In the world of digital image editing, GIMP is a powerful tool that offers a wide range of functions - for free. But to get the most out of GIMP, it's crucial to look beyond just the user interface and master the keyboard shortcuts.

Keyboard shortcuts in GIMP are more than just useful shortcuts; they are the key to faster, smoother and more efficient image editing. You can use them to speed up common tasks, simplify your workflow and continue your creative work without interruption. They're especially valuable when you're immersed in the creative flow, where every second and every click counts.

In this article, we'll explore the world of GIMP keyboard shortcuts. We'll show you how you can optimize your workflow and increase your productivity by mastering these commands. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or a seasoned pro, these keyboard shortcuts will revolutionize your GIMP experience. So let's dive in and find out how you can take your creativity to the next level with GIMP keyboard shortcuts!

Table of Contents

File

FileShortcut
NewCtrl + N
Open fileCtrl + O
Open as layersCtrl + Alt + O
CloseCtrl + W
ExitCtrl + Q
SaveCtrl + S
Save asCtrl + Shift + S
PrintCtrl + P
Open last opened image 01Ctrl + 1
Open last opened image 02Ctrl + 2

Edit

EditShortcut
UndoCtrl + Z
RedoCtrl + Y
Zoom in/outCtrl + mouse wheel
Move viewHold space bar
CutCtrl + X
CopyCtrl + C
Visible copyCtrl + Shift + C
PasteCtrl + V
Paste as new imageCtrl + Shift + V
DeleteDelete
Fill with foreground colorCtrl + ,
Fill with background colorCtrl + .
Fill with patternCtrl + ;

Selection

SelectionShortcut
Select allCtrl + A
Select nothingCtrl + Shift + A
ReverseCtrl + I
FloatCtrl + Shift + L
By colorShift + O
From pathShift + V
Toggle quick maskShift + Q

Image

ImageShortcut
DuplicateCtrl + D
Merge visible layersCtrl + M
Image propertiesAlt + Enter

View

ViewShortcut
1:1 view (100%)1
Zoom out-
Zoom in+
Fit image into windowCtrl + Shift + J
Fit windowCtrl + J
Full screenF11
Show selectionCtrl + T
Show guidesCtrl + Shift + T
Show rulersCtrl + Shift + R

Plane

PlaneShortcut
New layerCtrl + Shift + N
Duplicate layerCtrl + Shift + D
Anchor layerCtrl + H
Select previous layerOpen image
Select next layerImage down
Select top layerPos1
Select bottom layerend
OffsetShift + Ctrl + O
Show layer paletteCtrl + L

Dialogs

DialogsShortcut
LayersCtrl + L
BrushCtrl + Shift + B
PatternCtrl + Shift + P
Color gradientsCtrl + G
Tool settingsCtrl + Shift + T
PrintCtrl + P
Info windowCtrl + Shift + I
Close windowAlt + F4
Jump to nextTab
Jump to previousShift + Tab
Close dialogESC

Filter dialog

Filter dialogShortcut
Repeat last actionCtrl + F
Show last action againCtrl + Shift + F

Toolbar

ToolbarShortcut
Rectangular selectionR
Free selectionF
Select by colorShift + O
Foreground selectionCtrl + O
Color pipetteO
Tape measureShift + M
AlignShift + R
RotateShift + R
toolShortcut
Rectangular selectionR
Free selectionF
Select by colorShift + O
Foreground selectionCtrl + O
Color pipetteO
Tape measureShift + M
AlignQ
RotateShift + R
ScissorsShift + S
MirrorShift + F
TextT
Color gradientL
BrushP
Spray gunA
CloneC
Perspective cloningShift + C
BlurS
Standard foreground/background colorD
Elliptical selectionE
Magic wandU
Magnetic scissorsI
PathsB
Zoom in/outZ or +/-
CropC + Shift
ScaleT + Shift
PerspectiveP + Shift
Cage transformationG + Shift
FillB + Shift
PinN
EraserE + Shift
InkK
CureH
Blur/SharpenU + Shift
Dodge/exposureD + Shift

Did you know ...?

  • that since version 2.8 it is very easy to run GIMP in single window mode and thus adapt the look and feel to the other Windows applications? To do this, go to "Single window mode" in the menu bar under "Window". If you also click on "Hide docks" in the window menu, you can simply show and hide the tool palettes to expand the available workspace. This is quicker with the tab key. Incidentally, this works in both multi-window and single-window mode. If you also want to switch between multi-window and single-window mode using a keyboard shortcut, you can create one yourself under "Edit" -> "Keyboard shortcuts" -> sub-item "Window"/"Single-window mode". You no longer need the "GIMPShop" project; this will also save you a lot of trouble with programs that are installed without being asked.
  • that you can set up all keyboard shortcuts yourself in the menu item "Edit" -> "Keyboard shortcuts" just mentioned, as not all of them are always optimally assigned or you are used to them from other applications?
  • that, contrary to the frequent criticism, GIMP does support different color profiles and that you can easily work in professional color spaces? It is true that GIMP uses the ICC profile sRGB as the default setting, which covers a smaller color space than Adobe RGB or Pro Photo RGB, for example. However, you can easily work with a professional and standardized color space in GIMP. At http://eci.org (European Color Initiative) you can download various free ICC profiles for color-correct production. For example, the standardized ECI-RGB profile. The ECI RGB colour space is a standardized RGB colour space. The ECI recommends it as a working color space for professional image processing. It covers all common display technologies as well as all printing processes and meets all requirements for color-correct printing. After downloading the corresponding ICC profile from the ECI homepage and calibrating your monitor, download the new ICC profile via "Edit" -> "Settings" -> "Color management".
  • that GIMP can help you with your web projects? GIMP helps you to create "link-sensitive graphics", i.e. images in which different areas contain different links that can be clicked on, such as the countries on a map. GIMP even generates the HTML code for this. Simply apply the "Image Map" filter (menu: "Filter" -> "Web" -> "ImageMap") to your image and follow the instructions.
  • that the background layer, just like in Photoshop, cannot immediately handle transparencies? But this is how it works: Right-click on the background layer -> Add alpha channel.
  • that not all editing tools are available when opening a GIF file? Since a GIF image is in a smaller color space that is limited to 256 colors, you must first convert the image to RGB in order to be able to use all editing options. To do this, click on "Image" -> "Mode" -> "RGB." in the menu.

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Shortcuts for GIMP - Keyboard shortcuts at a glance

Published on by Stefan Petri
Published on:
From Stefan Petri
Together with his brother Matthias, Stefan Petri runs the popular specialist forum PSD-Tutorials.de and the e-learning platform TutKit.com, which focuses on the training and further education of digital professional skills.