Use Shortcuts, Be More Productive

Here on the blog, we’ve discussed how using aliases can boost productivity. Today, let’s talk about how shortcuts can speed up workflow in DraftSight.

As in other CAD solutions, there are many paths to achieve the same result. Whenever we need to draw a rectangle, for instance, we find there are a few ways to do it: we can use the Command prompt and type RECTANGLE (or just REC), we can use the Home tab and click on the rectangle button – OR – we could just use a shortcut and spend half the time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take the Copy/Paste Windows keyboard shortcuts “Ctrl + C/Ctrl + V” for example. Although other options are available, it is simply faster and easier to just type the keys. No navigating through menus, no misclicking; it just feels natural after a couple of times. We can get the same sort of natural workflow feel by setting and using shortcuts in DraftSight too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is natural to have repetitive tasks on projects, like changing ESnap settings, inserting attributes, inserting blocks and so on. The problem is, sometimes, we are so used to the way we do it, that we don’t realize that we could cut down a three-step task to just one keyboard shortcut.

In DraftSight you can customize keyboard shortcuts to perform a specific task, like inserting a block as shown below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Setting the shortcut:

  • In the Ribbon Interface, right-click in empty space in the top tab to display the options shown in the following image:
  • Click Customize Interface
  • Go to Keyboard 
  • Under Keyboard shortcuts, open the Shortcut Keys tab
  • Click the “Add” button to add a new shortcut: 

 

  • In the Key column (field marked by a green square), type in the shortcut you would like to assign to a command like Ctrl+E, for example:

 

  • In the Command Name column, find and select “Insert Block

 

  • Click OK
  • Now you’ve set up your shortcut!

 

From now on, every time you need to insert a block, you can just hold the Ctrl+E keys – which is much faster than clicking on an icon and it leaves your mouse free for any other task.

Remember, DraftSight already has some keyboard shortcuts built-in, like the needful Copy/Paste to clipboard and some function keys (F1, F2…) used to run many other handy commands.

What are function keys used for?

Located at the top row of the keyboard, function keys are mapped for some of the most useful shortcuts, but are often forgotten by designers. In the table below, you can find a list of commands and related keys.

Function key Description Related commands
Esc Cancels current command
F1 Displays online help Help
F2 Shows and hides the command history in a separate Command Window CommandHistory, HideCommandHistory
F3 Turns EntitySnaps on and off EntitySnap, -EntitySnap
F4
F5 Switches the isometric grid to next isoplane IsometricGrid
F6
F7 Turns the grid display on and off Grid
F8 Turns ortho mode on and off Ortho
F9 Turns snap mode on and off Snap
F10 Turns Polar Guides on and off
F11 Turns Entity Tracking on and off
F12
Ctrl + F4 Exits the drawing but not the program Close
Alt + F4 Exits the program Exit

 

At first, you may feel odd about new shortcuts, but it will feel natural over time and you will be much more productive. Once you get the hang of it, you will never want to do it another way!

Finally, we want to hear from you! What shortcuts can’t you live without? Do you have any other quick tips to boost productivity? Let us know in the comments section down below.

Boost your productivity even further with DraftSight Professional, loaded with productivity, customization and integration tools starting at just $149 for 12 months. Learn more. 

DraftSight
Proven DWG-file-based CAD at the best value on the market. DraftSight, brought to you by Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE company, has been trusted by millions of users worldwide. DraftSight provides a familiar, intuitive 2D drafting experience with options for advanced productivity tools, 3D design capabilities, parametric constraints, and flexible licensing options including perpetual licenses and network licenses for organizations with multiple users or sites. DraftSight’s command and file compatibility and support for legacy drawings and data like Dynamic Blocks facilitate a quick transition from AutoCAD with a minimal learning curve. Visit DraftSight.com to learn more.
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