Regarding the use of Ctrl+Delete or Alt+Delete shortcuts to fill color in text layers.

Question

In Photoshop 2025, the shortcuts Ctrl+Delete or Alt+Delete can be used to fill a text layer with color. However, when multiple text layers are selected, these shortcuts cannot be utilized for color filling. Is this a bug?

Srishti Bali · Answer

Hi @Sun2025

In Photoshop 2025, the inability to use Ctrl+Delete or Alt+Delete to fill multiple selected text layers with color is expected behavior, not a bug — though it can understandably feel limiting.

Here’s why:

These shortcuts (Ctrl+Delete for background color, Alt+Delete for foreground color) work on active pixel layers or single editable text layers. When multiple text layers are selected:

Photoshop treats them as a multi-layer selection, not a single editable object.
Text layers, unlike shape or pixel layers, require individual edit mode for direct content changes like filling.
Therefore, color fill shortcuts don't apply to multiple text layers simultaneously.

If you want to apply a color to multiple text layers, use the Character panel to apply a color when multiple text layers are selected.

Regards,

Srishti

Here’s why:

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