Work faster, smarter, and with more confidence.
Adobe InDesign is a powerhouse for layout and design—but even seasoned users miss out on one of its biggest productivity boosters: keyboard shortcuts. Whether you’re designing a magazine, a flyer, or an eBook, knowing the right shortcuts can shave hours off your workflow.
Here are 10 essential InDesign shortcuts that every designer—beginner or pro—should know.
🔹 1. Fit Page in Window
Shortcut: Ctrl + 0 (Windows) / Cmd + 0 (Mac)
Quickly center and fit the entire page into view. Great for resetting your visual focus.
🔹 2. Zoom In and Zoom Out
Shortcut:
- Zoom In:
Ctrl + =/Cmd + = - Zoom Out:
Ctrl + -/Cmd + -
No need to reach for the Zoom tool every time—these combos let you zoom smoothly as you design.
🔹 3. Preview Mode (Hide Guides and Frames)
Shortcut: W (when not typing text)
Toggle between normal view and a clean preview without guides, frames, or margins—perfect for seeing your design as it will appear when printed or exported.
🔹 4. Duplicate Objects
Shortcut: Alt + drag (Windows) / Option + drag (Mac)
Hold the Alt/Option key while dragging any object to instantly duplicate it. This works with text boxes, shapes, images—everything.
🔹 5. Place Image or Text
Shortcut: Ctrl + D / Cmd + D
Open the “Place” dialog to import images, PDFs, or text. This is the most efficient way to insert assets into your layout.
🔹 6. Bring to Front / Send to Back
Shortcut:
- Bring to Front:
Shift + Ctrl + ]/Shift + Cmd + ] - Send to Back:
Shift + Ctrl + [/Shift + Cmd + [
Control the layering of objects without reaching for the menu.
🔹 7. Toggle Between Selection and Direct Selection Tool
Shortcut:
- Selection Tool:
V - Direct Selection Tool:
A
Easily switch between manipulating whole objects (V) and tweaking anchor points or paths (A).
🔹 8. Group and Ungroup Objects
Shortcut:
- Group:
Ctrl + G/Cmd + G - Ungroup:
Ctrl + Shift + G/Cmd + Shift + G
Organize your layout by grouping related objects. This helps with alignment, moving, and consistency.
🔹 9. Create a New Text Frame
Shortcut: T
Tap T to activate the Type Tool instantly, so you can draw a text frame without breaking your creative flow.
🔹 10. Save Time with Step and Repeat
Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + U / Cmd + Option + U
Need to repeat objects at regular intervals? Use this shortcut to duplicate them with perfect spacing—great for grids, image galleries, and timelines.
🚀 Bonus Tip: Customize Your Own Shortcuts
Go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts and create shortcuts tailored to your workflow. For example, assign one to your most-used style or export preset.
✍️ Final Thoughts
Knowing a handful of shortcuts is the difference between fumbling and flying in InDesign. Start with these ten, and you’ll instantly feel more in control of your design environment.
