Buzz
Microsoft Paint is a standard drawing program integrated into all versions of the Windows operating system. Formerly known as Paintbrush, it was later renamed MS Paint. This versatile and fascinating program supports users in creating simple computer graphics. Many users prefer using Paint for quick photo edits over Photoshop, the famous image editing software today.
This program has helped many users get acquainted with drawing on computers for the first time, and it remains very useful on older Windows operating systems. Few people know that MS Paint has many features that can be easily accessed through keyboard shortcuts. Using shortcuts also makes editing and merging images in MS Paint easier than ever.
Among the plethora of image editing software available today, Paint.NET stands out with its interface reminiscent of MS Paint and a range of intriguing features. Readers can download it and explore further.
For those accustomed to using Photoshop and its list of Photoshop shortcuts, this article introduces a compilation of Paint shortcuts for reference.
Compilation of shortcuts on Paint tool
* Ctrl key combinations:
Ctrl + A Selects the entire image area.
Ctrl + C Copies the selected area.
Ctrl + X Cuts the selected area.
Ctrl + V Pastes the selected area.
Ctrl + Z Undo the previous action.
Ctrl + Y Redo the Ctrl + Z action.
Ctrl + E View detailed information about the image.
Ctrl + G Display grid for convenient image editing.
Ctrl + P Set up printing for the image.
Ctrl + R
Ctrl + W Open the Resize and Skew dialog box.
Ctrl + N Create a new image.
Ctrl + O Open an image stored on the computer.
Ctrl + S Save the edited image.
Ctrl + Page Up Zoom out.
Ctrl + Page Down Zoom in.
Ctrl + B Apply bold to the selected text.
Ctrl + I Italicize the selected text.
Ctrl + U Underline the selected text.
Ctrl + Num Pad + Increase the size of the selected area.
Ctrl + Num Pad – Decrease the size of the selected area.
* Alt key combinations:
Alt + F Open the Custom Menu.
Alt + H Display shortcuts/Switch tab to Home.
Alt + V Switch to the View tab.
Alt + F Close the window.
Alt + Esc Quickly minimize MS Paint application.
Alt + Spacebar Quickly access right-click on the Title Bar.
* Function keys:
F1 Open Paint help.
F11 View image in full screen mode.
F12 Save the image as a new file.
F10 Display alphabets when combined with Alt.
* Navigation keys:
Left arrow key Move left one pixel over the selected area or image.
Right arrow key Move right one pixel over the selected area or image.
Up arrow key Move up one pixel over the selected area or image.
Down arrow key Move down one pixel over the selected area or image.
* Other keys:
Esc: Deselect the area.
Delete: Delete the selected area.
Print Screen: Capture screen images.
Because Paint is quite simple, almost everyone can use it easily. It used to be one of the most widely used applications on early versions of the Windows operating system.
Later on, as Photoshop and Photoscape became the top photo editing applications in the world, Paint gradually fell into obscurity. Users can easily merge photos in Photoshop on their computers or add text to photos with simple operations in Photoshop.
Refer to more tutorials on editing photos with Photoscape to become more familiar with this very compact and unique tool.
