How Do I Edit Shortcuts in SketchUp?

Are you looking to customize your shortcuts in SketchUp? Look no further! In this tutorial, we will walk you through the process of editing shortcuts in SketchUp, allowing you to work more efficiently and tailor the program to your specific needs.

Why Edit Shortcuts?

If you’re a regular user of SketchUp, you know how important it is to have quick access to commonly used tools. Editing shortcuts can save you valuable time by eliminating the need to navigate through menus and toolbars. By customizing your shortcuts, you can streamline your workflow and boost your productivity.

Accessing the Shortcut Manager

The first step in editing shortcuts is accessing the Shortcut Manager. To do this, click on “Window” in the menu bar at the top of your SketchUp interface.

From the dropdown menu, select “Preferences”. In the Preferences window that appears, locate and click on “Shortcuts” in the sidebar.

Browsing Existing Shortcuts

In the Shortcut Manager, you’ll find a comprehensive list of all existing shortcuts in SketchUp. These shortcuts are organized by categories such as Drawing Tools, Selection Tools, and View Tools.

If you want to explore a specific category, simply click on it from the list on the left-hand side. This will display all the associated shortcuts on the right-hand side of the window.

Edit Existing Shortcuts

To edit an existing shortcut, locate it in the Shortcut Manager and click on it once. The row will become editable, allowing you to change or add a new keystroke combination.

Note: Be cautious when editing existing shortcuts as they may already be assigned to other functions. Make sure to choose a combination that doesn’t conflict with existing keybindings.

Create a New Shortcut

If you want to create a new shortcut, click on the “Add Shortcut” button at the bottom of the Shortcut Manager. A dialog box will appear, prompting you to choose a function and assign a keystroke combination to it.

Once you’ve selected the desired function from the dropdown menu, click on the input field next to “Press key(s)”. Now, simply press the keys that you want to use as your shortcut. SketchUp will automatically detect and display the keystroke combination in the input field.

Pro Tip: Consider using a combination of keys that is easy to remember and doesn’t require complex finger movements.

Saving and Exporting Your Custom Shortcuts

After you have customized your shortcuts, click on “OK” in the Shortcut Manager window to save your changes. Your new shortcuts will be immediately available for use in SketchUp.

If you want to share your custom shortcuts with others or transfer them to another computer, you can export them as an XML file. To do this, click on “Export” in the Shortcut Manager window. Choose a location on your computer where you want to save the XML file and give it a descriptive name.

Importing Shortcuts

If you want to import custom shortcuts from another user or computer, click on “Import” in the Shortcut Manager window. Navigate to the location where the XML file is saved and select it. SketchUp will import all the shortcuts from that file, allowing you to use them immediately.

In Conclusion

Editting shortcuts in SketchUp can significantly enhance your workflow and productivity. By customizing the program to your specific needs, you can access tools and functions quickly, saving time and effort.

Remember to always choose key combinations that are easy to remember and don’t conflict with existing shortcuts. Enjoy the flexibility and efficiency that comes with customized shortcuts in SketchUp!