SketchUp shortcut keys are mostly single letters: L for Line, R for Rectangle, P for Push/Pull and M for Move. Press the letter, then click in the model. Space always returns to the Select tool, which is the habit that makes SketchUp fast.
Revit uses two letter codes typed one after the other, such as W, then A for Wall, while SolidWorks relies on Ctrl plus a number for standard views and S for a shortcut toolbar. The three programs are covered side by side below for architecture and engineering students.
Quick facts
SketchUp select
SpaceSketchUp line
LSketchUp push and pull
PRevit wall
W, then ARevit door
D, then RSolidWorks rebuild
Ctrl + BSolidWorks isometric
Ctrl + 7
SketchUp shortcut keys for drawing and editing
| Key | Tool |
|---|---|
| Space | Select |
| L | Line |
| R | Rectangle |
| C | Circle |
| A | Arc |
| P | Push/Pull |
| M | Move (tap Ctrl to copy) |
| Q | Rotate |
| S | Scale |
| F | Offset |
| E | Eraser |
| T | Tape Measure |
| B | Paint Bucket |
| G | Make Component |
For navigation, O orbits, H pans, Z zooms and Shift + Z fits the whole model on screen. While any tool is active you can type an exact length, such as 3000, and press Enter; that typed value box is where SketchUp's precision comes from.
Revit keyboard shortcuts
| Type | Command |
|---|---|
| W, then A | Wall |
| D, then R | Door |
| W, then N | Window |
| C, then M | Place a component |
| A, then L | Align |
| M, then V | Move |
| C, then O | Copy |
| R, then O | Rotate |
| T, then R | Trim or extend to corner |
| O, then F | Offset |
| D, then I | Aligned dimension |
| V, then V | Visibility and graphics |
| T, then L | Thin lines |
| Z, then A | Fit all open views |
Codes are typed without holding any key and run as soon as the second letter is pressed. Type K, then S to open the Keyboard Shortcuts dialog, where you can search any command and give it your own code. Esc twice cancels the current command.
SolidWorks shortcut keys
| Keys | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + 1 | Front view |
| Ctrl + 3 | Left view |
| Ctrl + 5 | Top view |
| Ctrl + 7 | Isometric view |
| Ctrl + 8 | Normal to the selected face |
| Space | View orientation menu |
| F | Fit model to screen |
| S | Shortcut toolbar at the cursor |
| Ctrl + B | Rebuild |
| Ctrl + Q | Force rebuild |
Holding the right mouse button and flicking in a direction runs mouse gestures, which you can set up under Tools, Customize. The S toolbar changes with the context, so it shows sketch tools in a sketch and feature tools on a part.
Learning tips for students
- In SketchUp, return to Select with Space after every operation, so you never draw lines by accident.
- In Revit, learn the codes for the ten commands you use most first; the rest can stay on the ribbon.
- In SolidWorks, use Ctrl + 8 on a face before sketching on it so the view is square.
- Print a one page key list and keep it beside the keyboard for the first two weeks.
When shortcuts do not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| SketchUp letter types into a box | Click in the drawing area first |
| Revit code does nothing | A command is running; press Esc twice |
| SolidWorks view key changes nothing | Click in the graphics area, not the feature tree |
| Keys differ from this list | Someone customised them; reset in the shortcut settings |
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic SketchUp shortcut keys?
Space for Select, L for Line, R for Rectangle, P for Push/Pull and M for Move.
How do I copy in SketchUp?
Press M, then tap Ctrl once and move the object.
How do Revit shortcuts work?
Type two letters one after the other, such as WA for Wall.
How do I change Revit shortcuts?
Type K, then S to open Keyboard Shortcuts.
What is the SolidWorks isometric view shortcut?
What does S do in SolidWorks?
It opens the shortcut toolbar at the cursor.