SOLIDWORKS is a powerful 3D CAD application where speed and precision define a designer’s productivity. Mastering SOLIDWORKS keyboard shortcuts is the most effective way to streamline your modeling workflow, reducing the time spent navigating menus and toolbars. Whether you are creating complex assemblies or detailed sketches, utilizing the default keybindings allows you to maintain your focus on the 3D viewport.
This guide provides an exhaustive list of SOLIDWORKS shortcuts for the 2026 version. From standard file management to advanced view orientations and sketching tools, these hotkeys are essential for mechanical engineers, industrial designers, and CAD technicians. By integrating these SOLIDWORKS keybindings into your daily routine, you can significantly accelerate your design cycle and improve overall modeling accuracy.
Standard System Shortcuts
These universal shortcuts handle file management and basic edit commands within the SOLIDWORKS environment.
| Action | Keyboard Key |
| New Document | Ctrl + N |
| Open Document | Ctrl + O |
| Save Document | Ctrl + S |
| Print Document | Ctrl + P |
| Undo Action | Ctrl + Z |
| Redo Action | Ctrl + Y |
| Rebuild Model | Ctrl + B |
| Force Rebuild | Ctrl + Q |
| Repeat Last Command | Enter |
View and Orientation Shortcuts
Navigating the 3D space efficiently is critical for inspecting models and placing features accurately.
| Action | Keyboard Key |
| Zoom to Fit | F |
| Zoom In / Out | Shift + Z / Z |
| View Orientation Menu | Spacebar |
| Normal To | Ctrl + 8 |
| Front View | Ctrl + 1 |
| Back View | Ctrl + 2 |
| Left View | Ctrl + 3 |
| Right View | Ctrl + 4 |
| Top View | Ctrl + 5 |
| Bottom View | Ctrl + 6 |
| Isometric View | Ctrl + 7 |
| Magnifying Glass | G |
Sketching and Modeling Tools
These shortcuts activate specific design tools to help you create geometry faster during the sketching phase.
| Action | Keyboard Key |
| Shortcut Bar (Context Sensitive) | S |
| Line Tool | L |
| Circle Tool | C (If mapped) / Via S-Bar |
| Smart Dimension | D (Often mapped) / Via S-Bar |
| Toggle Construction Geometry | For selected entity, via S-Bar |
| Filter Edges | E |
| Filter Vertices | V |
| Breadcrumbs / Confirmation Corner | D |
Assembly and Manipulation Shortcuts
Specific shortcuts used to manage components within large assembly files.
| Action | Keyboard Key |
| Hide / Show Component | Tab / Shift + Tab (While hovering) |
| Show Hidden Components (Transparent) | Ctrl + Shift + Tab |
| Copy Component | Ctrl + Drag |
| Smart Mate | Alt + Drag |
| Move Component | Left-Click + Drag |
| Rotate Component | Right-Click + Drag |
Professional Tip: The “S” Key and Mouse Gestures
The S key is arguably the most powerful shortcut in SOLIDWORKS. It opens a customizable, context-sensitive shortcut bar that follows your cursor, providing instant access to the tools you need for your current mode (Sketch, Part, Assembly, or Drawing). Additionally, holding the Right Mouse Button and dragging slightly activates Mouse Gestures, which can be mapped to up to 12 of your most-used commands for lightning-fast modeling.
For those looking to further optimize their setup, you can customize any of these SOLIDWORKS default controls by navigating to Tools > Customize > Keyboard. Here, you can assign unique keys to your most frequent operations, creating a bespoke workflow tailored to your specific engineering needs.