Apple’s OS X 10.10 Yosemite software introduced so many new features that users will still be trying to learn them several months after installing the update. But OS X also has some old features that you might not know about. In fact, there’s a hidden paint program on your Mac computer that has been sitting right under your nose this whole time, and a recent pose will show you how easy it is to find.
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MS Paint is a free computer program made by Microsoft that allows you to create picture files as well as edit picture files saved on your computer. Microsoft Paint – or Paint as it is also known – can also be used for quickly adding text to images. Patina is a bitmap editor and drawing tool built specifically for Mac users.
As Dave Winer recently pointed out on Scripting News (via The Loop), Apple’s Preview app has somewhat hidden paint function that most users have no idea is there.
Winer’s instructions for accessing the paint functions in Apple’s Preview app include a few extra steps, wo we’ll amend them here.
All you have to do is open any image file on your computer in Preview (if Preview isn’t your default app for image files, simply right-click on a file, hover over “Open With,” and then select “Preview.app”).
Then in the top menu in Preview, you’ll see a toolbox icon. Just click it and you’re ready to go.
The paint functions in Preview aren’t exactly on par with something like Photoshop, but there are plenty of simple tools for quick edits and markups. There is even a nifty signature function that lets you digitally sign documents using your laptop’s trackpad or a Magic Trackpad.
Recently we wrote about some tricks that can help you in using MS Paint productively. While those tips are amazing, there is one more thing that comes in handy when you are using MS Paint or rather, any other tool. We are referring to keyboard shortcuts and we feel that if mastered, they can really enhance your efficiency with MS Paint too. Let us begin.
These shortcuts have been tried and tested on Windows 7. Ideally, they should work on other versions as well. However, there could be a few differences in actions or key combinations. We are sure you’d be smart enough to figure that out. ?
The Magic of Ctrl
While most of these combinations are common to many applications, there are some that you may find new and unique.
Ctrl + ASelect entire canvasCtrl + CCopy selected areaCtrl + XCut selected areaCtrl + VPaste clipboard dataCtrl + ZUndo last actionCtrl + YRedo actionCtrl + EShows image propertiesCtrl + GToggles grid linesCtrl + PPrint the pictureCtrl + RShow or hide the rulerCtrl + WOpen the Resize and Skew dialog boxCtrl + NCreate a new pictureCtrl + OOpen a pictureCtrl + SSave changes to a pictureCtrl + Page UpZoom inCtrl + Page DownZoom outCtrl + BBold selected textCtrl + IMake selected text italicsCtrl + UUnderline selected textCtrl + Num Pad +Scale up and tool or shapeCtrl + Num Pad –Scale down tool or shape
Here are few images showing the grid lines, ruler, resize and skew dialog and the image properties dialog.
The Alt Combo
If you simply press the Alt key you will be shown few key tips (as shown in the image) using which you can navigate the interface and its tools. I find it really useful when my mouse malfunctions due to whatever reasons.
Alt-FOpens the File menuAlt-HShows key help/ Switch to Home tabAlt-VSwitch to View tabAlt-F4Close the windowAlt-EscMinimizes MS Paint interfaceAlt-SpacebarEquivalent to right-clicking on the title bar
What’s in the Function Keys?
Windows in general has specific functions associated with each function key (F1 through F12 keys). Lets us see what MS Paint supports.
F1Open Paint HelpF11View a picture in full screen modeF12Save the picture as a new fileF10Displays key tips like the Alt keyArrow Keys
Right ArrowMove the selection or active shape right by one pixelLeft ArrowMove the selection or active shape left by one pixelDown ArrowMove the selection or active shape down by one pixelUp ArrowMove the selection or active shape up by one pixelMiscellaneous
EscCancel a selectionDeleteDelete a selectionPrint ScreenWell, we all know what that does ?Conclusion
We have tried and covered all the shortcuts that we are aware of. So far the list appears to be comprehensive. Yet, if you know of something that we have missed, do share with us in the comments section. We would love to see the number growing.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Also See#keyboard #Lists
Did You Know
You can make GIFs on Gboard.