Looking at the Work Area > Getting familiar with the work area > Using the tools
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Using the tools


Some tools in the toolbox let you select, edit, and view images; other tools let you paint, draw, and type. You can view information about any tool in the toolbox by positioning the pointer over it. The name of the tool appears below the pointer--this is called the tool tip. Additional information about the tool appears in the Hints palette. (See Using the Hints palette.)

You must select a tool in order to use it. The currently selected tool is highlighted in the toolbox. Some tools have additional tools beneath them--these are called hidden tools. When you see a small triangle at the lower right of the tool icon, you know that there are hidden tools.
A. Active tool B. Hidden tool C. Shortcut key

To select a tool:

Do one of the following:
  • Click its icon in the toolbox. If the icon has a small triangle at its lower right corner, hold down the mouse button to view the hidden tools. Then, click the tool you want to select.
  • Press the tool's keyboard shortcut. The keyboard shortcut is displayed in its tool tip. For example, you can select the move tool by pressing "v."

    • To cycle through a set of hidden tools:

    Hold down Shift and press the tool's shortcut key.

    To move the toolbox:

    Drag the toolbox by its title bar.

    To set tool preferences:

    1 Choose Edit > Preferences > General.

    2 Set one or more of the following options:
  • Show Tool Tips to show or hide tool tips and rollover hints in the Hints palette.
  • Use Shift Key for Tool Switch to determine if you need to hold down the Shift key in order to cycle through a set of hidden tools. When this option is deselected, you can cycle through a set of hidden tools by simply pressing the shortcut key (without holding down Shift).

    • 3 Click OK.

    Looking at the Work Area > Getting familiar with the work area > Using the tools