Using Shortcut Keys
Shortcut keys, also known as accelerator keys or keyboard shortcuts, are key press combinations that correspond to an eMbedded Visual C++ command. These provide an alternative method of executing commands for users with disabilities and for those who prefer to use the keyboard instead of a mouse or similar input device. Many eMbedded Visual C++ commands have default shortcut key assignments.
Note For a more information about Windows based accessibility options and a list of Windows-based accessibility utilities, see the Microsoft Accessibility Web site.
Viewing Commands and Shortcut Keys
You can choose Keyboard Map on the Help menu to view a table of the all eMbedded Visual C++ commands and the current shortcut key assignments. You can order the commands by column, print the table, copy selected commands, and filter the table by the following categories:
| Category | Lists commands |
|---|---|
| Bound Commands | Commands assigned shortcut key combinations |
| All Commands | All eMbedded Visual C++ |
| File | File menu and file operations |
| Edit | Edit menu and text editing |
| View | View menu, show and hide WizardBar and other windows |
| Wizard Bar | WizardBar |
| Insert | Insert menu, create and copy resources |
| Project | Project menu, change project characteristics |
| Build | Build menu, control build and execution of projects |
| Debug | Control testing and debugging |
| Image | Image menu and image editing |
| Layout | Layout menu and dialog editing |
| Tools | Tools menu and tools related |
| Window | Window menu, cycle between and arrange IDE windows |
| Help | Help menu and product- related resources |
The table itself lists the macro command names for all eMbedded Visual C++ commands, whether or not they appear on a default menu or toolbar. The list shows assignments for the currently selected editor emulation and any custom key settings.
Use the buttons and category list on the toolbar at the top of the keyboard list window to print or copy selected lines, or select a different category of commands. Order the commands in the list by clicking any column heading. Hold down the SHIFT key to select contiguous items or the CTRL key to select noncontiguous items. You can use the following shortcut keys for working in the keyboard shortcut table:
| To | Do this |
|---|---|
| Select a different category | Press the first letter of the category (focus must be on the category list) |
| Move the selection | Press the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW key. |
| Select multiple lines | Hold CTRL or SHIFT and press the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW key. |
| Print selected lines | Press CTRL+P. |
| Copy selected lines | Press CTRL+C. |
To view IDE commands and shortcut key assignments
- On the Help menu, choose Keyboard Map and perform one or more of the following actions:
To Do this To sort the table by items in a column Choose the column heading To print the list Choose the Printer button (or press CTRL+P) Copy selected lines in the list Choose the Copy button (or press CTRL+C) Filter the list by command category Choose a category in the drop-down list (or, only while the focus is in the drop-down list, type the first letter of a category)
Customizing Shortcut Keys
You can assign shortcut keys to any command that does not have a shortcut key assignment and you can change any existing assignment. Use the Keyboard tab in the Customize dialog box to choose shortcut keys for any commands.
To assign a shortcut key
On the Tools menu, choose Customize, and then choose the Keyboard tab.
Under Editor, select the editor to which you want to assign the shortcut key.
For example, select Text to assign a shortcut key to be available when you are working in the text editor. Select Main for the main IDE window.
Under Category, select the menu (or command group) that contains the command to which you want to assign the shortcut key.
Under Commands, select the command.
Any current keyboard assignment for the command is shown under Current keys.
Click in the Press new shortcut key box, and then press the shortcut key combination.
If the shortcut key combination is assigned to another command, the current assignment is displayed under the box.
Choose Assign to add the shortcut key assignment.
To delete a shortcut key assignment
On the Tools menu, choose Customize, and then choose the Keyboard tab.
Under Editor, Categories, and Commands, select the editor, category, and command.
Under Current keys, select the shortcut key assignment to delete.
If the shortcut key listed but grayed out, it is unavailable for the selected editor. Under Editor, you must select the editor for which it is assigned to remove it.
Choose Remove.
To reset all shortcut key assignments to their default values
- On the Tools menu, choose Customize, and then choose the Keyboard tab.
- Choose Reset All