Pixelmator Pro Productivity: Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Three Shortcuts to Master

May 30, 2025 by cryan.com

Pixelmator Pro is a powerful image editor, and like any robust application, knowing its keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your workflow. Forget digging through menus; these handy combinations will keep your creative momentum flowing.

Duplicate a Layer: Command Shift D

Often, you'll want to create a copy of a layer to experiment with different effects or make non-destructive edits. Instead of right-clicking and selecting "Duplicate Layer", simply hit:

Command Shift D

This shortcut instantly creates an exact duplicate of your currently selected layer, saving you valuable clicks and keeping your focus on the canvas.

Remove Background: Shift Delete

One of the most frequent tasks in image editing is isolating subjects by removing their backgrounds. Pixelmator Pro makes this remarkably easy with its intelligent "Remove Background" feature. Access it instantly with:

Shift Delete

This powerful shortcut leverages Pixelmator Pro's machine learning capabilities to automatically detect and remove the background, giving you a clean cut-out in seconds.

Duplicating the layer and running the Remove Background helps you focus on the key subject in the image.

ML Enhance: Shift Command M

For quick and intelligent image improvements, Pixelmator Pro's ML Enhance feature is a game-changer. It analyzes your image and applies smart adjustments to improve exposure, contrast, color, and more. To apply this enhancement in a flash, use:

Shift Command M

This shortcut is perfect for giving your photos an immediate boost, often providing an excellent starting point for further fine-tuning.

Mastering these shortcuts will not only make your Pixelmator Pro experience more efficient but also more enjoyable. Incorporate them into your routine and watch your productivity soar.