Shortcut Like a Pro: How a Stream Deck, an XP-Pen, and Photoshop Shortcuts Made Me
Rethink the Mouse

Why Keyboard Shortcuts, Stream Decks, and Tablets Beat a Mouse Any Day

Hey everyone, welcome back! Shortcuts. These little keystrokes can save hours, especially when paired with a Stream Deck XL and an XP-Pen tablet. It turns out, using these tools together makes editing in Photoshop smoother, faster, and honestly, way more fun. Here’s what I learned and why shortcuts are worth mastering.

Why Shortcuts Matter

Let’s be real—every time you move your hand off the keyboard to grab the mouse, it interrupts your flow. With shortcuts, you’re staying in the zone. Add a Stream Deck to the mix, and now, instead of remembering all those keystrokes, you can just tap a button and keep rolling. The result? Less fumbling and more creating.

The Stream Deck XL: The Shortcut Machine

Imagine a control panel customized just for Photoshop—everything from brush sizes to layer controls is just a button press away. That’s the Stream Deck XL for you. With 32 programmable keys, I can assign all my most-used shortcuts, Photoshop actions, and even custom brushes to specific buttons. Plus, those little icons? It feels like I’m piloting a spaceship every time I edit. Here are some of my favorite shortcuts on the Stream Deck:


  • Quick Brush Adjustments: No more fussing with sliders. I tap a button, and boom—my brush size or opacity is set.
  • Undo Button (because I need it often): Instant redo or undo with a dedicated key. Trust me, life changing.
  • Tool-Specific Commands: Switching tools like the Lasso, Move, and Eraser is a one-click thing.


The XP-Pen Tablet: Going Beyond the Mouse

Using a tablet is like switching from a flip phone to a smartphone. The XP-Pen lets me draw directly on the canvas, creating a more natural experience. With the pressure sensitivity and stylus, I can control brush strokes more precisely—something the mouse can’t replicate. I’ve even assigned some tablet buttons to match my favorite shortcuts, so I can switch tools, undo, or zoom without ever looking up.


Top Shortcuts That Save My Sanity

Whether it’s on the Stream Deck, the XP-Pen, or a classic keyboard, here are some Photoshop shortcuts that keep my workflow smooth and frustration-free:

  • B for Brush Tool – Essential for freehand work. Paired with the XP-Pen, I can control every stroke with the pressure of my hand.
  • E for Eraser Tool – Sometimes my drawings get a little…experimental. Eraser on standby is a must.
  • Ctrl/Cmd + T for Transform – This one’s a favorite on the Stream Deck. A single tap, and I’m resizing, rotating, and positioning.
  • Ctrl/Cmd + Z for Undo – This button gets a workout. Because let’s face it, creativity is a process (and sometimes that process is messy).

Mouse vs. Shortcuts: Why I’m Moving On

At this point, my mouse is like the backup dancer. Shortcuts are faster, my Stream Deck is smarter, and my XP-Pen is just more fun to use. Switching between the keyboard, tablet, and Stream Deck is seamless, and I’m able to dive into projects with way less downtime.

Final Thoughts

Between the shortcuts, Stream Deck, and tablet, Photoshop is finally starting to feel intuitive. If you’re looking to level up your workflow, I can’t recommend these tools enough. Plus, with a Stream Deck lighting up like a control center, there’s no denying it—I feel like a Photoshop pro every time I hit that custom shortcut. Keep editing, keep experimenting, and embrace the shortcuts—your mouse deserves a break.

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