Vectorworks Keyboard Shortcuts: Complete List for Windows & Mac
Quick answer: Vectorworks has 200+ keyboard shortcuts covering tools, menu commands, views, and snapping. The most-used ones are Ctrl/Cmd + S (Save), Ctrl/Cmd + E (Extrude), X (Selection tool), C (Zoom), and Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + G (Shaded render). Most tool and command shortcuts are fully customizable in the Workspace Editor.
What Are Vectorworks Keyboard Shortcuts?
Vectorworks keyboard shortcuts are key combinations that instantly trigger tools, menu commands, view changes, and snapping behaviors without reaching for the menus. They work across every Vectorworks product line Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Fundamentals, and Vision though the exact tools available depend on your active workspace.
There are two broad groups:
- Customizable shortcuts: tool and command shortcuts you can reassign in the Workspace Editor (Tools > Workspaces > Edit Current Workspace).
- Fixed shortcuts: system, mouse, numeric keypad, and worksheet shortcuts that cannot be changed.
A key thing to know: Vectorworks distinguishes between numbers typed on the number pad versus the number row. A “Num” notation in a tooltip means the number pad is required.
Most-Used Vectorworks Shortcuts (Quick Reference)
These 15 shortcuts cover the actions most users hit dozens of times a day.
| Action | Windows | Mac |
| Save | Ctrl + S | Cmd + S |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z | Cmd + Z |
| Selection tool | X | X |
| Zoom tool | C | C |
| Pan tool | H | H |
| Flyover (3D orbit) | Shift + C | Shift + C |
| Extrude | Ctrl + E | Cmd + E |
| Group | Ctrl + G | Cmd + G |
| Fit to Objects | Ctrl + 6 | Cmd + 6 |
| Top/Plan view | Ctrl + 5 | Cmd + 5 |
| Set 3D View | Ctrl + 0 | Cmd + 0 |
| Rendering – Shaded | Ctrl + Shift + G | Cmd + Shift + G |
| Object Info palette | Ctrl + I | Cmd + I |
| Quick Search | F | F |
| Repeat Last Command | R | R |
File Menu Shortcuts
| Action | Windows | Mac |
| New | Ctrl + N | Cmd + N |
| Open | Ctrl + O | Cmd + O |
| Close | Ctrl + W | Cmd + W |
| Save | Ctrl + S | Cmd + S |
| Save As | Ctrl + Shift + S | Cmd + Shift + S |
| Page Setup | Ctrl + Alt + P | Cmd + Option + P |
| Ctrl + P | Cmd + P | |
| Quit | Alt + F4 or Ctrl + Q | Cmd + Q |
Edit Menu Shortcuts
| Action | Windows | Mac |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z | Cmd + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Y | Cmd + Y |
| Repeat last command | R | R |
| Cut | Ctrl + X | Cmd + X |
| Copy | Ctrl + C | Cmd + C |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | Cmd + V |
| Paste in Place | Ctrl + Alt + V | Cmd + Option + V |
| Duplicate | Ctrl + D | Cmd + D |
| Duplicate Array | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + D | Cmd + Shift + Option + D |
| Select All | Ctrl + A | Cmd + A |
View Menu Shortcuts
| Action | Windows | Mac |
| Zoom – Normal Scale | Ctrl + 3 | Cmd + 3 |
| Zoom – Fit to Page Area | Ctrl + 4 | Cmd + 4 |
| Zoom – Fit to Objects | Ctrl + 6 | Cmd + 6 |
| Standard views – Top/Plan | Ctrl + 5 | Cmd + 5 |
| Set 3D View | Ctrl + 0 | Cmd + 0 |
| Create Multiple Viewports | Ctrl + Shift + M | Cmd + Shift + M |
| Next View | Ctrl + Shift + . | Cmd + Shift + . |
| Previous View | Ctrl + Shift + , | Cmd + Shift + , |
| Enable Multiple View Panes | M | M |
| Layer Options – Active Only | Ctrl + Alt + 3 | Cmd + Option + 3 |
| Layer Options – Gray Others | Ctrl + Alt + 4 | Cmd + Option + 4 |
| Layer Options – Gray/Snap Others | Ctrl + Alt + 5 | Cmd + Option + 5 |
| Layer Options – Show Others | Ctrl + Alt + 6 | Cmd + Option + 6 |
| Layer Options – Show/Snap Others | Ctrl + Alt + 7 | Cmd + Option + 7 |
| Layer Options – Show/Snap/Modify Others | Ctrl + Alt + 8 | Cmd + Option + 9 |
| Class Options – Active Only | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + 3 | Cmd + Shift + Option + 3 |
| Class Options – Gray Others | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + 4 | Cmd + Shift + Option + 4 |
| Class Options – Gray/Snap Others | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + 5 | Cmd + Shift + Option + 5 |
| Class Options – Show Others | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + 6 | Cmd + Shift + Option + 6 |
| Class Options – Show/Snap Others | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + 7 | Cmd + Shift + Option + 7 |
| Class Options – Show/Snap/Modify Others | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + 8 | Cmd + Shift + Option + 8 |
Rendering Shortcuts
| Action | Windows | Mac |
| Rendering – Wireframe | Ctrl + Shift + W | Cmd + Shift + W |
| Rendering – Shaded (formerly OpenGL) | Ctrl + Shift + G | Cmd + Shift + G |
| Rendering – Final Quality Renderworks | Ctrl + Shift + F | Cmd + Shift + F |
| Rendering – Hidden Line | Ctrl + Shift + E | Cmd + Shift + E |
| Rendering – Dashed Hidden Line | Ctrl + Shift + D | Cmd + Shift + D |
| Rendering – Sketch Options | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + S | Cmd + Shift + Option + S |
| Rendering – Final Shaded Polygon | Ctrl + Shift + P | Cmd + Shift + P |
Modify Menu Shortcuts
| Action | Windows | Mac |
| Move | Ctrl + M | Cmd + M |
| Move 3D | Ctrl + Alt + M | Cmd + Option + M |
| Send to Front | Ctrl + F | Cmd + F |
| Send Forward | Ctrl + Alt + F | Cmd + Option + F |
| Send to Back | Ctrl + B | Cmd + B |
| Send Backward | Ctrl + Alt + B | Cmd + Option + B |
| Align to Grid | Ctrl + – | Cmd + – |
| Align/Distribute | Ctrl + = | Cmd + = |
| Align/Distribute 3D | Ctrl + Shift + = | Cmd + Shift + = |
| Rotate Left 90° | Ctrl + L | Cmd + L |
| Rotate Right 90° | Ctrl + Shift + R | Cmd + Shift + R |
| Rotate Each Left 90° | Ctrl + Shift + / | Cmd + Shift + / |
| Rotate Each Right 90° | Ctrl + Shift + \ | Cmd + Shift + \ |
| Flip Horizontal | Ctrl + Shift + H | Cmd + Shift + H |
| Flip Vertical | Ctrl + Shift + V | Cmd + Shift + V |
| Set Working Plane | Ctrl + \ | Cmd + \ |
| Trim | Ctrl + T | Cmd + T |
| Join | Ctrl + J | Cmd + J |
| Join and Fillet | Ctrl + Alt + J | Cmd + Option + J |
| Join (no Trim) | Ctrl + Shift + J | Cmd + Shift + J |
| Add Surface | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + A | Cmd + Shift + Option + A |
| Clip Surface | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + C | Cmd + Shift + Option + C |
| Intersect Surface | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + I | Cmd + Shift + Option + I |
| Compose | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + P | Cmd + Shift + Option + P |
| Convert to Group | Ctrl + K | Cmd + K |
| Convert to Mesh | Ctrl + Alt + R | Cmd + Option + R |
| Convert to 3D Polys | Ctrl + Alt + O | Cmd + Option + O |
| Convert to NURBS | Ctrl + Alt + N | Cmd + Option + N |
| Group | Ctrl + G | Cmd + G |
| Ungroup | Ctrl + U | Cmd + U |
| Edit (editing mode) | Ctrl + [ | Cmd + [ |
| Exit (editing mode) | Ctrl + ] | Cmd + ] |
| Show Guides | Ctrl + Alt + G | Cmd + Option + G |
| Hide Guides | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + G | Cmd + Shift + Option + G |
| Unrotate 3D Objects | Ctrl + Shift + 0 | Cmd + Shift + 0 |
Model Menu Shortcuts (3D Solids)
| Action | Windows | Mac |
| Add Solids | Ctrl + Alt + A | Cmd + Option + A |
| Subtract Solids | Ctrl + Alt + S | Cmd + Option + S |
| Intersect Solids | Ctrl + Alt + I | Cmd + Option + I |
| Section Solids | Ctrl + Alt + T | Cmd + Option + T |
| Extrude | Ctrl + E | Cmd + E |
| Multiple Extrude | Ctrl + Alt + E | Cmd + Option + E |
| Extrude Along Path | Ctrl + Alt + X | Cmd + Option + X |
| Tapered Extrude | Ctrl + Alt + U | Cmd + Option + U |
| Sweep | Ctrl + Alt + W | Cmd + Option + W |
| Create Fillet Surface (3D Power Pack) | Ctrl + Alt + Y | Cmd + Option + Y |
| Create Planar Caps (3D Power Pack) | Ctrl + Alt + Q | Cmd + Option + Q |
| Create Surface from Curves (3D Power Pack) | Ctrl + Alt + K | Cmd + Option + K |
Basic Palette Tool Shortcuts
| Tool | Windows | Mac |
| Selection | X | X |
| Pan | H | H |
| Move Page | Alt + Z | Option + Z |
| Flyover | Shift + C | Shift + C |
| Zoom | C | C |
| Text | 1 | 1 |
| Callout | Alt + 1 | Option + 1 |
| 2D Locus | 0 | 0 |
| Symbol Insertion | Alt + 0 | Option + 0 |
| Line | 2 | 2 |
| Double Line | Alt + 2 | Option + 2 |
| Rectangle | 4 | 4 |
| Rounded Rectangle | Alt + 4 | Option + 4 |
| Circle | 6 | 6 |
| Oval | Alt + 6 | Option + 6 |
| Arc | 3 | 3 |
| Quarter Arc | Alt + 3 | Option + 3 |
| Freehand | Alt + 5 | Option + 5 |
| Polyline | 5 | 5 |
| 2D Polygon | 8 | 8 |
| Double-Line Polygon | Alt + 8 | Option + 8 |
| Regular Polygon | Alt + Shift + R | Option + Shift + R |
| Spiral | Alt + Shift + S | Option + Shift + S |
| Eyedropper | Shift + E | Shift + E |
| Visibility | V | V |
| Attribute Mapping | Shift + A | Option + A |
| Reshape | – | – |
| Rotate | Alt + = | Option + = |
| Mirror | = | = |
| Split | L | L |
| Connect/Combine | ; | Option + L |
| Trim | Alt + Shift + L | Option + Shift + L |
| Fillet | 7 | 7 |
| Chamfer | Alt + 7 | Option + 7 |
| Offset | Shift + – | Shift + – |
| Clip | Shift + N | Option + C |
| Move by Points | Shift + M | Shift + M |
| Texture | Shift + T | Shift + T |
Building Shell Tool Set Shortcuts
| Tool | Windows | Mac |
| Wall | 9 | 9 |
| Wall Join | Alt + J | Option + J |
| Component Join | Alt + Shift + J | Option + Shift + J |
| Door | Alt + Shift + D | Option + Shift + D |
| Window | Shift + D | Option + Shift + W |
3D Modeling Tool Set Shortcuts
| Tool | Windows | Mac |
| Set Working Plane | Shift + 1 | Shift + 1 |
| Align Plane | Alt + Shift + 1 | Option + Shift + 1 |
| Push/Pull | Shift + R | Shift + R |
| 3D Locus | Shift + 0 | Shift + 0 |
| NURBS Curve | Shift + 7 | Shift + 7 |
| Sphere | Shift + 3 | Shift + 3 |
| Hemisphere | Alt + Shift + 3 | Option + Shift + 3 |
| Fillet Edge | Shift + F | Shift + F |
| Chamfer Edge | Shift + J | Shift + J |
| Shell Solid | Shift + G | Shift + G |
| Loft Surface | Shift + K | Shift + K |
| Extract | Shift + L | Shift + L |
| Create Contours | Shift + H | Shift + H |
| Project | Shift + ; | Shift + ; |
| Analysis | Shift + ‘ | Shift + A |
Visualization Tool Set Shortcuts
| Tool | Windows | Mac |
| Walkthrough | Shift + U | Shift + U |
| Translate View | Shift + V | Shift + V |
| Rotate View | Shift + W | Shift + W |
| Light | Shift + Z | Shift + Z |
| Attribute Mapping | Shift + A | Option + A |
Dimensions & Notes Tool Set Shortcuts
| Tool | Windows | Mac |
| Constrained Linear Dimension | N | N |
| Angular Dimension | . | . |
| Radial Dimension | , | , |
Spotlight Menu Shortcuts (Entertainment & Lighting)
For users of Vectorworks Spotlight, the entertainment-industry product line:
| Action | Windows | Mac |
| Spotlight Numbering | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + N | Cmd + Shift + Option + N |
| Find and Modify | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + M | Cmd + Shift + Option + M |
| Auto Number Positions | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + O | Cmd + Shift + Option + O |
| Focus Lighting Devices | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + F | Cmd + Shift + Option + F |
| Replace Lighting Devices | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + R | Cmd + Shift + Option + R |
| Label Legend Manager | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + L | Cmd + Shift + Option + L |
| Refresh Lighting Devices | Ctrl + / | Cmd + / |
Window & Palette Shortcuts
| Action | Windows | Mac |
| Object Info palette | Ctrl + I | Cmd + I |
| Navigation palette | Ctrl + Shift + N | Cmd + Shift + N |
| Visualization palette | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + V | Cmd + Shift + Option + V |
| Attributes palette | Ctrl + Shift + A | Cmd + Shift + A |
| Working Planes palette | Ctrl + Shift + K | Cmd + Shift + K |
| Resource Manager | Ctrl + R | Cmd + R |
| Activate Object Info palette | Ctrl + ` | Cmd + Option + C |
| Hide Enabled Palettes | not applicable | Cmd + Shift + Option + H |
Tools, Text & AEC Menu Shortcuts
| Action | Windows | Mac |
| Organization | Ctrl + Shift + O | Cmd + Shift + O |
| User Origin | Ctrl + 9 | Cmd + 9 |
| Plug-in Manager | Ctrl + Shift + Z | Cmd + Shift + Z |
| Edit Current Workspace | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + W | Cmd + Shift + Option + W |
| Format Text | Ctrl + Shift + T | Cmd + Shift + T |
| Energos – Project Settings | Ctrl + Shift + Alt + E | Cmd + Shift + Option + E |
Standard View Shortcuts (Numeric Keypad)
These use the number pad and cannot be customized.
| View | Key |
| Top/Plan or Rotated Top/Plan | 0 |
| Left Isometric | 1 |
| Front | 2 |
| Right Isometric | 3 |
| Left | 4 |
| Top | 5 |
| Right | 6 |
| Left Rear Isometric | 7 |
| Back | 8 |
| Right Rear Isometric | 9 |
Arrow Key Shortcuts
Modify these in Vectorworks Preferences > Edit tab.
| Function | Windows | Mac |
| Switch Active Layer/Class | Ctrl + Arrow | Cmd + Arrow |
| Pan Drawing | Arrow | Arrow |
| Switch Saved View | Alt + Arrow | Option + Arrow |
| Nudge Objects | Shift + Arrow | Shift + Arrow |
| Move Objects | Shift + Ctrl + Arrow | Shift + Cmd + Arrow |
Snapping & Miscellaneous Keys
| Function | Key |
| Toggle SmartCursor Cues | Y |
| Toggle Angles Relative to Prior Segment | / |
| Set Datum | G |
| Snap Loupe | Z |
| Set Smart Point/Edge/Vector Snap Lock | T |
| Toggle Automatic Working Plane | \ |
| Suspend Snapping | ` |
| X-ray Select Mode | B |
| Coincident Selection | J |
| Close Polygon/Polyline/Path | K |
| Toggle Multiple View Panes | M |
| Launch Quick Search | F |
| Repeat Last Command | R |
Essential Mouse Shortcuts (Cannot Be Modified)
| Function | Action |
| Refresh drawing view | Double-click Pan tool |
| Increase zoom 2× | Double-click Zoom tool |
| Decrease zoom 2× | Alt/Option + double-click Zoom tool |
| Duplicate an object | Ctrl/Option-click and drag with Selection tool |
| Create a similar object | Ctrl + Alt-click (Cmd + Option-click) an object |
| Pan the view | Press and hold the mouse wheel button |
| Zoom in/out | Roll the mouse wheel |
| Temporarily activate Flyover | Ctrl + mouse wheel button |
| Cancel current operation | Esc |
How to Customize Keyboard Shortcuts in Vectorworks
Most tool and command shortcuts can be reassigned to suit your workflow. Here’s how:
- Go to Tools > Workspaces > Edit Current Workspace.
- In the Workspace Editor dialog, click the Keys tab.
- Find the command or tool you want to change in the list.
- Click in the shortcut field and press your desired key combination.
- If the combination is already in use, Vectorworks warns you about the conflict.
- Click OK to save the modified workspace.
Because customization is workspace-specific, you can keep different shortcut sets for different project types (for example, a Spotlight workspace versus an Architect workspace).
How to Reset Vectorworks Shortcuts to Default
If your shortcuts get tangled, the cleanest reset is to switch back to a standard workspace:
- Go to Tools > Workspaces and select one of the default workspaces (such as Design or Spotlight).
- Alternatively, in the Workspace Editor, create a new workspace based on a default to restore the original key assignments.
There is no single “reset all keys” button, so duplicating a default workspace is the recommended approach before making heavy customizations.
Download the Free Vectorworks Shortcuts PDF
Want a printable cheat sheet to keep next to your workstation? Download the full Vectorworks keyboard shortcuts list as a PDF and pin the shortcuts you use most.
Download Vectorworks Shortcuts PDF →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many keyboard shortcuts does Vectorworks have?
Vectorworks has 200+ documented shortcuts spanning tools, menu commands, standard views, snapping, arrow keys, and mouse actions. The exact count visible to you depends on your active workspace and product line.
Can you customize keyboard shortcuts in Vectorworks?
Yes. Most tool and command shortcuts are customizable in the Workspace Editor (Tools > Workspaces > Edit Current Workspace > Keys tab). System, mouse, numeric keypad, and worksheet shortcuts cannot be changed.
How do I reset Vectorworks shortcuts to default?
Switch to or duplicate one of the default workspaces (such as Design or Spotlight) under Tools > Workspaces. There’s no single reset button, so basing a fresh workspace on a default restores the original keys.
Are Vectorworks shortcuts different on Mac and Windows?
Mostly they mirror each other, with Ctrl on Windows mapping to Cmd on Mac. But several differ — for example, Connect/Combine is ; on Windows and Option + L on Mac, and Clip is Shift + N on Windows versus Option + C on Mac.
What is the shortcut to extrude in Vectorworks?
Extrude is Ctrl + E on Windows and Cmd + E on Mac. Multiple Extrude is Ctrl/Cmd + Alt/Option + E.
What is the OpenGL render shortcut in Vectorworks?
In Vectorworks 2026 the OpenGL render mode was renamed Shaded. The shortcut is still Ctrl + Shift + G (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + G (Mac).
Does Vectorworks have a shortcut for quick search?
Yes press F to launch Quick Search, which lets you find any command or tool by name.
Why don’t the snap shortcuts (Snap to Grid, Snap to Object) work?
In current Vectorworks versions these snapping toggles are undefined by default. Assign them manually in the Workspace Editor if you want single-key access.
Summary
Vectorworks keyboard shortcuts speed up everything from saving and undoing to 3D modeling and lighting design across the Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, and Fundamentals product lines. The highest-value keys to memorize first are X (Selection), C (Zoom), Shift + C (Flyover), Ctrl/Cmd + E (Extrude), and Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + G (Shaded render).
Nearly all tool and command shortcuts are customizable through the Workspace Editor, so you can tailor them to your workflow and reset them by reverting to a default workspace.
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