{"id":18303,"date":"2017-10-18T11:00:06","date_gmt":"2017-10-18T15:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/tech\/?p=18303"},"modified":"2017-10-18T09:36:44","modified_gmt":"2017-10-18T13:36:44","slug":"shortcuts-for-solidworks-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/tech\/2017\/10\/shortcuts-for-solidworks-beginners.html","title":{"rendered":"Shortcuts for SOLIDWORKS Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the various projects you have to complete, no one has time to do things “the long way.” That’s why we have shortcuts!<\/p>\n

If you look under each pull-down menu in SOLIDWORKS, you will notice that the keyboard shortcut for each command is listed next to it. Many Windows conventions carry over, such as CTRL-S<\/strong> for save (use often!), Ctrl-P<\/strong> for print, and the Shift-<\/strong> and Ctrl \u2013<\/strong> selection methods.<\/p>\n

Also, you can copy paste using the Ctrl-C<\/strong> (copy) and Ctrl-V<\/strong> (paste) \u2013 see, you already know something in SolidWorks!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/center>As a 3D program, however, there are some functions not available in your standard Windows program! (Where is the Isometric<\/strong> view in Microsoft Word, I wonder?)<\/p>\n

Here are some that are specific to SOLIDWORKS that will save time for the beginner:<\/h3>\n

F<\/strong> key (zoom to fit) \u2013 similar to the Z <\/strong>+ E<\/strong> for Zoom \u2013 This zooms everything to fit on screen. This shortcut works for Parts, Assemblies, and Drawings. For Drawings, there is now a separate button for zoom to sheet, which ignores anything (views, annotations, etc.) outside the sheet itself.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/center>Spacebar <\/strong>\u2013 This brings up the View Orientation menu. Imagine looking at your parts and assemblies inside a display case \u2013 any \u201cface\u201d you click on re-orientates so you are looking straight at the model from that side (Normal To<\/strong> in SOLIDWORKSlingo)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/center>Ctrl-8<\/strong> \u2013 Normal To the sketch, face or plane. Especially in Sketches, it is helpful to look at your profile straight on. As an alternative, you can click on the Triad arrows to bring yourself normal to the X, Y, and Z axis \u2013 but this may not correspond to the face or plane you selected to create the sketch! For extra credit \u2013 it\u2019s also available when you left-click on any face or plane in the graphics area.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/center>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ctrl-7<\/strong> \u2013 Isometric \u2013 once you have solid features\/ bodies on the screen, it\u2019s helpful to view it in the standard Isometric view. We\u2019re used to seeing everything in the \u201creal\u201d world in 3D, so why not look at our Parts and Assemblies that way?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/center>S<\/strong> key \u2013 brings up a context sensitive Shortcut bar. Commands you use frequently are available, and it changes depending on whether you are Editing Sketch, Editing part or other scenarios.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/center>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

F5<\/strong> \u2013 Brings up Filter menu. Most useful when you want to clear all selections! This is the white filter on the top row:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/center>D<\/strong> key \u2013 Brings your Selection Breadcrumbs closer to your cursor for ease of use. The Selection Breadcrumbs appear if left click on a part or assembly, allowing you to select anything in the hierarchy, such as features and sketches in parts, or component parts and sub-assemblies in assemblies.<\/p>\n

\"Shortcuts<\/a><\/center>Let\u2019s not forget mouse button functions \u2013 these can take the place of keyboard shortcuts in several places. Remember to use a 3-button mouse with a scrolling wheel for the center button:<\/p>\n

Center mouse button\/ roller functions \u2013<\/p>\n