If you're a SOLIDWORKS user looking to streamline your workflow, customising the S Key and Mouse Gestures can transform the way you work. Both tools provide instant access to commands at your cursor, reducing the need for excessive menu navigation and allowing you to tailor the interface to suit your needs. Here’s a guide to setting up these time-saving features.
The S Key Shortcut Bar
The S Key in SOLIDWORKS is a powerful feature that brings up a customisable toolbar directly at your cursor. With a simple press of the S Key, you’ll see a menu that’s entirely modifiable to include the tools you use most frequently, whether in parts, assemblies, drawings, or sketches.
Adding Commands to the S Key Toolbar
To add commands:
Press the S Key to open the toolbar.
Start typing the name of a command (like “Move” for Move Copy Body).
Once located, click the plus sign (+) to add it directly to your S Key toolbar.
This toolbar can be fully adjusted for different work modes (such as part, assembly, and sketch modes), allowing you to curate the commands that make sense in each context. Additionally, you can resize and reposition commands for maximum efficiency.
Mouse Gestures: Quick Access with a Swipe
Another useful customisation is Mouse Gestures, which allow you to access commands by simply right-clicking and dragging in a circular motion. The options in your Mouse Gesture menu change according to the mode you’re working in—such as sketch or assembly mode.
Customising Mouse Gestures
To customise your Mouse Gestures:
Right-click, drag your mouse slightly, and a radial wheel of commands will appear.
Go to the customisation options, where you can select as few as two or as many as 12 gestures.
Drag and drop commands into each gesture slot to add them.
For example, if you often use the Center Line tool in sketches, you can add it to your Mouse Gesture for quick access. To make Mouse Gestures even more convenient, you can duplicate commands by holding down the Ctrl key, dragging commands between different modes, and creating a familiar setup across tasks.
Print Your Gesture Wheel for Reference
Learning and recalling your Mouse Gestures can be challenging with up to 48 different possibilities. Fortunately, SOLIDWORKS allows you to print your customised gesture wheel. Having a printed reference near your workstation can help you familiarise yourself with your chosen commands, reinforcing your muscle memory.
Combining S Key and Mouse Gestures for Efficiency
Together, the S Key and Mouse Gestures keep essential commands within reach and minimise the need for on-screen navigation, helping you stay focused on the workspace rather than menu searching. Whether you prefer a tap on the S Key or a quick mouse swipe, these customisation options allow for seamless access to the tools you need when you need them.
Take the time to personalise your workspace with the S Key and Mouse Gestures—both of which can help you stay organised and boost your efficiency. SOLIDWORKS offers powerful tools to make customisation easy, empowering you to design without interruption.
Watch this tutorial to see how easy it is to customise your SOLIDWORKS setup:
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