Assigning a Macro to a Keyboard Shortcut or Mouse Gesture

You can assign a macro to a keyboard shortcut or a mouse gesture from the Customize dialog box.

  1. With a document open, click Tools > Customize, or right-click in the window border and click Customize.
  2. In the Customize dialog box, on the Keyboard or Mouse Gestures tab, under Category, select Macros.

    The Command column lists the macros that are assigned to a toolbar button, keyboard shortcut, or mouse gesture.

  3. (Option) If you want to assign a keyboard shortcut or a mouse gesture to a macro that is not listed in the Command column, do the following:
    1. Click Customize Dialog Macro Button in the New Macro Button row.
    2. In the Customize Macro Button dialog box, under Action, click Browse and open the macro you want to use.
    3. If necessary, select a Method.
      Some macros contain multiple methods. Each method defines a particular sequence of actions and commands. When you select a method, only that method runs in the macro.
    4. If you plan to assign the macro to a toolbar button, under Appearance, click Choose Image, select a bitmap image, and click Open.

      The SOLIDWORKS software provides bitmap images to use as custom buttons. These are located in install_dir/data/user macro icons.

      You can also create your own bitmap images that meet these requirements:
      • Dimension = 16 x 16 pixels
      • Color = 256 colors
      • Background color = white
    5. If necessary, type a Tooltip and a Prompt. Prompt is a brief description of the function of the tool that appears in the status bar, in large tooltips, and in Description on the Keyboard or Mouse Gestures tab of the Customize dialog box.
    6. Click OK.
  4. Assign a keyboard shortcut or a mouse gesture to the macro you want using standard assignment methods.