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Illustrator Shortcut Keys

AppsIllustratorWindows and MacChecked 2 Nov 2026

Selection tool

V

Pen tool

P

Group

CtrlG

Create outlines

CtrlShiftO

Illustrator shortcut keys follow the same idea as other Adobe programs: single letters pick tools and Ctrl combinations work on objects. V is Selection, A Direct Selection for editing anchor points, P the Pen and T Type. Ctrl + G groups objects, and Ctrl + Shift + O turns text into outlines before sending a logo to print.

The lists below are for Illustrator on Windows. Mac users press Command where Windows uses Ctrl, and Option where it uses Alt; tool letters are the same.

Quick facts

  • Selection

    V

  • Direct Selection

    A

  • Pen

    P

  • Group

    Ctrl + G

  • Clipping mask

    Ctrl + 7

  • Outline view

    Ctrl + Y

Illustrator shortcut keys for tools

Tool letters
KeyTool
VSelection
ADirect Selection
PPen
TType
MRectangle
LEllipse
BPaintbrush
Shift + BBlob Brush
NPencil
RRotate
OReflect
SScale
EFree Transform
IEyedropper
GGradient
Shift + MShape Builder
HHand
ZZoom

Object and arrange keys

Working with objects
ActionKeys
GroupCtrl + G
UngroupCtrl + Shift + G
Lock selectionCtrl + 2
Unlock allCtrl + Alt + 2
Hide selectionCtrl + 3
Show allCtrl + Alt + 3
Make clipping maskCtrl + 7
Make compound pathCtrl + 8
Bring forwardCtrl + ]
Bring to frontCtrl + Shift + ]
Send backwardCtrl + [
Send to backCtrl + Shift + [

View and colour keys

Views and colours
ActionKeys
Outline view on or offCtrl + Y
Fit artboard in windowCtrl + 0
Actual sizeCtrl + 1
Show rulersCtrl + R
Show guidesCtrl + ;
Default fill and strokeD
Swap fill and strokeShift + X
Switch between fill and strokeX
Outline view (Ctrl + Y) shows only the paths, which makes it easy to find hidden or overlapping shapes in a busy logo. Press it again to return to the normal colour view.

Preparing files for print

Before sending a logo or banner to a printer, select all text and press Ctrl + Shift + O to create outlines, so the printer does not need your fonts. Keep an editable copy first. Convert colours to CMYK under File, Document Color Mode, and save a PDF as well as the Illustrator file. The same habits apply in other design tools; see vector design shortcuts. Ask the print shop for their bleed and safe area sizes before you start, since standards differ for visiting cards, flex banners and stickers.

Artboards and exporting

A document can hold several artboards, for example a visiting card front and back. Shift + O selects the Artboard tool to add or resize them. Export each for screens with File, Export, Export for Screens, choosing PNG or SVG. For social media posts, set the artboard to the platform size first, so text and logo placement match what people will see on a phone. Saving a copy as PDF keeps vector quality for printing.

When Illustrator keys do not respond

Problems and fixes
ProblemFix
Letters type textThe Type tool is active; press Esc
Cannot select an objectIt may be locked; press Ctrl + Alt + 2
Object disappearedIt was hidden; press Ctrl + Alt + 3
Keys changedEdit, Keyboard Shortcuts lets you reset to the default set
A freelance designer builds a shop logo: P to draw the shape, A to fine tune points, Ctrl + G to group, and Ctrl + Shift + O on the shop name before exporting the print file.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most used Illustrator shortcut keys?

V, A, P, T, Ctrl + G, Ctrl + Shift + O and Ctrl + Y.

How do I convert text to outlines in Illustrator?

Select it and press Ctrl + Shift + O.

What is the clipping mask shortcut?
Ctrl + 7.
How do I unlock all objects?
Ctrl + Alt + 2.
What does Ctrl + Y do in Illustrator?

It switches outline view on and off.

Are Illustrator shortcuts the same on Mac?

Yes. Tool letters match, and Ctrl and Alt become Command and Option.