How can you improve your productivity when using graphic design software?

A few of my frequently used keyboard shortcuts in the Adobe Suite (PC): ctrl + c = copy ctrl + v = paste ctrl + x = cut ctrl + z = undo Photoshop B = brush S = Stamp I= Eyedropper Ctrl + d = deselect

Being efficient in particular software and using keyboard shortcuts increases the workflow tremendously. Software efficiency is crucial for providing better user experiences, reducing costs, and improving overall performance. Organize your layers in a most efficient manner and sort it.

Here are a few points to improve your productivity: 1. Keyboard Shortcuts: Efficiently navigate and execute tasks with keyboard shortcuts. 2. Use Templates: Save time by creating and utilizing templates for common design elements. 3. Automation: Automate repetitive actions and tasks to streamline your workflow. 4. Libraries and Assets: Build and utilize libraries for commonly used design assets. 5. Optimize Workflow: Regularly analyze and streamline your workflow for increased efficiency.

As tedious as it is as first, learning keyboard and program shortcuts pays off exponentially with speed! Projects small and large take exponentially less time to complete so you have more time to ideate and create rather than clicking through the depths of menu panels.

Using shortcuts in After Effects was really life changing for me! It's also something I always push my students to do! Here are some of my top AE shortcuts: 1. U / U U ( Show Keyframes ) 2. F9 (Easy Ease) 3. K (Next Keyframe) / J (Previous Keyframe) 4. +/- (Zoom In and Out) 5. Ctrl + Double Click (Anchor Point) 6. Alt + [ (Trim) 7. Ctrl + Right or Left Arrow (Move Single Frame) 8. Ctrl + Shift+ Right or Left Arrow (Move 10 Frames) 9. Ctrl + D (Duplicate Layer) 10. Shift + \ (Fit the Image to Screen)

I always name my files and make groups/folders. I often stretch out the layers tab to its entirety, so I can see every single layer at once, as well.

This is BIG if you work within a design team! All designers have their own process of designing, but collective organization and layer naming helps when others have to pick up your project (often under time pressure) say for time off, departures, or just teamwork when things get busy. So, if you don't already, gather the team and agree on server organization and file naming conventions so there is seamless transition from one designer to another when the time comes.

Naming the files must be logical as per your wisdom. Here common sense takes over your confort. If I can locate my files faster it's worth it

If you (or your team) consistently make the same deliverables with the same brand, it can be hugely advantageous to create templates and presets. For example, within InDesign setting up page sizes, bleeds, margins, Character Styles for common typography styles, specific color palette, etc. Also customizing your Adobe workspaces with all your preferred panels available will help your personal workflow as well.

The first template is always a challenge. Next becomes a value addition and more informative. It must be detailed and covering all valid points. Sequential arrangements is essential

The simplest form of automation for designers is setting up Actions in your Adobe products that run though custom sequences for you--this is great for batch photo editing and resizing. For example, if you are always adding a specific filter to your images, resizing, or saving to a specific place every time, you can make custom Actions to execute those steps for you.

With the advent of AI with a bang in 2024, automation has become a cake walk. Headaches are gone and creativity at it's best

The only time you stop learning is when you stop living. Be very active, agile and regular. Keep visiting offline and virtual forums.

YouTube is one of the best places for free tutorials IMO. @AbbiConnick is one of my favorites, she has a ton of short videos, which makes them easier to digest.

Continual education is a must for creatives regardless of your niche. Programs and apps launch new features, so start with the Learn panels and tutorials they offer. Also of great value are online courses you can purchase depending on what you want to learn. YouTube is great, but you have to search for good content. Udemy, Skillshare, etc. are great and often well crafted courses for a price--sometimes less than $25 when there are deals. These often come with exercises and instructor or course-mate forums to help you as well.