AutoCAD

How To Change A Shortcut In AutoCAD?

Understanding Shortcut Customization in AutoCAD

Changing shortcuts in AutoCAD can enhance your workflow by allowing for quicker access to commonly-used commands. This guide walks you through the steps to modify shortcuts in the latest version of AutoCAD, ensuring an efficient design process.

How to Create a New Shortcut

  1. Open AutoCAD and navigate to the Customize tab located on the ribbon.
  2. Locate the Command List pane, which houses all available commands.
  3. Identify the command you wish to create a shortcut for. Click and drag this command over to the Shortcut Keys node found within the Customizations In pane.
  4. Release the mouse button to drop the command into the shortcut keys list.

Modifying Existing Shortcuts

  1. Access the same Customize tab and expand the Shortcut Keys node under Customizations In.
  2. Browse through the list of existing shortcuts to find the one you wish to modify.
  3. Click on the selected shortcut key to highlight it.
  4. To change the key combination, press the new desired key combination and then confirm the change.

Viewing Available Shortcuts

To check all available shortcuts, follow these steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Alt + ? on your keyboard.
  2. This combination opens a keyboard shortcut overview where you can type or search for the specific shortcut you need.

Remapping Function Keys

If you want to change function keys in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the Control Panel from the Start menu.
  2. Select Hardware and Sound, then locate Windows Mobility Center.
  3. In the Mobility Center, find the Function Key Row option.
  4. Switch from the setting labeled Multimedia keys to Function keys. This will allow the function keys to work in AutoCAD without additional pressing.

Saving Your Changes

After making any adjustments or creating new shortcuts:

  1. Ensure you save your configurations using the Save option.
  2. If necessary, reinitialize your settings by entering the command REINIT in the command line. Check the box next to “PGP File” and click OK to finalize.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some basic AutoCAD commands I should know?
Familiarize yourself with commands such as Line, Circle, Rectangle, Trim, and Extend. Mastering these will significantly enhance the efficiency of your drawings.

Can I change keyboard shortcuts for other applications on my computer?
While Windows shortcuts cannot be permanently changed, applications like AutoHotkey allow for temporary remapping of keyboard keys, giving you flexibility across various software.

How do I reset keyboard shortcuts to default settings?
In the shortcut customization panel, look for the option to reset to defaults. Depending on your version of AutoCAD, this might involve clicking a ‘Restore Defaults’ button or manually redrawing the shortcuts. Always remember to save changes afterward.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.