How Do I Create a Hotkey in SolidWorks?

Creating a Hotkey in SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a powerful 3D CAD software widely used in the engineering and design industry. It offers a multitude of features that can help streamline your workflow and increase productivity.

One such feature is the ability to create custom hotkeys, which allow you to access frequently used commands with a simple keyboard shortcut. In this tutorial, we will explore how to create a hotkey in SolidWorks.

Step 1: Accessing the Customize Dialog Box
To begin, open SolidWorks and navigate to the top menu bar. From here, select “Tools” and then click on “Customize..” The Customize dialog box will appear, providing you with options for customizing various aspects of the software.

Step 2: Creating a New Keyboard Shortcut
In the Customize dialog box, ensure that the “Keyboard” tab is selected. Here, you will find a list of categories on the left-hand side and commands on the right-hand side. To create a new hotkey, you need to locate the desired command.

Note: You can use the search bar at the top of the dialog box to quickly find specific commands.

Once you have found the command you want to assign a hotkey to, select it from the list on the right-hand side. With the command selected, click on “Press new shortcut key”, located at the bottom-right corner of the Customize dialog box.

Step 3: Assigning a Hotkey
After clicking on “Press new shortcut key”, an input field will appear. This is where you can input your desired keyboard shortcut for that particular command. Press your preferred combination of keys on your keyboard (e.g., Ctrl + Shift + A).

Note: Be mindful not to choose a combination that is already assigned to another command within SolidWorks.

Once you have entered your desired hotkey combination, click on the “Assign” button to assign it to the selected command.

Step 4: Saving the Customization
After assigning your hotkey, click on the “OK” button in the Customize dialog box to save your customization. If you wish to revert any changes made during this process, you can click on the “Cancel” button instead.

Congratulations! You have successfully created a custom hotkey in SolidWorks. From now on, you can use your designated keyboard combination to execute the assigned command quickly and efficiently.

  • Tips:
    • If you want to modify or remove a hotkey at any point, simply revisit the Customize dialog box and follow the steps outlined above.
    • Consider creating hotkeys for commands that you frequently use but are buried within menus or submenus.
    • Be sure to choose hotkeys that are easy to remember and do not conflict with existing shortcuts in SolidWorks or other software applications you may be using.

In Conclusion

Creating custom hotkeys in SolidWorks can significantly enhance your productivity by allowing quick access to frequently used commands. By following these simple steps outlined above, you can personalize your SolidWorks experience and streamline your workflow.

Remember, creating effective hotkeys involves choosing intuitive key combinations and regularly reassessing your customization for maximum efficiency. So go ahead and give it a try – boost your productivity with custom hotkeys in SolidWorks today!