How Do I Change Hotkeys in SketchUp?
SketchUp is a powerful 3D modeling software that allows you to create and edit models with ease. One of the great features of SketchUp is its ability to customize hotkeys, which are keyboard shortcuts that allow you to execute commands quickly.
By changing hotkeys to suit your workflow, you can significantly improve your productivity. In this tutorial, we will explore how to change hotkeys in SketchUp.
Step 1: Accessing the Preferences
To change hotkeys in SketchUp, you need to access the Preferences window. To do this, go to the “Window” menu at the top of the screen and select “Preferences”. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + , (comma) on Windows or Cmd + , (comma) on Mac.
Step 2: Navigating to the Shortcuts Section
In the Preferences window, you will see several tabs at the top. Click on the “Shortcuts” tab to access the section where you can customize hotkeys.
Note:
- If you are using an older version of SketchUp, the “Shortcuts” tab may be named “Customize”. The functionality remains the same.
Step 3: Understanding Hotkey Categories
The Shortcuts section is divided into categories for easy navigation. Each category represents a group of related commands that can have their hotkeys customized. Some common categories include:
- Drawing: Contains commands related to creating and modifying geometry.
- Edit: Includes commands for editing objects and components.
- View: Contains commands for manipulating the camera view.
- Tools: Includes commands related to SketchUp’s various tools, such as the Tape Measure or Paint Bucket.
You can expand each category by clicking on the arrow next to its name. This will display a list of commands within that category.
Step 4: Customizing Hotkeys
To change a hotkey, locate the command you want to modify within its respective category. Once you find it, click on the current hotkey in the “Shortcut” column. The hotkey will become editable, allowing you to type a new key combination.
Note: Avoid choosing hotkeys that are already assigned to other commands, as this can cause conflicts and unexpected behavior.
Step 5: Saving Changes
After customizing your hotkeys, click on the “OK” button to save your changes and close the Preferences window. Alternatively, you can click on “Apply” if you want to keep the Preferences window open for further modifications.
Tips:
- You can export your custom hotkeys as a file and share it with others or use it on different computers. To do this, go to “Preferences > Shortcuts” and click on the “Export..” button.
- If you ever want to reset your hotkeys to their default settings, go to “Preferences > Shortcuts” and click on the “Restore Defaults” button.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to change hotkeys in SketchUp. By customizing hotkeys according to your preferences and workflow, you can streamline your modeling process and work more efficiently.
Remember to regularly review your hotkeys to ensure they align with your evolving needs and discover new ways to boost your productivity in SketchUp!