How to Create Keyboard Shortcuts in AutoCAD

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Keyboard Shortcuts in AutoCAD

Creating custom keyboard shortcuts in AutoCAD can significantly enhance your workflow, making it quicker to access commonly used commands. Follow the steps outlined below to establish your own keyboard shortcuts effectively.

Accessing Program Properties

1. Launch AutoCAD: First, ensure that AutoCAD is open and running on your computer.

2. Find the AutoCAD Icon: If you’re using Windows, navigate to the Start menu and locate the AutoCAD application in the All Programs section.

3. Open the Properties Menu: Right-click the AutoCAD icon. In the context menu that appears, choose "Properties." This will open a dialog box with various settings related to the application.

Setting Up Your Shortcut Key

1. Locate Shortcut Key Field: In the Properties dialog, you will see several fields. Look for the one labeled “Shortcut key.”

2. Define Your Shortcut: Click on the “Shortcut key” text box. Here, you can define your desired keyboard shortcut by pressing the keys you want to use. For example, you might assign "CTRL + N" to create a new drawing.

3. Save Your Changes: After you have entered the desired keyboard combination, click “OK” to save your changes. You may need to restart AutoCAD for the new shortcut to take effect.

Modifying Existing Shortcuts in AutoCAD

If you want to change existing shortcuts, the process is similar:

1. Access the Shortcuts: Follow the same steps to access the Properties menu of the AutoCAD icon.

2. Change the Shortcut Key: In the “Shortcut key” field, replace the current key combination with your new desired shortcut.

3. Confirm Changes: Click “OK” to apply and save your new shortcut, ensuring it will activate the next time you use AutoCAD.

Creating Alias Shortcuts

1. Open the Customization Interface: Under the Manage tab in the AutoCAD ribbon, navigate to the Customization panel.

2. Edit Aliases: Click on the “Edit Aliases” option to open the PGP file in Notepad. This file contains all the command aliases that AutoCAD recognizes.

3. Add New Alias: To create a new alias, type the command name followed by a space and then specify your desired alias (e.g., NEWCOMMAND n).

4. Save and Exit: Once you’ve added your new aliases, save the PGP file and close Notepad.

5. Refresh the Command Lists: Back in AutoCAD, type the command REINIT in the command line, select “PGP File,” and click OK to update the system with your new aliases.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an alias in AutoCAD?
An alias in AutoCAD is a shorter form of a command that allows users to execute commands quickly without typing the full command name.

2. Can I revert to default shortcuts later?
Yes, you can always restore your previous configurations by accessing the same Properties menu or PGP file and resetting any changes made earlier.

3. Are there any recommended preset shortcuts in AutoCAD?
Yes, AutoCAD comes with built-in shortcuts like ‘L’ for Line, ‘C’ for Circle, and ‘REC’ for Rectangle, which can be useful to know when customizing your commands.