In this article, we will explore the world of SolidWorks shortcut keys. If you frequently use SolidWorks for your design projects, knowing and utilizing shortcut keys can significantly enhance your productivity. Shortcut keys allow you to perform various functions and operations quickly, without the need to navigate through multiple menus and options.
Why should you use SolidWorks shortcut keys?
Using shortcut keys in SolidWorks offers several advantages:
- Time-saving: By reducing the number of mouse clicks and menu navigation, shortcut keys help you complete tasks more efficiently.
- Improved workflow: With shortcut keys, you can streamline your design process and maintain a smooth workflow.
- Increased precision: Shortcut keys enable precise control over various operations, resulting in more accurate designs.
Common SolidWorks Shortcut Keys
Let’s explore some commonly used shortcut keys in SolidWorks:
Sketching
- L: Activate Line tool
- R: Activate Rectangle tool
- C: Activate Circle tool
- A: Activate Arc tool
Modeling and Editing Features
- E: Edit feature or sketch entity
- M: Create a new sketch on a selected face or plane (Shortcut for “Insert Sketch”)
- B: Activate Extrude Boss/Base feature (Shortcut for “Boss-Extrude”)
- SF: Activate Shell feature
- MD: Activate Move Face feature
Assembly and Mate Tools
- MW: Activate Mate tool (Shortcut for “Mate”)
- CM: Activate Component Mirror tool (Shortcut for “Mirror Components”)
- RP: Activate Replace Components tool (Shortcut for “Replace Components”)
- LO: Activate Linear/Linear Coupler mate (Shortcut for “Lock”)
- AH: Activate Alignment/Hinge mate (Shortcut for “Hinge”)
These are just a few examples of the wide range of shortcut keys available in SolidWorks. By familiarizing yourself with these keys and exploring the software’s documentation, you can discover even more shortcuts specific to your needs.
Customizing Shortcut Keys in SolidWorks
SolidWorks allows you to customize shortcut keys according to your preferences. To customize shortcut keys:
- Select Tools > Customize.
- In the Customize dialog box, select the Keyboard tab.
- Navigate through the categories and commands to find the function you want to assign a shortcut key.
- Select the function and click on the desired key combination in the Press new shortcut key field.
- Click on the Assign button to assign the shortcut key.
Customizing shortcut keys can further enhance your efficiency by tailoring them to match your workflow and personal preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SolidWorks shortcut keys are powerful tools that can significantly improve your productivity and workflow. By familiarizing yourself with these shortcuts and customizing them to your needs, you can streamline your design process and accomplish tasks more efficiently. So start utilizing these shortcut keys and unlock the full potential of SolidWorks!