How Do I Use Hotkeys in AutoCAD?

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AutoCAD is a powerful software used by architects, engineers, and designers for creating precise 2D and 3D drawings. One of the key features that makes AutoCAD so efficient is the use of hotkeys.

Hotkeys allow users to quickly access various commands and functions without having to navigate through multiple menus. In this article, we will explore how to use hotkeys in AutoCAD and how they can significantly improve your workflow.

Understanding Hotkeys

Hotkeys are keyboard shortcuts that can be used to perform specific actions or commands in AutoCAD. They are designed to save time and enhance productivity by eliminating the need for repetitive mouse clicks. By memorizing and utilizing hotkeys effectively, you can speed up your drawing process and work more efficiently.

Accessing the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor

Before we dive into using hotkeys, let’s first understand how to access and customize them using the CUI editor.

  • Step 1: Open AutoCAD and type “CUI” in the command line.
  • Step 2: The Customize User Interface dialog box will appear. Here, you can access various customization options for commands, toolbars, ribbons, etc.
  • Step 3: Click on “Keyboard Shortcuts” in the Customizations section.
  • Step 4: The Keyboard Shortcuts dialog box will open where you can create or modify hotkeys.

Create New Hotkeys

To create a new hotkey:

  • Step 1: In the Keyboard Shortcuts dialog box, click on the “New” button.
  • Step 2: The New Command dialog box will open. Here, you can specify the name and description for your hotkey.
  • Step 3: In the “Command” section, enter the AutoCAD command that you want to assign to the hotkey.
  • Step 4: In the “Shortcut Key(s)” section, press the keys that you want to assign as the hotkey. For example, if you want to use Ctrl + E as your hotkey, press Ctrl and then E.
  • Step 5: Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save your hotkey.

Edit Existing Hotkeys

If you want to modify an existing hotkey:

  • Step 1: In the Keyboard Shortcuts dialog box, select the hotkey you want to edit from the list.
  • Step 2: Click on the “Edit” button.
  • Step 3: Modify the command or shortcut key(s) as desired.
  • Step 4: Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.

Delete Hotkeys

If you no longer need a specific hotkey and want to remove it:

  • Step 1: In the Keyboard Shortcuts dialog box, select the hotkey from the list.
  • Note: If you are unsure about deleting a hotkey, you can also disable it temporarily by unchecking the “Enabled” checkbox.
  • Step 2: Click on the “Remove” button to delete the hotkey.
  • Step 3: Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.

Common AutoCAD Hotkeys

Now that you know how to create, edit, and delete hotkeys, let’s take a look at some commonly used hotkeys in AutoCAD:

  • Bold Text: Use the Ctrl + B hotkey to quickly toggle bold formatting for selected text.
  • Underline Text: Use the Ctrl + U hotkey to toggle underline formatting for selected text.
  • Create Line: Use the L hotkey to quickly access the Line command and draw lines in your drawing.
  • Create Circle: Use the C hotkey to quickly access the Circle command and draw circles in your drawing.
  • Create Rectangle: Use the R hotkey to quickly access the Rectangle command and draw rectangles in your drawing.
  • Note: The above hotkeys are just a few examples. AutoCAD provides a wide range of customizable hotkeys that you can tailor according to your needs.

In Conclusion

In this article, we explored how to use hotkeys in AutoCAD. We learned about accessing the Customize User Interface (CUI) editor, creating new hotkeys, editing existing hotkeys, and deleting unnecessary hotkeys.

We also discovered some commonly used hotkeys that can significantly improve our productivity in AutoCAD. By incorporating hotkeys into your workflow, you can save time, streamline your drawing process, and work more efficiently. So go ahead and start customizing your own set of hotkeys to enhance your AutoCAD experience!