Best for
Modeling speed
Use shortcuts to reduce menu hunting during sketches, feature edits, assemblies, and drawings.
CAD workflow guide
Search SolidWorks shortcuts, mouse controls, sketch tools, view commands, assembly actions, and drawing workflow reminders.
Shortcut lookup
Filter by shortcut, modeling command, sketch action, view control, assembly workflow, or drawing task.
Best for
Use shortcuts to reduce menu hunting during sketches, feature edits, assemblies, and drawings.
Watch out
SolidWorks keyboard mappings can be customized, so company installs may differ from defaults.
Searchable reference
| Category | Command / Function | Purpose | Example / Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| View | F | Zoom to fit the active model or drawing | Press F |
| View | Spacebar | Open the orientation dialog | Press Spacebar |
| View | Middle mouse drag | Rotate the model view | Hold middle mouse button and drag |
| View | Ctrl + middle drag | Pan the model view | Ctrl + middle mouse drag |
| Sketch | S | Open the shortcut bar near the cursor | Press S |
| Sketch | Esc | Cancel the active command | Press Esc |
| Selection | Ctrl select | Select multiple items | Hold Ctrl and click |
| Modeling | Extruded Boss/Base | Create solid material from a sketch | Sketch -> Features -> Extruded Boss/Base |
| Modeling | Extruded Cut | Remove material using a sketch | Sketch -> Features -> Extruded Cut |
| Modeling | Fillet | Round selected edges | Features -> Fillet |
| Assembly | Mate | Constrain components in an assembly | Assembly -> Mate |
| Drawing | Smart Dimension | Add model or drawing dimensions | Annotations -> Smart Dimension |
How to use
task -> command -> example
Start with the task you need, then check the command, function, or shortcut syntax before using it in a real workflow.
version + module + units
Software behavior can change by version, workspace, add-in, toolbox, shell, or engineering unit system.
example -> small test -> real work
Use the examples as starting patterns and confirm results with a small test file, sample model, or known calculation.
inputs + method + result
Record the inputs, method, version, and assumptions so engineering results can be reviewed later.
Workflow notes
A 2D profile that drives features such as extrudes, revolves, cuts, and patterns.
A model operation such as extrude, cut, fillet, shell, pattern, or mirror.
An assembly relationship that constrains component position and motion.
A controlled variation of a part or assembly stored in the same file.
FAQ
Search by command, function, shortcut, task, or example, then adapt the pattern to your drawing, model, code, spreadsheet, or simulation workflow.
Use them as quick reference patterns. Validate syntax, units, versions, and outputs before using the result in production engineering work.
Search is faster than scanning long documentation when you know the task but need the exact command, function, or syntax reminder.
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