SpaceClaim Keyboard Shortcuts: The Complete 2026 Guide (+ PDF)
Quick answer: SpaceClaim uses fast single-key shortcuts for its core tools P for Pull, M for Move, F for Fill, I for Combine, K for Sketch mode, and D for 3D mode alongside standard Windows combos like Ctrl+C, Ctrl+S, and Ctrl+Z. Below is the complete, categorized list of SpaceClaim keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures, plus how to create your own custom shortcuts and a free PDF cheat sheet to download.
Note for 2026: Ansys SpaceClaim has been in maintenance mode since release 2023 R2 and was removed from the standard Ansys installer at 2025 R1. Its successor is Ansys Discovery, which inherits the same direct-modeling workflow and most of these shortcuts. See the SpaceClaim vs Ansys Discovery section for what carries over.
SpaceClaim is a direct-modeling CAD tool built around four core actions Pull, Move, Fill, and Combine that let engineers and designers create, edit, and repair 3D geometry without a complex feature tree. Because so much of the work happens through those tools, knowing the keyboard shortcuts is the single biggest speed boost you can get.
This guide lists every default SpaceClaim shortcut, grouped by what you’re actually doing file handling, sketching, 3D modeling, navigation, and the Structure tree followed by mouse gestures and a step-by-step guide to building custom shortcuts.
Most-Used SpaceClaim Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Pull (offset, extrude, revolve, blend) | P |
| Move (translate or rotate geometry) | M |
| Fill (heal or simplify geometry) | F |
| Combine (cut or merge bodies) | I |
| Select | S |
| Sketch mode | K |
| 3D mode | D |
| Measure | E |
| Save | Ctrl + S |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z |
File & Document Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| New | Ctrl + N |
| Open | Ctrl + O |
| Save | Ctrl + S |
| Save As | Ctrl + Shift + S |
| Save As New | Alt + Shift + S |
| Save As New Version | Ctrl + Alt + S |
| Share As File | Alt + S |
| Ctrl + P | |
| Print Preview | Ctrl + F2 |
| File menu | Alt + F |
| Close document | Ctrl + F4 |
| Exit | Alt + F4 |
Edit & Selection Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl + C |
| Copy Faces | Ctrl + Shift + C |
| Cut | Ctrl + X |
| Cut Faces | Ctrl + Shift + X |
| Paste | Ctrl + V |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Y |
| Delete | Del |
| Complete (confirm current action) | Enter |
| Escape (cancel) | Esc |
| Select all of same type as selected | Ctrl + A |
| Invert selection | Ctrl + Shift + I |
| Create Group | Ctrl + G |
| Detach face | Ctrl + D |
| Hide object | Ctrl + H |
| Bold text | Ctrl + B |
| Italicize text | Ctrl + I |
| Underline text | Ctrl + U |
Sketch Mode Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Sketch mode | K |
| Line | L |
| Circle | C |
| Rectangle | R |
| Trim Away | T |
| Move sketch grid in | Ctrl + Right arrow |
| Move sketch grid out | Ctrl + Left arrow |
3D Modeling Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Pull | P |
| Move | M |
| Fill | F |
| Combine | I |
| Blend (Pull tool transition) | B |
| Select | S |
| Measure | E |
| Up To tool guide | U |
| 3D mode | D |
| Section mode | X |
Dimension Nudging Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Nudge primary dimension up (normal) | Shift + Up arrow |
| Nudge primary dimension down (normal) | Shift + Down arrow |
| Nudge primary dimension up (small) | Alt + Shift + Up arrow |
| Nudge primary dimension down (small) | Alt + Shift + Down arrow |
| Nudge primary dimension up (large) | Ctrl + Shift + Up arrow |
| Nudge primary dimension down (large) | Ctrl + Shift + Down arrow |
| Nudge secondary dimension up (normal) | Shift + Right arrow |
| Nudge secondary dimension down (normal) | Shift + Left arrow |
| Nudge secondary dimension up (small) | Shift + Alt + Right arrow |
| Nudge secondary dimension down (small) | Shift + Alt + Left arrow |
| Nudge secondary dimension up (large) | Ctrl + Shift + Right arrow |
| Nudge secondary dimension down (large) | Ctrl + Shift + Left arrow |
Navigation & View Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open the Radial Menu | O |
| Home view | H |
| Plan view (head-on) | V |
| Zoom Extents | Z |
| Zoom In | Ctrl + + |
| Zoom Out | Ctrl + − |
| Previous view | Left arrow |
| Next view | Right arrow |
| Set spin center | Ctrl + T |
| Locate spin center | Ctrl + L |
| Locate spin center | Ctrl + Q |
| Display next Design window | Ctrl + Tab |
| Display previous Design window | Ctrl + Shift + Tab |
| Change Highlighting scheme | Ctrl + Shift + H |
| Toggle Quick Rendering mode | Ctrl + Shift + R |
Structure Tree Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Expand entire node | * (numpad) |
| Expand selected node | + (numpad) |
| Collapse selected node | − (numpad) |
| Activate object in Structure tree | Ctrl + Shift + A |
SpaceClaim Mouse Gestures
| Action | Mouse gesture |
|---|---|
| Spin (orbit the model) | Drag with middle mouse button |
| Pan | Shift + drag with middle mouse button |
| Zoom | Ctrl + drag up/down with middle mouse button |
| Snap view to a face | Shift + double-click middle mouse button |
How to Create Custom Shortcuts in SpaceClaim
If a command you use often has no default key, you can assign your own. Common candidates include Split Body, Split, and Project. Here’s how:
- Open the File menu and select SpaceClaim Options.
- Click Customize, then Shortcuts (in older builds this appears as Custom Shortcuts in the left navigation panel).
- Click Add to open the New Command Shortcut dialog.
- In the Show commands containing field, type part of the command name for example, type “split” to find the Split Body command.
- Select the correct command from the Command drop-down list.
- Click in the Press new shortcut key field and press the key combination you want.
- Click Assign, then close the Options window. Your shortcut is now active.
SpaceClaim vs Ansys Discovery: What Changes?
Ansys is transitioning users from SpaceClaim to Ansys Discovery, which is a further development of the same direct-modeling engine. The good news for anyone learning shortcuts: the core modeling workflow and most muscle-memory keys carry over, because Discovery is built on the SpaceClaim foundation.
| Topic | SpaceClaim | Ansys Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Maintenance mode since 2023 R2; removed from the standard installer at 2025 R1 | Actively developed successor |
| Core tools | Pull, Move, Fill, Combine | Same direct-modeling tools, refreshed UI |
| Scripts | SpaceClaim scripting API | Existing scripts generally run, sometimes with minor syntax tweaks |
| File compatibility | Native SpaceClaim files | Full compatibility with existing files |
| Availability | Standalone install only; no longer bundled by default | Standalone and bundled with certain flagship licenses |
If you’re starting fresh in 2026, learning these shortcuts is still worthwhile they translate almost directly to Discovery.
Download the SpaceClaim Shortcuts PDF
Want a printable cheat sheet to keep beside your workstation? Download the full SpaceClaim shortcuts list as a PDF.
⬇ Download SpaceClaim Shortcuts PDF
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SpaceClaim discontinued?
SpaceClaim is not gone, but it is being retired. It entered maintenance mode with release 2023 R2 and was removed from the standard Ansys installer at 2025 R1. Ansys recommends migrating to Ansys Discovery, the next-generation modeling environment built on the same technology.
What is the shortcut for the Pull tool in SpaceClaim?
Press P to activate the Pull tool, SpaceClaim’s most-used command for offsetting, extruding, revolving, and blending geometry.
How do I create a custom shortcut in SpaceClaim?
Go to File > SpaceClaim Options > Customize > Shortcuts, click Add, search for the command, select it, press your desired key combination, and click Assign.
Does SpaceClaim have mouse gestures?
Yes. Drag with the middle mouse button to spin (orbit), Shift + drag to pan, and Ctrl + drag up/down to zoom. Shift + double-click the middle mouse button snaps the view to a face.
Are SpaceClaim shortcuts the same in Ansys Discovery?
Most of them carry over. Because Discovery is a further development of SpaceClaim, the core direct-modeling tools and much of the muscle memory transfer directly, though the interface has been refreshed.
How do I expand all nodes in the SpaceClaim Structure tree?
Press the * key on the numeric keypad to expand the entire node. Use + and − on the numpad to expand or collapse the selected node.
Final Thoughts
SpaceClaim’s strength has always been speed and shortcuts are how you unlock it. Start with the core tool keys (P, M, F, I, K, D), add the middle-mouse navigation gestures, and assign custom shortcuts for the commands you repeat most. If your team is moving to Ansys Discovery, that investment isn’t wasted: the same habits carry straight over.
