by Dennis Collin
When working with any software I find the quickest method of using any software product is usually via a keyboard shortcut. AutoCAD is no exception to this, with most commands being accessed by a one or two keystroke alias. Whilst the default shortcuts are fine for most users, sometimes it can be helpful to adjust the shortcuts to suit one’s personal taste or make AutoCAD behave like previously used software.
This can be achieved by editing the keyboard shortcuts file, the ACAD.PGP file, which is a simple text file. Typically, the file can be found here:
Local Disk\Users\USERNAME\Appdata\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2025\R25.0\enu\Support
(Assuming AutoCAD 2025 is installed, exact version numbers may vary)
Users can employ a text editor (e.g. Notepad) and then edit or print out a list of favourite shortcuts for future reference. An easier approach to edit keyboard shortcuts on the full AutoCAD is to use the Express Tools, Command Alias edit facility. This permits quick and easy editing of shortcuts.
Fig 1. Accessing AutoCAD’s Alias Editor via AutoCAD’s Express Tools Menu.
Not only can the regular commands be edited, but also operating system ‘shell’ commands can be configured too. These can access operating system commands from within AutoCAD e.g. The ‘Pbrush’ command will execute Windows’ Paint application which can prove useful with screen capture functions. Personally, that shortcut seems a bit long winded, a shorter alias like ‘PBR’ requires less typing, but that can easily be done with a simple edit!
Fig 2. Configuring shortcuts to access other applications.
Once set I recommend saving this ACAD.PGP file as a backup to be reinstated or migrated to another workstation such as a site-based laptop. If the system has AutoCAD LT installed, the shortcut file is named ACADLT.PGP with LT’s support folder structure.
Unfortunately, AutoCAD LT doesn’t have the Express tools, however the shortcut file can still be edited via a suitable text editor and saved, with users safe in the knowledge that their AutoCAD installation is configured in a way that best suits their needs.