The Hotkey feature in Microsoft Paint enables users to quickly access various functions without using a mouse or keyboard. This blog will cover the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts found in the application.
You can also learn about other Windows 10 and 11 keyboard shortcuts through these. Shortcut keys for Microsoft Teams, Office, and Windows 10 users can be found here.
Since it was first introduced in 1985, Microsoft Paint has been regarded as one of the original tools of Windows. It was simple and fun for people to distract themselves from their studies or work.
Although it was initially believed that Paint 3D would replace the classic tool, it was still a resounding victory for the image editing app. After some time, Microsoft released a new version of Paint for Windows 11.
While it is not as powerful as its free counterparts, it still offers an accessible and versatile canvas for everyone. Here are some keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Paint to make your work easier.
Table of Contents
“Windows 10 and 11 Users Can Use the Microsoft Paint Keyboard Shortcuts to Work More Efficiently.” – Anytechstuff.
MS Paint Shortcuts: A Complete Guide [Cheat Sheet Available To Download]
Shortcut Key | Description |
---|---|
Ctrl+S | Save the finished project |
Ctrl+U | Underline the focused text |
Ctrl+V | Paste the copied word from the clipboard |
Ctrl+W | Open the Resize and Skew window |
Ctrl+E | Open the Image Properties window |
Ctrl+G | Hide or show the grid lines |
Ctrl+A | Select the whole canvas content |
Ctrl+B | Bold the selected text |
Ctrl+C | Copy the specific words to the clipboard |
Ctrl+I | Italicize the selected text |
Ctrl+N | Create a new folder file |
Ctrl+O | Open an existing file |
Ctrl+P | |
Ctrl+R | Hide or show the ruler |
Ctrl+X | Cut |
Ctrl+Y | Redo |
Ctrl+Z | Undo the deleted sentences or words |
Up Arrow | Move the selection up / navigate |
Down Arrow | Move the selection down / navigate |
Left Arrow | Move the selection left / navigate |
Right Arrow | Move the selection right / navigate |
Ctrl+Numpad Plus (+) | Expand the width of the active tool |
Ctrl+Numpad Minus (-) | Reduce the width of the active tool |
Ctrl+Page Up | Zoom in |
Ctrl+Page Down | Zoom out |
Shift+F10 | Show the menu context |
F11 | View in full screen |
F12 | Save a new file to help support the article |
Alt+F4 | Close Paint app |
If you are a Windows 10 or 11 users, you should use these keyboard shortcuts in MS Paint. These will allow you to quickly navigate the program and return to creating your masterpiece.
Alternatively you can view and download the cheatsheet here:
Other Shortcut Keys for MS Paint 3D
Shortcut Key | Description |
---|---|
CTRL + 0 or Numeric Keypad 0 | Reset the zoom percentage |
CTRL + 3 | Switch to another view |
CTRL + A | Select all 3D items in the workspace<br>Repeat the command to switch and select all 2D items |
CTRL + B | Format selected text in bold |
CTRL + C | Copy the selected item |
CTRL + Insert | Copy the selected item |
CTRL + Shift + C | Capture a screen capture |
CTRL + E | Display canvas properties |
CTRL + Shift + E | Hide or display 3D perspective |
CTRL + G | Group objects |
CTRL + Shift + G | Cancel the grouping of objects |
I | Turn on the pipette |
CTRL + I | Format the selected text in italics |
M | Minimize or expand the side menu |
CTRL + N | Create a new image or file |
CTRL + O | Open an existing image or file |
CTRL + P | Print in 2D |
CTRL + S | Save |
CTRL + Shift + S | Save As |
CTRL + U | Underline the selected text |
CTRL + V | Paste the selected item |
Shift + Insert | Paste the selected item |
CTRL + W | Canvas selection |
CTRL + Shift + W | Show or hide canvas |
CTRL + X | Cut the selected item |
Shift + Delete | Cut the selected item |
CTRL + Shift + X | 2D cropping |
CTRL + Y | Redo an action |
CTRL + Z | Undo an action |
Escape button | Stop or exit the current task |
Home button | Reset the display |
PgUp button | Zoom in |
CTRL + PgUp button | Zoom in |
PgDn button | Zoom out |
CTRL + PgDn button | Zoom out |
CTRL + Mouse Wheel | Zoom in or out |
CTRL + Left | Left turn |
CTRL + Right | Right turn |
CTRL + Up | Turn up |
CTRL + Down | Turn down |
Alt + Left | Slide to the left |
Alt + Right | Slide to the right |
Alt + Up | Slide up |
Alt + Down | Slide down |
CTRL + Minus (-) or [ | Reduce the brush size |
CTRL + Plus Sign (+) or ] | Increase the brush size |
Right Arrow button | Move the selection or active shape one pixel to the right |
Arrow Left button | Move the selection or active shape one pixel to the left |
Down Arrow button | Move the selection or active shape one pixel down |
Up Arrow button | Move the selection or active shape up one pixel |
However, despite the company’s decision to retire Paint, plenty of free complete alternatives can still be used for various tasks, such as image drawing and editing.
It is no surprise that Microsoft decided to stop working on the app, as it had not been updated since Windows 7. Even though it is still available in the store, it is apparent that the company is now focused on the new version of Paint.
Microsoft Paint is a popular tool for creating and editing pictures, but there are many lists of useful alternative sites that can be used instead, like:
Paint.NET
It was initially created as a student project. Since then, it has become one of Windows’ best image editors and is a valid alternative to programs like Photoshop and Gimp.
So, if you are mainly a light user, the Paint.NET website is a good tip. Moreover, one of the most important factors you will want to look into when choosing an image editor is its familiarity.
Pinta
The app you are most likely looking at in the number of comments is Pinta, which is affiliated with the widely-used Paint.NET framework.
So if you feel like you do not want to use the mouse in most of your editing, It is a better alternative for those who want to use Microsoft Paint without the additional features that come with it.
Conclusion
If you plan on switching to another program from Microsoft Paint, plenty of alternatives will work seamlessly for you. Just read the article above to find out. For the most part, you may use the MS Paint shortcuts. If you are more interested in using Microsoft Paint.
Besides, With Microsoft Paint, you do not need to share or click the link just to use it. as it is free and very easy to use with the help of Paint Keyboard shortcuts.