How to Change Command Shortcuts in AutoCAD 2018?

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Command Shortcuts in AutoCAD 2018

Understanding Command Shortcuts

Before delving into the steps for changing command shortcuts in AutoCAD, it’s essential to grasp their significance. Command shortcuts enhance workflow efficiency by allowing users to execute commands quickly, reducing the need to navigate through menus.

Accessing the Customize Tab

1. Open AutoCAD: Launch the AutoCAD application on your device.
2. Navigate to the Customize Tab: Look for the ‘Customize’ option located within the main ribbon at the top of the workspace. This section houses all customization options, including managing keyboard shortcuts.

Modifying Existing Shortcuts

1. Locate the Shortcuts Node: In the Customize tab, find the ‘Keyboard Shortcuts’ node within the Customizations pane. This area contains all predefined shortcuts.
2. Selecting a Shortcut: Browse through the list under the ‘Shortcut Keys’ node. Click on the shortcut you wish to modify.
3. Adjusting Properties: In the Properties pane that appears, you can redefine the key combination linked to the selected command. Ensure that the new combination does not conflict with other existing shortcuts.

Creating New Shortcuts

1. Access Command List: In the same Customize tab, access the Command List pane that displays all available commands.
2. Drag Command to Shortcuts: Select a command you frequently use and drag it into the ‘Shortcut Keys’ node. This action creates a new shortcut for that specific command.
3. Define Key Combination: Click on the newly created shortcut and specify a key combination in the Properties pane to finalize your new shortcut.

Resetting Shortcuts

1. Reverting to Defaults: If you wish to revert your changes or reset shortcuts to the default settings, navigate back to the Customize tab.
2. Keyword ‘Reset’: Look for a reset option labeled ‘Restore Defaults’ or a similar command to revert to the original shortcut settings configured in AutoCAD.
3. Confirmation: Follow the prompts to confirm the reset action, ensuring you are aware that this will erase all custom shortcuts.

Saving Your Changes

1. Finalize Customization: Once all your shortcuts have been adjusted, ensure to save any changes you’ve made. This is typically found at the end of the Customize tab options as ‘Save’.
2. Select Current Document: Choose the document or template you wish to save your settings in from the dropdown menu at the bottom.
3. Completion: Save and close the Customization window to apply your changes.

FAQ

How do I revert back to the original AutoCAD shortcuts after making changes?

To revert to the original shortcuts, go to the Customize tab and look for the ‘Reset’ or ‘Restore Defaults’ option. This will restore all shortcuts to their factory settings.

Can I import shortcut settings from a previous AutoCAD version?

Yes, AutoCAD allows the import of shortcut settings from earlier versions. Navigate to the options menu where you can load customization files or specific profile settings from earlier versions.

Is it possible to create shortcuts for custom commands?

Absolutely. You can create shortcuts for any command, including custom scripts or macros, by following the steps above to access the Command List and dragging it to the Shortcut Keys node.