How to Change Shortcut in AutoCAD 2018?

Understanding Shortcut Keys in AutoCAD

Shortcut keys in AutoCAD allow users to streamline their workflow by assigning commands to easily accessible keys, thus enhancing efficiency. Changing these shortcuts can tailor the software to better fit individual user preferences and needs.

Steps to Change Shortcut Keys in AutoCAD 2018

1. Access the Customize User Interface (CUI)

   • Launch AutoCAD and navigate to the "Manage" tab on the ribbon.
   • Look for the "Customization" panel and click on "Edit Custom User Interface" to open the CUI dialog box.

2. Locate the Shortcut Keys Section

   • On the left pane of the CUI dialog, find the "Shortcut Keys" node. This section is specifically designed for managing keyboard shortcuts.

3. Create a New Shortcut Key

   • To introduce a new shortcut, identify the command you want to use from the Command List on the left side.
   • Drag and drop this command into the "Shortcut Keys" section. If there are existing shortcuts, you can replace them or modify them as needed.

4. Modify an Existing Shortcut Key

   • To update an existing shortcut, click on the desired key combination under the "Shortcut Keys" node.
   • In the properties pane that appears, you can change the key combination or command associated with it.
5. Save Your Changes
   • After making all desired modifications, make sure to save your changes. You can do this by clicking on the "OK" button, which will apply your new shortcut key settings.

How to Customize Keyboard Shortcuts in AutoCAD 2025

1. Customize Tab Navigation

   • Open AutoCAD 2025 and navigate to the "Customize" tab.
   • Here, look for the "Keyboard Shortcuts" node within the Customization panel.

2. Filtering Shortcuts

   • Use the filter options to choose which shortcuts you wish to view. You can filter by type—such as All Keys, Accelerator Keys, or Temporary Override Keys.

3. Editing Shortcuts

   • Select the shortcut you wish to modify. Within the properties, you can change the command it executes or adjust the key assignment.
4. Saving the Modifications
   • Don’t forget to save the changes once you’ve finished editing. This ensures that your new shortcuts will be available for future sessions.

Altering Ctrl Shortcut Keys

1. Navigating to Options

   • Click on "File" and then select "Options" from the drop-down menu.

2. Customizing the Ribbon and Shortcuts

   • Within the Options menu, navigate to the "Customize Ribbon" section. At the bottom, you will find an option labeled "Customize" for keyboard shortcuts.
3. Saving Changes
   • When prompted, select the document or template in which you wish to save the changes to your shortcut keys.

AutoCAD Commands and Their Shortcuts

Familiarity with command shortcuts can significantly speed up your work. Here are some basic commands:

• SAVE (QQ): Saves the current drawing.
• NEW (N): Opens a new drawing.
• INSERT (I): Inserts blocks or other drawings.
• OFFSET (O): Creates concentric circles and parallel lines.
• LINE (L): Draws straight line segments.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I revert to default shortcut keys after modification?
   Yes, you can reset your shortcut keys to their original settings by accessing the CUI and finding the option to reset defaults.

2. Is it possible to assign multiple commands to a single key?
   No, each shortcut key can only be linked to a single command to avoid conflicts and ensure clear functionality.

3. How do I backup my customized shortcuts?
   You can export your CUI files through the CUI dialog, ensuring you have a backup of your customized settings that can be imported later if needed.