Shortcut (Windows) | Shortcut (Mac) |
|---|---|---|
| Selection Tool | V | V |
| Direct Selection Tool | A | A |
| Group Selection Tool | Shift + Ctrl + A | Shift + Cmd + A |
| Magic Wand Tool | Y | Y |
| Lasso Tool | Q | Q |
Drawing & Shape Tools in Adobe Illustrator
| Action | Shortcut (Windows) | Shortcut (Mac) |
| Pen Tool | P | P |
| Add Anchor Point Tool | + | + |
| Delete Anchor Point Tool | – | – |
| Curvature Tool | Shift + ~ | Shift + ~ |
| Rectangle Tool | M | M |
| Ellipse Tool | L | L |
Adobe Illustrator Keyboard Shortcuts for Type Tools
| Action | Shortcut (Windows) | Shortcut (Mac) |
| Type Tool | T | T |
| Area Type Tool | Shift + T | Shift + T |
| Vertical Type Tool | Ctrl + T | Cmd + T |
| Increase Font Size | Ctrl + Shift + > | Cmd + Shift + > |
| Decrease Font Size | Ctrl + Shift + < | Cmd + Shift + < |
Editing & Arrangement Shortcut Keys
| Action | Shortcut (Windows) | Shortcut (Mac) |
| Group | Ctrl + G | Cmd + G |
| Ungroup | Ctrl + Shift + G | Cmd + Shift + G |
| Bring to Front | Shift + Ctrl + ] | Shift + Cmd + ] |
| Send to Back | Shift + Ctrl + [ | Shift + Cmd + [ |
| Copy | Ctrl + C | Cmd + C |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | Cmd + V |
Also Read: Illustrator beta features
View & Zoom Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut (Windows) | Shortcut (Mac) |
| Zoom In | Ctrl + + | Cmd + + |
| Zoom Out | Ctrl + – | Cmd + – |
| Fit Artboard in Window | Ctrl + 0 | Cmd + 0 |
| Actual Size | Ctrl + 1 | Cmd + 1 |
| Show/Hide Grid | Ctrl + ‘ | Cmd + ‘ |
Illustrator Shortcut Keys for Beginners
If you’re just starting out, memorizing even a handful of the Adobe Illustrator shortcut keys list can drastically improve your workflow. Start with:
- V – Selection Tool
- P – Pen Tool
- T – Type Tool
- Ctrl + Z – Undo
- Ctrl + G / Ungroup – Organizing shapes
Build up your skill gradually using this guide, and before you know it, these actions will become second nature.
External Resources for Illustrator Shortcuts
- Official Adobe Illustrator Keyboard Shortcuts
- Envato Tuts+ Illustrator Shortcuts Guide
- Adobe Illustrator CC User Guide
What are the most useful Illustrator shortcut keys for beginners?
Start with basic tools like V (Selection), A (Direct Selection), P (Pen), T (Text), and Z (Zoom). These form the core of your design workflow.
How can I create my own custom shortcut in Illustrator?
Go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts to open the customization panel. You can assign, change, or delete shortcut keys based on your workflow.
Is there a difference in shortcuts between Illustrator CC and older versions?
Yes. Adobe Illustrator CC shortcuts often introduce new tools and updated workflows. However, many core shortcuts remain consistent.
How can I learn Illustrator shortcuts faster?
Use printable cheat sheets, practice consistently, and start by memorizing tools you use daily. You can also label your keyboard or use plugins that show shortcut suggestions.
Where can I get a free Illustrator shortcuts cheat sheet?
Right here! Our post includes a full Illustrator shortcuts cheat sheet, and you can download the PDF version for offline access.
