Modifying Shortcut Keys in AutoCAD
Adjusting shortcut keys in AutoCAD can significantly enhance your efficiency and streamline the design process. The following guide details how to modify these shortcuts across various versions, specifically focusing on AutoCAD 2025.
Steps to Change Shortcut Keys in AutoCAD 2025
Access the Options Menu
Begin by launching AutoCAD and opening a new or existing drawing. Navigate to the top menu and click onFile
. From the dropdown, selectOptions
which will open the Options dialog box.Customize the User Interface
Once in the Options dialog, look for theCustomize
tab and click on it. This will display various customization options related to the user interface and keyboard shortcuts.Open the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor
Under the Customization section, locate and click on theCustomize User Interface (CUI)...
option. This action opens the CUI editor, which provides a comprehensive view of all commands and their associated shortcuts.Select the Shortcut Keys Section
In the CUI editor, find theKeyboard Shortcuts
category listed in the left pane. Click on it to reveal theShortcut Keys
subcategory. This section shows all currently assigned shortcut keys.Modify Existing Shortcut Keys
To change an existing shortcut, locate the specific command shortcut you want to edit within the list. Click on the command to highlight it, then proceed to the Properties pane on the right side of the dialog. Here, you can change theKey(s)
field.Assign New Key Combinations
Click on theKey(s)
box in the Properties pane, then press the desired key combination you want to assign as your new shortcut. Ensure that the combination does not conflict with existing shortcuts. For example, it could be a combination likeCtrl + Shift + R
.Create New Shortcut Keys
If you wish to create a new shortcut key, drag a desired command from the Command List pane directly into the Shortcut Keys section in the Customizations In pane. Afterwards, you can assign a key combination as described above.- Save Your Changes
After making all the necessary adjustments, it is crucial to save your changes. Look for theSave changes in
dropdown at the bottom of the CUI editor and select the relevant document or template where you want these changes to be stored. ClickOK
to save and close the editor.
How to Use the CUI to Customize Commands
Navigate to the Command List
Similar to the previous section, start from the CUI editor. The Command List pane displays various commands associated with AutoCAD.Select and Modify a Command
Identify the command whose shortcut you wish to modify. Click on it, and the Properties pane will present options for adjustment.- Save Adjusted Command Properties
Once modifications are made, ensure to save your changes using the same procedures outlined in the earlier steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I revert to the default shortcut keys in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can revert to the default settings by accessing the CUI editor and selecting the option to restore defaults. This can typically be found under the Manage
tab within the editor.
2. Are there any specific key combinations I should avoid while creating shortcuts?
Yes, you should avoid using key combinations that conflict with frequently used AutoCAD commands or Windows shortcuts to prevent any functional overlap.
3. How can I share my custom shortcuts with another user?
To share your custom shortcuts, you can export your CUI configuration to a file. This file can be shared with colleagues, who can then import it into their AutoCAD setups using the same CUI editor.