Adobe XD is built for speed in UI/UX design, and its keyboard shortcuts keep the flow continuous: tool keys, repeat grids, quick zoom levels, component work and one-key prototype preview. This complete list of Adobe XD keyboard shortcut keys (Windows; on Mac replace Ctrl with Command and Alt with Option) explains tools, design operations, zoom and prototyping in plain words.
Tool Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| V | Select tool |
| R | Rectangle tool |
| E | Ellipse tool |
| L | Line tool |
| P | Pen tool |
| T | Text tool |
| A | Artboard tool |
| Z | Zoom tool |
| Space + drag | Pan the canvas (Hand tool while held) |
| Esc | Cancel the current drawing/edit and return to selection |
| Enter (on a text object) | Edit the text |
Design and Object Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + D | Duplicate the selected object |
| Alt + drag | Duplicate while dragging |
| Ctrl + R | Make a Repeat Grid from the selected object(s) |
| Ctrl + G | Group the selected objects |
| Ctrl + Shift + G | Ungroup |
| Ctrl + K | Make the selected object(s) a Component (current versions) |
| Ctrl + Shift + M | Mask with the top shape (Mask with Shape) |
| Ctrl + L | Lock / unlock the selected object |
| Ctrl + ; (semicolon) | Hide / show the selected object |
| Ctrl + Shift + [ | Send the object to the back |
| Ctrl + Shift + ] | Bring the object to the front |
| Arrow keys | Nudge the object by 1 px |
| Shift + Arrow keys | Nudge by 10 px |
| Shift + drag a corner | Resize proportionally |
| Ctrl + A | Select all objects on the artboard/canvas |
| Ctrl + C / X / V | Copy / cut / paste |
| Ctrl + Shift + V | Paste keeping the same position from another artboard |
| Delete | Delete the selected object |
| Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Shift + Z | Undo / redo |
Zoom, Canvas and View Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + 1 | Zoom to 100% |
| Ctrl + 2 | Zoom to the selected object(s) |
| Ctrl + 0 | Zoom to fit everything |
| Ctrl + 3 | Zoom to fit the selected artboard (fit artboard) |
| Ctrl + + / Ctrl + - | Zoom in / out |
| Ctrl + mouse wheel | Zoom in or out at the pointer |
| Mouse wheel / Shift + wheel | Scroll the canvas vertically / horizontally |
| Ctrl + Shift + Y | Open the Assets panel |
| Ctrl + Y | Open the Layers panel (supported builds) |
Prototype and Share Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Enter | Preview the prototype (desktop preview window) |
| Ctrl + E | Export the selected asset(s) |
| Ctrl + Shift + E | Export all artboards / export dialog for the document |
| Ctrl + B | Mark for batch export (toggle on selected assets) |
| Ctrl + N | New document |
| Ctrl + O | Open a document |
| Ctrl + S | Save the document |
| Ctrl + Shift + S | Save as |
| Ctrl + W | Close the document |
| Ctrl + F | Find in the Layers panel / canvas search |
Tips for Adobe XD Users
The Repeat Grid (select, Ctrl + R, drag the handles) is XD's signature time-saver — cards, lists and galleries build themselves, and dragging images or text files onto the grid fills every cell at once. For big documents, live in Ctrl + 2 (zoom to selection) and Ctrl + 3 (fit artboard) instead of scrolling, and make components with Ctrl + K before duplicating screens so one edit updates every instance. Preview early and often with Ctrl + Enter — catching a broken flow takes seconds at the keyboard and minutes with the mouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a Repeat Grid in Adobe XD?
Select the object or group and press Ctrl + R, then drag the green handles to repeat it horizontally or vertically and adjust the spacing by dragging between items.
How do I make a component in XD?
Select the object and press Ctrl + K (Make Component). Instances of the component update automatically when the main component changes.
What are the zoom shortcuts in XD?
Ctrl + 1 zooms to 100%, Ctrl + 2 zooms to the selection, Ctrl + 3 fits the selected artboard, and Ctrl + 0 fits the whole canvas.
How do I preview my prototype in XD?
Select the starting artboard (or a flow start) and press Ctrl + Enter to open the desktop preview and click through your prototype.
By Umar Farooq, Tech Know.
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