Creating a Shortcut in SolidWorks
SolidWorks is a powerful computer-aided design (CAD) software used by engineers and designers to create 3D models and drawings. To improve efficiency and streamline your workflow, it is essential to learn how to create shortcuts in SolidWorks.
Shortcuts allow you to access commonly used tools and commands with just a few keyboard strokes or mouse clicks. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of creating shortcuts in SolidWorks.
Step 1: Accessing the Customize Dialog Box
To begin, open SolidWorks and navigate to the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click on “Tools” and then select “Customize” from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut “ALT + T + C” to access the Customize dialog box directly.
Step 2: Creating a New Shortcut
Once you have opened the Customize dialog box, click on the “Keyboard” tab. This tab allows you to assign keyboard shortcuts to various commands within SolidWorks. In the “Categories” list, select the category that contains the command for which you want to create a shortcut.
Example: Let’s say we want to create a shortcut for the “Extrude Boss/Base” command. We would select “Features” from the Categories list.
Step 3: Assigning a Shortcut
In the Commands list, scroll down and find the specific command for which you want to assign a shortcut. Once you have selected the command, click on the “Press new shortcut key” field.
Step 4: Entering Shortcut Key
Now it’s time to enter your desired shortcut key combination for that particular command. Make sure that your chosen combination is not already assigned to another command; otherwise, it may cause conflicts within SolidWorks.
Note: It is recommended to use a combination that involves the CTRL or ALT key along with other keys. This will help prevent accidental activation of the shortcut while working.
Step 5: Verifying and Assigning
After entering your desired shortcut key, click on the “Assign” button to assign it to the selected command. SolidWorks will automatically verify if the key combination is available or if it conflicts with any existing shortcuts. If there are no conflicts, you will see a green checkmark next to the “Press new shortcut key” field.
Step 6: Saving and Testing
Once you have assigned the shortcut, click on the “OK” button to save your changes and exit the Customize dialog box. Now you can test your newly created shortcut by using it within SolidWorks.
- Tips:
- If you want to remove a shortcut, return to the Customize dialog box, select the command with the assigned shortcut, and click on “Remove”.
- If you want to restore all default shortcuts in SolidWorks, click on “Restore Defaults” in the Customize dialog box.
- You can also create shortcuts for frequently used features such as sketches, assemblies, mates, and more.
Conclusion
Creating shortcuts in SolidWorks can significantly enhance your productivity by reducing repetitive mouse clicks and menu navigation. By following these simple steps, you can create personalized shortcuts for frequently used commands within SolidWorks.
Remember to choose unique and easy-to-remember key combinations that do not conflict with existing shortcuts. So go ahead and streamline your workflow by creating customized shortcuts in SolidWorks today!