Mastercam Keyboard Shortcuts: The Complete List + Free PDF

Mastercam keyboard shortcuts are key combinations most of them using the Alt key that trigger functions like changing the graphics view, saving a file, fitting geometry to the screen, or toggling the toolpath display, without clicking through the ribbon menus. They are the fastest way for CNC programmers and machinists to speed up CAD modeling and toolpath creation.

This guide lists every default Mastercam shortcut, organized by what it does, shows you how to create your own custom hotkeys, and explains what changed in the modern ribbon interface used in Mastercam 2019 through 2026. A free printable PDF is included at the bottom.

How Mastercam Shortcuts Work

Mastercam provides two kinds of keyboard control: predefined hotkeys (the default list below) and custom shortcuts that you assign yourself through the Key Mapping dialog.

One rule trips up most new users: when a shortcut uses the Alt key, you must hold Alt down while pressing the second key. If you press Alt, release it, and then press the other key, Mastercam reads it as a ribbon access key instead and you may get an unintended result. For example, holding Alt+T toggles the toolpath display on or off but tapping Alt and then T opens the Toolpaths drop-down menu instead.

Inside a dialog box or ribbon bar, two quick keys also help: press O for OK and P for Apply.

Most-Used Mastercam Shortcuts

These are the shortcuts experienced programmers reach for dozens of times a day.

Mastercam Shortcuts by Category

Graphics Views (Gview)

File & Edit Operations

Display & Managers

Create, Modify & Analyze

System & Configuration

How to Create Custom Shortcuts in Mastercam (Key Mapping)

Any Mastercam function can be mapped to a shortcut of your choice. This is useful for commands you run constantly that have no default hotkey.

1. Click File > Options to open the Options dialog box.
2. On the Customize Ribbon (or Quick Access Toolbar) page, click the Customize button next to Keyboard shortcuts at the bottom. The Customize Keyboard dialog opens.
3. Choose a tab from the Categories list (for example, Home). The Commands list fills with that tab’s functions.
4. Select the function you want the Current Keys box shows any shortcut already assigned (blank means none).
5. Click inside Press new shortcut key and press your desired combination, such as Ctrl+Shift+H.
6. Click Assign, then OK to save.

You can also customize the right-click menu under Settings > Customize > Context Menu, and reset everything to defaults from the same dialog if a mapping conflicts.

Mastercam Version Notes: 2021–2026

The default keyboard shortcuts have stayed consistent across recent releases Mastercam 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 all share the list above. What changes between versions is features and toolpaths, not the core hotkeys. If you upgrade and a custom shortcut stops working, re-check it under File > Options > Customize, since custom mappings are tied to your configuration file rather than the install.

The one meaningful divergence is legacy vs. ribbon interface. Mastercam X-era versions (X through X9) used a different menu system where the function keys opened menus (e.g., F6 for File, F8 for Create). The ribbon interface introduced in Mastercam 2017 reassigned many of those to standard Windows conventions.

Free Mastercam Shortcuts PDF

Download and print the complete cheat sheet to keep at your workstation.

⬇ Download the Mastercam Shortcut Keys PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shortcut to save in Mastercam?

In the modern ribbon interface (Mastercam 2017 and later), press Ctrl+S to save and Ctrl+Shift+S for Save As. AutoSave is mapped to Alt+A. In the older Mastercam X interface, Save was triggered with Alt+A.

How do I create a custom keyboard shortcut in Mastercam?

Go to File > Options > Customize, click the Customize button for keyboard shortcuts, pick a function from the Commands list, click in Press new shortcut key, press your combination, then click Assign and OK.

Why do I have to hold the Alt key down?

Alt-based shortcuts only fire if you hold Alt while pressing the second key. Pressing and releasing Alt first tells Mastercam you want a ribbon access key instead, which can open a menu rather than run the command.

What are the view shortcuts in Mastercam?

The graphics views are mapped to Alt+1 (Top), Alt+2 (Front), Alt+3 (Back), Alt+4 (Bottom), Alt+5 (Right), Alt+6 (Left), and Alt+7 (Isometric). Alt+F1 fits all geometry to the screen.

How do I toggle the toolpath display?

Hold Alt+T to turn the displayed toolpaths on or off. Make sure you hold Alt down rather than tapping it.

Are the shortcuts different in Mastercam 2025 and 2026?

No. The default keyboard shortcuts are the same across Mastercam 2021 through 2026. Newer releases add features and toolpaths but keep the same hotkey set.

Does Mastercam run on Mac?

Mastercam is a Windows-only application. There is no native macOS version, so the shortcuts here apply to Windows. Mac users typically run it through Boot Camp or a virtual machine.

How do I reset Mastercam shortcuts to default?

Open the Customize Keyboard dialog (File > Options > Customize) and use the reset option to restore default key mappings. Custom shortcuts are stored in your configuration file.

Conclusion

Learning even a handful of Mastercam shortcuts the Alt+1–7 views, Alt+F1 to fit, Ctrl+S to save, and Alt+T for toolpaths noticeably speeds up everyday CNC programming. Once those become muscle memory, map your most-used commands to custom keys through File > Options > Customize and build a layout that fits how you work. Print the PDF above, keep it by your machine, and you will be navigating Mastercam faster within a week.

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