Modifiers are those common keys on your keyboard that you use in different programs. Most often, you will use them with keyboard shortcuts, like Ctrl-A to select all, or Shift-D to duplicate an image. A whole list is available inside PaintShop Pro. However, you can also use those modifiers with different tools to add functionalities. Although everything is available inside the program, with your cursor, modifiers will speed up the process. Let's look at different tools that use modifiers and what they do.
The Selection tool
When you use any of the Selection tools, there are three modes: Add, Remove, and Replace.
As you can see, you can use the Shift or the Ctrl keys to change the Mode "on the fly". Yyou can change the mode by selecting a different one in the dropdown list. However, you can save time by simply using a modifier. That is the reason I prefer to keep the Mode set to Replace. Then, I Add or Remove with the modifier only. This way, I can concentrate on the actual selection on my project and use my left hand to switch Mode. These modifiers work with all the Selection tools.
To help you remember what each modifier does, notice that the cursor changes, when you use a Modifier.
The Pick tool
Just like the Selection tool, the Pick tool has several Modes.
Just like the Selection tool, there is one "default" mode, and you can switch to the others with modifiers. If you are unsure what each modifier does, while you are in the middle of a project, notice that the cursor also changes. It helps to know what modification you can perform.
The Brush tool and other color tool
Although the Brush tool does not have modes like the previous tools, if you press the Ctrl key will change the cursor from a brush to a dropper tool. And you can see how it shows.
In fact, the same cursor change will happen for several other tools, including the Flood Fill tool, the Clone tool, even the Eraser tool. I am not sure how changing color would be useful for the Eraser tool, but it will still change the color in the Materials palette.
The Shape tools
When you create a shape, like an Ellipse, and a Rectangle, you may want to generate a symmetrical shape as a circle and a square. If so, you can hold the the Shift key and no matter where your cursor goes, it will generate that circle/square shape. In fact, you can also use the Shift key to maintain the original proportions for any preset shape.
The Pen tool
Whether you started with a shape or a design from the Pen tool, as soon as you have a path available, you can use the Ctrl key to add nodes. Add nodes as you need them.
The Mesh Warp tool
The Mesh Warp includes a number of rows and columns of nodes. Although you can modify the position of the nodes one by one, you can also use some modifiers to move all the nodes in a single row or column.
You can use the Shift key to move all the nodes evenly. Notice how the cursor shows a straight line.
On the other hand, if you use the Ctrl key, it will shift the nodes from a single line into a curved shape. Again, notice how the cursor indicates the type of displacement.
Whether you are right-handed or left-handed, you can use those modifier keys on either side of your keyboard. Do you currently use them? They might save you a lot of time and allow you to do things you might not be able to do otherwise.
