Tag: keyboardshortcuts.xml

Editing Keyboard Shortcuts in Navisworks

Luke Johnson

Most of you would be aware of keyboardshortcuts.xml in Revit. However, did you know about RoamerCommands.xml? This file lives in the Layout folder under you Navisworks install, and it can be edited to modify keyboard shortcuts in Navisworks.

Note: This process is very risky, so this file should be backed up before editing it. During experimentation, I had a lot of crashes and often had to restore this file to fix the issues.

  1. Backup RoamerCommands.xml (rename the backup or copy it somewhere, like this)
  2. Edit it in a text editor like Notepad++ or Sublime Text
  3. Look for something you want to change / add
  4. Modify the file
  5. Make sure there are no duplicate entries, like this
  6. Save it
  7. Restart Navisworks
  8. If Navis crashes on opening, restore the old file from Step 1 and start again
  9. If it doesn’t crash, see if your keyboard shortcut works

I was able to change the keyboard shortcut for File Open as shown below:

Video showing that my modified RoamerCommands.xml worked:

File location on my system:
“C:Program FilesAutodeskNavisworks Manage 2015LayoutRoamerCommands.xml”

There is a good list of the vanilla shortcuts at this post (this is also where Lee mentions RoamerCommands):
Keyboard Shortcuts (Hotkeys) for Autodesk Navisworks – Beyond Design: the Construction and BIM blog

The easiest way to become faster at Revit

Luke Johnson

I’ve been waiting for this!  Keyboard shortcuts can make you ridiculously more productive in any CAD software, and that certainly includes Revit.  Harry has made a little ‘tutor’ program that gives you visual cues on what Keyboard Shortcuts you can and should be using (like Veodin Keyrocket for Windows / Office).

Unfortunately, the full version isn’t free – but I guess the guy has to make a crust somehow 🙂  And I have a feeling that $5 will pay for itself in about half a day of improved productivity.

EDIT: Updated versions 27 Feb 2013
2012 Install 2013 Install Purchase License

Check it out:

“Free version provides reminders for shortcuts that contain the letter “W”. If you find it helpful and want reminders for all shortcuts, please purchase a license. “

Read more:
Download the Revit Keyboard Shortcut Tutor today! | Boost Your BIM – making Revit even better

Location for Revit 2011 KeyboardShortcuts.xml file

Luke Johnson
You want to know where the KeyboardShortcuts.xml file is stored for Revit® 2011 products after customizing keyboard shortcuts…
The KeyboardShortcuts.xml file is stored in the following folder locations.  Substitute the current Windows login name for %username% :

Windows XP
Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011
C:Documents and Settings%username%Local SettingsApplication DataAutodeskRevitAutodesk Revit Architecture 2011

Autodesk Revit Structure 2011
C:Documents and Settings%username%Local SettingsApplication DataAutodeskRevitAutodesk Revit Structure 2011

Autodesk Revit MEP 2011
C:Documents and Settings%username%Local SettingsApplication DataAutodeskRevitAutodesk Revit MEP 2011

Windows Vista & Windows 7
Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011
C:Users%username%AppdatalocalAutodeskRevitAutodesk Revit Architecture 2011

Autodesk Revit Structure 2011
C:Users%username%AppdatalocalAutodeskRevitAutodesk Revit Structure 2011

Autodesk Revit MEP 2011
C:Users%username%AppdatalocalAutodeskRevitAutodesk Revit MEP 2011

From Autodesk Revit Architecture Services & Support

NOTE – this file only appears AFTER modifying the keyboard shortcuts!