task · Mac, Windows

Photoshop Free Transform Shortcut

PhotoshopMac, Windowstask reference3 shortcuts

Quick answer

Use Command + T on Mac or Ctrl + T on Windows to start Free Transform in Photoshop.

Reference table

Shortcut Library

3 practical entries

Use this as the main reference: shortcut first, menu fallback second, and the note column for version or platform differences.

Action	Mac	Windows / Web	Note
Free Transform	`Command + T`	`Ctrl + T`	Transform the selected layer or selection.
Commit transform	`Return`	`Enter`	Applies the transform.
Cancel transform	`Esc`	`Esc`	Leaves the object unchanged.

Choose Edit > Free Transform.

Free Transform needs an active layer or selection. Locked background layers and hidden layers can block editing.

Make sure the app or browser tab is focused before pressing the shortcut.
Check whether a system shortcut, browser extension, or custom keyboard setting is intercepting the keys.
Use the menu path as a fallback when the shortcut is unavailable on your platform.

Why do shortcuts differ between Mac and Windows?

Modifier keys, app versions, browser focus, and keyboard layouts can change the exact shortcut.

What should I do if a shortcut does not work?

Check whether the app window is focused, confirm the platform, try the menu path, and look for system-level shortcut conflicts.

Are these pages a replacement for official docs?

No. They are practical reference pages with links to official sources where version-specific details should be checked.

Source checkpoint: Adobe Help Center · Official reference. Shortcut behavior can change by app version and platform.