How to Set Keyboard in AutoCAD?

Setting Up Keyboard Shortcuts in AutoCAD

Creating personalized keyboard shortcuts can significantly enhance your workflow in AutoCAD. This guide covers how to set up your keyboard for optimal efficiency.

Step 1: Ensuring Your Keyboard Is Ready

Before diving into creating shortcuts, check that your keyboard is functioning correctly. If some keys aren’t working, ensure the F-Lock is enabled, which may require pressing the F-Lock key or toggling the Fn key along with the Esc key to unlock function keys.

Step 2: Accessing the Customize Tab

1. Open AutoCAD.
2. Navigate to the Manage tab on the top menu.
3. Click on the Edit Aliases or Customizations tab to find the settings for commands and shortcuts.

Step 3: Creating a Keyboard Shortcut

1. Locate the Shortcut Keys section. This is usually within the Commands pane.
2. Click on the Press new shortcut key box.
3. Simultaneously press the key combination you wish to assign. For instance, pressing CTRL along with a function or character key will set this as your shortcut.
4. After entering the combination, click the Assign button to confirm.

Step 4: Modifying Existing Commands

If you want to modify existing keyboard shortcuts:

1. In the Command List pane, browse or search for the command you want to change.
2. Select the command, and in the Properties pane, you can modify the assigned shortcut.
3. Don’t forget to click Apply after making changes.

Step 5: Creating Custom Commands

For more advanced customization:

1. Within the Customize tab, look for a button labeled Create a New Command.
2. A new command placeholder will appear in the Command List.
3. Enter a descriptive name in the Properties pane for your new command.
4. Adjust properties as needed, and click Apply to save your new command.

Step 6: Utilizing Function Keys

To use function keys effectively:

1. Identify the Fn Lock key on your keyboard. Press it alongside the desired function key (like F1, F2) to enable their standard functions without holding the Fn key.

Step 7: Saving Your Configuration

After adjusting your shortcuts and commands:

1. Navigate to the Customization tab again.
2. Look for an option to save your settings, ensuring that all changes made are kept for future sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I restore default keyboard shortcuts in AutoCAD?
   To restore the default settings, go to the Customize tab and look for a reset option, often labeled as “Restore Defaults.” This will revert any changes made back to the original configurations.

2. What if my keyboard shortcuts are not working?
   Ensure the F-Lock is enabled and check for any system updates. Restarting AutoCAD may also resolve any software glitches affecting shortcut functionality.

3. Can I set shortcuts for commands that aren’t listed in the Command List?
   Yes, you can create custom commands as mentioned in the article. Simply use the Create New Command feature to set shortcuts for any command you frequently use, even if it’s not pre-defined in the Command List.