If you’ve been around ClickwithSal for a while, you already know we’re exploring the intersection of AI and photography, and how a tool like Aftershoot fits our vision to make your workflow more efficient without flattening your art but actually elevating it and helping grow your photography business.
If you’re already using Aftershoot (and judging by our analytics, many of you are), this guide to Aftershoot keyboard shortcuts will show you how to master the commands that actually matter. Your next culling or retouching session will feel faster, smoother, and far less like a chore.
Navigating and Comparing Photos
Arrow Keys: Move between images in Grid, Loupe, or Survey View
Comma (,) → View the previous duplicate
Period (.) → Jump to the next duplicate
S → Swap an image inside a duplicate set
Select, Rating, and Labeling
A → Mark an image as Selected
D → Add to My Selections
X → Instantly reject a photo
Numbers 1–5 → Star ratings (1 = average, 5 = hero shot)
0 → Clear star rating
6–9 → Color tags:
6 = Red
7 = Yellow
8 = Green
9 = Blue
- = Purple
= → Clear color label
Bonus: Use color tags to separate client selects, print-worthy edits, and social teasers. You’ll never second-guess where your best shots live.
Retouching and Fine-Tuning
CMD/CTRL+C → CMD/CTRL+V → Copy & paste retouch settings between images
TAB / Shift+TAB → Cycle through sliders
Arrow Keys → Adjust values by 1
Shift+Arrow Keys → Adjust by 5 for stronger tweaks
CMD/CTRL+[ or ] → Rotate left/right
Once these shortcuts start saving you hours, you’ll wonder how you ever edited without Aftershoot. If you haven’t tried it yet, grab your copy and use promo code CLICKWITHSAL15 for 15% off your subscription, it’s the easiest win you’ll get today.
Face, Background, and Patch Editing
Shift+F → Jump to Face Tab
Shift+B → Jump to Background Tab
Shift+J → Jump to Patch Tab
[ ] → Decrease or increase brush size
H → Open History (see every adjustment you’ve made)
/ → Toggle Before/After view
Bonus: All Aftershoot keyboard shortcuts can be customized via Preferences → Keyboard Shortcuts. If, for example, you’re coming from Lightroom, you can mirror familiar layouts to keep muscle memory intact.
Key Takeaways
- Keyboard shortcuts in Aftershoot can cut your culling and retouching time by 50%.
- Customize shortcuts in Preferences to match your editing style or muscle memory.
- Use color tags and star ratings strategically to organize final selects and client edits.
- Combine Aftershoot with ClickwithSal Lightroom presets for a complete, cinematic editing workflow.
- AI doesn’t steal your shot, it helps clear the clutter so photographers can create.
Use promo code CLICKWITHSAL15 to save 15% off your Aftershoot subscription and make your wallet as happy as your workflow.
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