Creating your own custom shortcuts for digital art can really help you work faster and easier. Here’s a simple guide on how to set them up:

Why Custom Shortcuts are Great

1. Work Faster: Recent studies show that artists who use custom shortcuts can be up to 30% more productive. This is because they can do things quickly without having to search through menus all the time.

2. Less Strain on Your Body: By using shortcuts for tools you use a lot, you can help avoid tired hands and wrists. This means fewer chances of getting hurt from doing the same motion over and over.

How to Create Custom Shortcuts

Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Find Your Favorite Tools

• What Tools Do You Use Most?: Research shows that 75% of digital artists usually stick to just a few tools. Think about the tools you use regularly, like:
  • Changing Brush Size
  • Managing Layers
  • Picking Colors

Step 2: Go to Shortcut Settings

• Most digital art programs (like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, or Procreate) let you change shortcuts easily. To find this, look for:
  • Edit → Preferences → Keyboard Shortcuts

Here, you can see the shortcuts that are already set up, plus options to change them.

Step 3: Set Up New Shortcuts

• Easy to Use: Choose shortcuts that you can reach easily with one hand. For example, you might use your left hand for tools you need while drawing.

• Function Keys: You can assign less frequently used actions (like Undo or Save) to function keys (F1-F12). This can make your work go even faster.

• Good Shortcut Ideas:

  • Make brush size bigger or smaller with Ctrl + [ / ]
  • Set the eraser tool to E
  • Use Shift + N to create new layers

Step 4: Try Them Out and Adjust

• Use your new shortcuts for about a week to see how they feel. Change them if you find anything uncomfortable or if you want to work even better.

Automating Your Shortcuts

Think about using tools like AutoHotkey, or features built into your software, to create shortcuts that can do several actions at once. For example, you could undo your last action and change brush size in just one move. This can save even more time.

To Wrap It Up

Taking the time to create your own keyboard shortcuts can really pay off. It will make it easier for you to show off your unique style in digital art. Reports show that having shortcuts suited to your way of working can help keep your creativity flowing, making you happier and better at your art!