---
title: Power keys for Paint tools
card_id: 52877
---

### Power keys for Paint tools

When Power Keys on the Options menu is checked and the Message box is hidden, you can use the keyboard to choose items on the Paint, Options, and Patterns menus while certain Paint tools are active. (If the Message box is visible, pressing a key just types into the Message box).

Power Keys is also an option on the Preferences card of your Home stack. Go there to select it if you always want to use the Power Keys option.

<b>Option                    Key              Menu ```
</b>Black pattern    B         Patterns
Darken           D         Paint
Draw Centered    C         Options
(on / off)
Draw Multiple    M         Options
(on / off)
Fill             F         Options
Flip Horizontal  H         Paint
Flip Vertical    V         Paint
Grid (on/off)    G         Options
Invert           I         Paint
Lighten          L         Paint
Opaque           O         Paint
Pickup           P         Paint
Revert           R         Paint
Rotate Left      [         Paint
Rotate Right     ]         Paint
Select           S         Paint
Select All       A         Paint
Trace Edges      E         Paint
Transparent      T         Paint
White pattern    W         Patterns
```

Note: When you’re using the Paint Text tool, the power keys are temporarily disabled.