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SOLIDWORKS keyboard shortcuts are essential tools for speeding up your design work, reducing repetitive actions, and boosting your productivity. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned user, learning these shortcuts makes your workflow smoother, faster, and more efficient.

Basic Shortcuts by Category

File Management

Editing

View & Navigation

Selection & Manipulation

Environment-Specific Shortcuts

Part Mode

Assembly Mode

Drawing Mode

Annotations & Dimensions

Customizing Your Keyboard Shortcuts

How to customize:

1. Open any document in SOLIDWORKS
2. Go to Tools > Customize
3. Open the Keyboard tab
4. Use the search bar to find a command
5. Click the shortcut cell and enter your keys (e.g., Ctrl + Shift + F)
6. If it’s already assigned, choose whether to overwrite it
7. Confirm with OK

Important rules:

• Only combinations using Ctrl, Shift, or Alt + another key are valid
• Multi-key sequences (like “V, F”) are not supported
• Filter the list to see all commands with assigned shortcuts

To reset shortcuts:

• In the Customize window, click Reset to Default
• Note: This will remove all your custom shortcuts!

Mouse Gestures & Mouse Button Customization

Mouse Gestures

• Right-click and drag in the graphics area
• A gesture wheel pops up with quick-access commands
• You can assign up to 12 directions per environment
• Customize it via: Tools > Customize > Mouse Gestures

Mouse Buttons

• If your mouse has extra buttons (e.g., thumb buttons), you can assign commands using your mouse’s software (e.g., Logitech Options, Razer Synapse)
• You can bind them directly to SOLIDWORKS shortcuts

Advanced Shortcuts & Lesser-Known Tips

• Ctrl + Drag a Plane: Quickly create a parallel plane
• Ctrl + Drag Feature in Tree: Duplicate the feature
• Q: Show all hidden planes
• E / X / V: Quick filters to select edges, faces, or vertices
• Left-to-right selection: Selects only fully enclosed entities
• Right-to-left selection: Selects everything crossed
• Ctrl while placing projected/aux views: Break automatic alignment

The ‘S’ Shortcut Bar & Interface Optimization

• Press S to open the context-specific shortcut bar
• It adapts based on the mode (part, drawing, assembly, sketch)
• Drag your favorite tools to the S-bar for quick access
• Organize by workflow (e.g., sketch tools while sketching)

SOLIDWORKS Visualize Shortcuts

General Commands

Visualize-Specific

Platform & Compatibility Notes

• SOLIDWORKS is Windows-only
• Shortcuts follow the Windows keyboard layout
• No multi-key sequences supported (unlike some CAD software)
• For complex sequences, try AutoHotkey to simulate input
• Shortcut availability may vary by version (2022–2024+) — always check the built-in help

How to Learn and Remember Shortcuts

• Print a cheat sheet and keep it visible
• Use flashcard apps (e.g., Anki) to memorize
• Stick Post-it notes with shortcuts around your screen
• Practice daily to build muscle memory
• Customize your own most-used shortcuts to fit your workflow

Troubleshooting Shortcut Issues

• If a shortcut stops working, check:
  • Conflicts with other software or system shortcuts
  • Windows keyboard settings (language, layout)
  • Recent customizations – try resetting
• Some mouse/keyboard drivers can block keys
• Restart SOLIDWORKS after making changes

Helpful Windows Shortcuts Inside SOLIDWORKS

Version Changes & Update Tips

• Shortcuts may change or expand with new versions
• Always check Help > What’s New after an update
• Use Copy Settings Wizard to save your custom layout before upgrading
• Your shortcuts might be reset during a major version upgrade

Extra Resources & Community Help

• Download printable shortcut sheets from forums and official sources
• Join the SOLIDWORKS Community on forums, LinkedIn, or Discord
• Watch YouTube tutorials for demos on mouse gestures and custom S-bars

By mastering and customizing these shortcuts, you’ll transform how you use SOLIDWORKS and significantly increase your design efficiency.