Understanding Function Keys in MicroStation
Function keys, labeled F1 through F12 on your keyboard, serve as shortcuts for various tasks within MicroStation. They streamline workflows by allowing users to access commands with ease. Configuring these keys to suit individual preferences enhances productivity.
Adding Function Keys in MicroStation
To incorporate additional function keys into your MicroStation setup, follow these systematic steps:
Identify Keyins: Determine the specific Keyin commands that are relevant to the tools you frequently use.
Access Function Key Settings: Navigate to the menu and select
File
, then move toSettings
, followed byUser
, and finally click onFunction Keys
.- Save Settings: Once you have made your adjustments, click the
Save
button, and subsequently chooseFile
andSave Settings
to ensure your changes are preserved.
Customizing Function Keys
Tailoring the function keys to align with your workflow will enhance your efficiency. To customize, adhere to these instructions:
Open Preference Settings: Begin by launching the host session window.
Navigate to Keyboard Settings: Click on
Edit
, then choosePreference
, and selectKeyboard
. Alternatively, you can click theRemap
button found on the toolbar.Select Key Assignment: Access the
Key Assignment
tab to view your current key configurations.Choose Desired Category: Browse through the categories to find the relevant function you intend to modify.
Designate a Function: From the list, pinpoint the specific function you wish to link to a function key.
- Assign a Key: Click on the
Assign a Key
option and follow the prompts to finalize your changes.
Modifying Hotkeys for Function Keys
To alter the shortcut combinations tied to function keys, follow these steps:
Initiate the Shortcut Process: Start with either CTRL or one of the function keys.
Access Key Input: Utilize the TAB key to move your cursor into the box labeled
Press new shortcut key
.- Enter the New Combination: Press your desired combination of keys to register it as the new shortcut. For instance, if you want to use CTRL with a specific function key, press them together.
Saving Function Keys in MicroStation
To maintain your custom function key settings, execute these steps:
Close the Application: Begin by closing MicroStation completely.
Locate the Fkeys Folder: Navigate to the directory path
MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries)WorkspaceInterfacesFkeys
.Backup the Configuration File: Move the file named
funckey.mnu
to a different location (like your desktop) for safekeeping.- Restart and Configure: Reopen MicroStation, load a project, navigate to
Workspace
, and selectFunction Keys
to define the actions tied to each key, including F1.
Binding Function Keys to Programs
Binding function keys to specific programs allows for quick access. Here’s how to do it:
Choose a Function Key: Press the desired function key (e.g., F2) on your keyboard.
- Link to Application: The operation will bind the selected program to the function key, overriding any previous assignments.
Resetting Function Keys to Default Settings
If you wish to revert your function keys to their original settings, follow these steps:
Restart Your Computer: Begin by rebooting your system.
Access System BIOS: Interrupt the startup process by pressing Enter at the launch screen.
Navigate to Keyboard Settings: Within the BIOS, find the section for Keyboard/Mouse setup.
Set Primary Function Keys: Adjust the F1-F12 keys to be the primary keys.
- Save Changes: Ensure you save your settings before exiting the BIOS.
Reprogramming Keyboard Keys
Customizing key commands is straightforward. Use the following process to reprogram keys:
Open Host Session Window: Start with the main workspace.
Navigate to Keyboard Preferences: Click
Edit
, thenPreference
, and chooseKeyboard
or use theRemap
button.- Select and Change Assignment: Go to the
Key Assignment
tab, select a category, pick the function, and chooseAssign a Key
.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I revert to the original function key settings?
Yes, you can reset your function keys by accessing the BIOS settings during startup and setting the F1-F12 keys to their default configuration.
2. Are function keys customizable for all tools in MicroStation?
Most tools can be customized via function keys, allowing you to enhance your workflow based on your specific preferences.
3. How do I access the key-in command in MicroStation?
You can typically access the key-in command by pressing F9, or by selecting the Key-in button from the Primary Tools toolbox, though this may be hidden by default.