Is it possible to create a customized shortcut bar similar to the S-key shortcut bar?
image.png
I do not want to add the button to the existing S-key shortcut bar (which i had already customized)
What I would like to have is:
Clicking “S” bring up the S-key shortcut bar
Clicking “A” (or other key) bring up the customized shortcut bar
My intention is to have all my macro added to the “A” shortcut bar while still keeping the S shortcut bar. The “A” shortcut bar will only be used for some specific scenario (eg: exporting file)
I personally do not like to dumb every function that i need in the shortcut bar as it “bloat” it and increase the amount of mouse travel needed…
Is there any OOB function? Or is it achievable using API?
My memory had really gotten rusty these day (switching between two CAD system is also not helpig) so i try avoid having too much hotkey…
You could also hijack an existing toolbar that you don’t use, remove all the buttons, replace them, make it a floating bar…
Never thought of that! Seem like a viable option
Thanks for the suggestion but i already had setup a custom macro tab in my command manager
What i would like to do here is to avoid the huge amount of mouse travel to the command manager on top
I do add certain features to the right click menu in the top box. A few years ago they brought that option in. Maybe that could help on a few of the features you want?
That’s the one at the top. On the odd occasion I have found it is glitched in 2020 (the features don’t always show you add, next time they do) but works perfect in 2019. I think this may be something to do with running both 2019 and 2020 on the same machine and something is overlapping on where things save and causing the problem, so a installation issue - that’s just a hunch.
I raised it with my VAR but as often is the case never heard anything about it again so have no idea whether it has been raised with Solidworks as an issue.
I think it was added as a function in 2018-2019, may have been earlier.
If this is the same toolbar as I use, it is also context sensitive. So the toolbar that shows while sketching is not the same toolbar that shows while making an assembly or drawing.
Take a look at the mouse gestures. If only I was not in such a bad habit of doing things the old ways I might learn them.
you should be able to customize them to do any commands that your looking for.
I sure do. First, set up your Mouse Gestures with the commands you use most often in each environment. Mine are below.
image.png
Of course yours will probably be different, and you can always change them if you don’t like the initial setup. Also, many people don’t like having twelve in each environment like I do. If it’s overwhelming, set it up with 4 or 8 at first, then add on later if you want. Another thing; don’t worry about memorizing the location of each command. As soon as you move your mouse slightly they will show up, then move to the one you want. I have some of them down in muscle memory, but for others I still have to check. For me that’s still faster than going to the Command Manager, or taking my hand off my 3d mouse for a keyboard shortcut (I didn’t start out with AutoCAD, so keyboard shortcuts aren’t second nature to me anyway).
Now, as you’re working, keep them in mind. When you catch yourself using one of the commands the old way, back up or undo, and use the mouse gesture instead. You’ll have to force yourself to use them at first, and this will of course initially slow you down, but it pays off pretty quickly, and you will soon make up the time you lost learning the new workflow.
This is the method I’ve used to learn new workflows, like Mouse Gestures and Quick Mates.
You are right I should, last full time job I set a few and tried to use them. Then covid… and a 6 month contract that went for 6 weeks, and now another contract. Forgot all about them till I saw the post for a special short cut. Also setting up the mouse on win 7 is not fun.
but i already had setup a custom macro tab in my command manager
<()>