SOLIDWORKS Keyboard Shortcuts For Beginners and Daily Users

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.