Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

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FreeHand is a very adaptable program that makes it easy for you to learn and use efficiently. If you have various artists using the same computer, each one can have a personal keyboard shortcut set up, so everyone can be comfortable while working. (This has to be just about my favorite feature of the program.) Go to Edit ® Keyboard Shortcuts (Figure 5-12). The panel provides access to nearly every tool, so you can place any keyboard shortcut you want on it. Keyboard Shortcuts Setting menu contains a list of 10 (Windows) or 14 (Macintosh) programs that enable you to choose keyboard shortcuts from other programs. So, for instance, if you are experienced in Illustrator or CorelDRAW, you can choose those keyboard shortcut settings and be right at home. I type on a DVORAK keyboard layout, so my keys are in a different arrangement from that on the QWERTY keyboard. Macromedia FreeHand's custom shortcuts let me put my odd fingerings into use, so I can work quickly and easily. I save the settings with a unique name by clicking the plus sign to the left of the shortcut name text box and move them from computer to computer as I switch platforms and machines.

Figure 5-12: Make your own custom keyboard shortcuts in this panel.

If you use one particular tool more than any other tool, or possibly you don't like stretching for a Control+U (Command+U) keyboard shortcut, change it! Make up something that's easy for you to remember, and use it.

The same panel contains the Toolbars tab, which contains the icons that represent various tools and functions. All you need to do is find the tool/icon you want and drag the icon onto the toolbar. You can remove icons you don't use by dragging them off the toolbar, and you can rearrange icons to suit your working style. Closing this panel applies the shortcuts and menu items immediately, and they remain in effect the next time the program is started.

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