by John Flanagan
Introduction
Shortcut key. A key combination that starts a command. For example, Ctrl+S saves a file and Ctrl+1 opens the Properties palette. The function keys (F1, F2, and so on) are also shortcut keys. Shortcut keys are defined in a customization (CUIx) file.
You can use shortcut keys to start a command without moving the mouse cursor between the drawing area and the AutoCAD user interface (UI). Shortcut keys can be easier to remember than the full command name. Creating your own shortcut keys can also help you be more efficient.
AutoCAD users who like shortcuts will love this.
Press [ALT]. You will see numbers on the quick access toolbar, and letters under the ribbon tabs. If you press that particular number or letter, it will activate the tool (or tab).
Now try to press any letter that represents a tab. You can start with H when you have home tab active. You will see the next level shortcut key on each tool.
Now type any letter combination that represents a tool. You can start with LI for the line tool. The line tool is immediately activated without pressing enter. Try it out and note you don’t have to type capitals.
Note these shortcuts are available in earlier versions of AutoCAD.