Solidworks Keyboard Shortcuts: Quick Guide for Faster Design

Solidworks keyboard shortcuts let you quickly access tools and commands using keys like S for the shortcut bar, Ctrl + Z to undo, and Spacebar to open the view orientation. Using these shortcuts saves time and makes designing smoother.

Syntax

Solidworks keyboard shortcuts are simple key presses or combinations that trigger commands instantly. For example, pressing S opens the shortcut bar, while Ctrl + C copies selected items.

• Single key: Press one key like S to open a tool menu.
• Modifier + key: Hold Ctrl, Shift, or Alt and press another key for commands like Ctrl + Z to undo.
• Function keys: Keys like F zoom to fit the model in the window.

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S  // Opens shortcut bar
Ctrl + Z  // Undo last action
Spacebar  // Opens view orientation
F  // Zoom to fit
Ctrl + C  // Copy
Ctrl + V  // Paste

Example

This example shows how to use keyboard shortcuts to quickly undo an action and fit the model to the screen.

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1. Press <code>Ctrl + Z</code> to undo the last change.
2. Press <code>F</code> to zoom and fit the model in the window.
3. Press <code>S</code> to open the shortcut bar and select a tool quickly.

Output

Undo last action performed
Model zooms to fit the screen
Shortcut bar appears for tool selection

Common Pitfalls

Users often forget that shortcuts depend on the active window or mode. For example, S opens the shortcut bar only in the graphics area, not in dialog boxes. Also, some shortcuts may conflict with Windows or other software shortcuts.

Another mistake is trying to use shortcuts without customizing them for your workflow. Solidworks allows you to change shortcuts to keys you find easier.

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Wrong: Pressing <code>S</code> in a dialog box expecting the shortcut bar to open.
Right: Click outside the dialog box in the graphics area, then press <code>S</code>.

Quick Reference

Shortcut	Action
S	Open shortcut bar
Ctrl + Z	Undo last action
Ctrl + Y	Redo last undone action
F	Zoom to fit
Spacebar	Open view orientation
Ctrl + C	Copy selected
Ctrl + V	Paste copied
Ctrl + X	Cut selected
Delete	Delete selected
Ctrl + S	Save document

Key Takeaways

Use S to quickly access your favorite tools via the shortcut bar.

Remember Ctrl + Z and Ctrl + Y for undo and redo actions.

Customize shortcuts in Solidworks to fit your personal workflow.

Shortcuts work best when used in the correct window or mode.

Use F and Spacebar to control your model view efficiently.