Hotkeys are commands or actions that are applied using the keyboard. It can be a single key or a combination of keys that, when pressed simultaneously, performs a task. For example, opens a specific parameter for configuration. Sometimes hotkeys are referred to as shortcut keys because of their ability to easily trigger an action.
Like many programs, Premiere Pro has its own hotkeys by default. You can change them or set new ones as you wish. I have already written about the most important hotkeys in Premiere Pro that every editing director should know and use.
What are hotkeys used for
Everything is simple. For convenience. For the practicality of work. To save time. To speed up work.
Let’s imagine that you are playing a computer game. Be it a shooter or a simple farmer simulator. It doesn’t matter what game it is. Let it be your favorite computer game. Remember how you started playing it. The menu, the splash screen, and you are already immersed in the game process. Are you using your keyboard there to open an inventory or to use an action? Yes of course! And imagine that these keys are not there. You have to keep clicking the right or left mouse button. Run the cursor here and there to perform some action and so on. How long will it take to enjoy the game process? A lot, in my opinion. And for working people, there is little time for leisure. Therefore, I want to spend it as richly as possible.
It’s the same with video editing. You can do without hotkeys, but the work process will be much longer. That’s why they were invented, after all. To make it easier, more convenient, and, most importantly, faster.
How to set up hotkeys in Premiere Pro
To configure hotkeys, you need to open the Keyboard Shortcuts window. You can find it under Premiere Pro in the upper left corner.
When the Keyboard Shortcuts window opens, you will be able to see the keyboard, which will show which keys have which option.
To change or set a new hotkey, you need to find the desired command in the Command row or enter it in the search column above it. After that, under the Shortcut field opposite the desired command, double-click with the left button. The field will light up. Then press the key or key combination that will be used when using this command. If you do everything correctly, the name of the key or combination of keys that you entered will appear opposite the command. The setup is complete, you can check if everything works.
Hotkeys can be configured with any possible commands. Some are necessary for use. As a rule, they are already set to hotkeys by default. You can leave them or change them for yourself.
FAQ
Is it possible to save hotkeys as a preset in Premiere Pro?
Yes, customized hotkeys can be saved and applied if they have been changed in any way.
It is also convenient when several people work on the same computer. No need to constantly reconfigure each command, just switch between profiles.
To save the configured hotkeys, click the “Save As…” button located at the top of the Keyboard Shortcuts window. Name your settings for convenience and save. After that, they can be selected in the Keyboard Layout Preset column.
How do I reset the keyboard shortcuts in Premiere Pro?
To reset the settings, simply select Adobe Premiere Pro Default in the Keyboard Layout Preset column. All hotkeys will be set by default in the software.
Can one command be applied to multiple hotkeys in Premiere Pro?
Yes, Adobe Premiere Pro software provides the ability to assign multiple hotkeys to one command. To do this, just enter them in the Shortcut field.