How to Change Commands in Vectorworks?

Changing commands in Vectorworks can significantly enhance your workflow by allowing you to tailor the software to better fit your specific needs. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to modify commands and keyboard shortcuts in Vectorworks.

Accessing the Workspace Editor

To begin customizing commands in Vectorworks, you need to open the Workspace Editor. Follow these steps:

1. Open Vectorworks and go to the main menu.
2. Navigate to the "Tools" menu.
3. Select "Workspaces" and then click on "Edit Current Workspace" to access the Workspace Editor dialog.

Modifying Keyboard Shortcuts

Once you’re in the Workspace Editor, you can modify keyboard shortcuts for various commands. Here’s how:

1. Select the Keys Tab: In the Workspace Editor dialog, click on the "Keys" tab. This will display a list of currently assigned keyboard shortcuts for the active workspace.

2. Find the Command: Browse through the list or use the search function to locate the command for which you want to change the shortcut.

3. Modify the Shortcut:

   • Click on the command to select it.
   • Click in the “Press new shortcut key” input box.
   • Enter your desired key combination. For best results, use combinations involving the CTRL key or function keys to avoid conflicts with existing shortcuts.

4. Assign the Shortcut: After entering your new shortcut, confirm the changes by clicking the "Assign" button. Ensure that no other command is using the same shortcut to avoid conflicts.

5. Save Your Changes: Finally, click "OK" to apply your changes and close the Workspace Editor. The new shortcuts will be effective immediately.

Adding New Commands

If you want to add new commands to your workspace, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Menus Tab: While still in the Workspace Editor, locate the "Menus" tab.

2. Select a Menu Category: Choose the appropriate category that contains the command you wish to add.

3. Add the Command: Find the desired command, click on it, and drag it into your workspace or to the desired menu location.

4. Customize Its Shortcut: If desired, assign a keyboard shortcut to the new command following the steps outlined in the previous section.

5. Finalize Changes: Once you have made all necessary adjustments, click “OK” to save your customized workspace.

Resetting to Default

If you feel that your customizations are not working as intended or simply want to return to the default settings, you can reset your workspace:

1. Open the Workspace Editor again by following the initial steps.
2. In the dialog, look for an option that says "Reset to Default" or similar.
3. Confirm your choice, and the workspace will revert to its original settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I create multiple custom workspaces in Vectorworks?
Yes, you can create multiple custom workspaces. To do this, open the Workspace Editor, select “New Workspace,” and you can start configuring commands and shortcuts according to your needs.

2. What if my new shortcuts conflict with existing ones?
If your new shortcuts conflict with existing assignments, Vectorworks will typically prompt you with a notification. To resolve this, you can either choose a different key combination or override the existing shortcut.

3. Are there any default keyboard shortcuts I should know about?
Yes, Vectorworks has several default keyboard shortcuts. Familiarizing yourself with these can enhance your efficiency, as you’ll find many common commands are already assigned to specific keys or combinations. You can view these defaults in the Keys tab of the Workspace Editor.