Can I Assign Actions To Non-function Keys In Illustrator CS6?

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Introduction

Adobe Illustrator CS6 is a powerful vector graphics editor that offers a wide range of features and tools for creating professional-grade designs. One of the key features of Illustrator is its ability to customize and personalize the user experience through the use of keyboard shortcuts and actions. However, by default, Illustrator only allows users to assign actions to the function keys (F1-F12). But what if you want to assign actions to keys in different locations on the keyboard? Is this possible in Illustrator CS6? In this article, we will explore the possibilities of assigning actions to non-function keys in Illustrator CS6.

Understanding Keyboard Shortcuts in Illustrator

Before we dive into the details of assigning actions to non-function keys, it's essential to understand how keyboard shortcuts work in Illustrator. Keyboard shortcuts are a way to perform specific actions or tasks using a combination of keys on the keyboard. In Illustrator, keyboard shortcuts can be assigned to various actions, such as creating new shapes, selecting tools, and applying effects. By default, Illustrator comes with a set of pre-defined keyboard shortcuts that can be accessed by pressing the function keys (F1-F12).

Assigning Actions to Non-Function Keys

While Illustrator does not allow users to assign actions to non-function keys directly, there is a workaround that can be used to achieve this. The workaround involves using the "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" feature in Illustrator, which allows users to assign actions to custom keyboard shortcuts. To access this feature, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the "Edit" menu and select "Keyboard Shortcuts" from the drop-down menu.
  2. In the "Keyboard Shortcuts" dialog box, select the "Assign" tab.
  3. Click on the "New Shortcut" button to create a new custom keyboard shortcut.
  4. In the "New Shortcut" dialog box, select the action you want to assign to the custom keyboard shortcut.
  5. Click on the "Assign" button to assign the action to the custom keyboard shortcut.

Using the "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" Feature

Once you have created a custom keyboard shortcut, you can use it to perform the assigned action. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the "Edit" menu and select "Keyboard Shortcuts" from the drop-down menu.
  2. In the "Keyboard Shortcuts" dialog box, select the "Assign" tab.
  3. Click on the custom keyboard shortcut you created earlier.
  4. Press the key combination assigned to the custom keyboard shortcut to perform the assigned action.

Using Scripts to Assign Actions to Non-Function Keys

Another way to assign actions to non-function keys in Illustrator is by using scripts. Scripts are a way to automate tasks and actions in Illustrator using a programming language called JavaScript. To use scripts to assign actions to non-function keys, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the "File" menu and select "Scripts" from the drop-down menu.
  2. In the "Scripts" dialog box, select the "New Script" button to create a new script.
  3. In the "New Script" dialog box, select the action you want to assign to the non-function key.
  4. Use the JavaScript code to assign the action to the non-function key.
  5. Save the script and run it in Illustrator.

Example Script to Assign Action to Non-Function Key

Here is an example script that assigns the action of creating a new rectangle to the "Ctrl+Shift+R" key combination:

// Create a new rectangle
function createRectangle() {
  var doc = app.activeDocument;
  var rect = doc.pathItems.rectangle(100, 100, 200, 200);
}

// Assign the action to the "Ctrl+Shift+R" key combination
app.keyAssignments.add( key "Ctrl+Shift+R", action: "createRectangle" );

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Illustrator does not allow users to assign actions to non-function keys directly, there are workarounds that can be used to achieve this. The "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" feature can be used to create custom keyboard shortcuts, and scripts can be used to assign actions to non-function keys. By using these workarounds, users can customize and personalize their Illustrator experience to suit their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Can I assign actions to non-function keys in Illustrator CS6? A: Yes, you can assign actions to non-function keys in Illustrator CS6 by using the "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" feature or by using scripts.
  • Q: How do I create a custom keyboard shortcut in Illustrator? A: To create a custom keyboard shortcut in Illustrator, go to the "Edit" menu and select "Keyboard Shortcuts" from the drop-down menu. In the "Keyboard Shortcuts" dialog box, select the "Assign" tab and click on the "New Shortcut" button.
  • Q: How do I use scripts to assign actions to non-function keys in Illustrator? A: To use scripts to assign actions to non-function keys in Illustrator, go to the "File" menu and select "Scripts" from the drop-down menu. In the "Scripts" dialog box, select the "New Script" button to create a new script.

Additional Resources

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the possibilities of assigning actions to non-function keys in Illustrator CS6. We discussed the workarounds that can be used to achieve this, including the "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" feature and scripts. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about assigning actions to non-function keys in Illustrator CS6.

Q&A

Q: Can I assign actions to non-function keys in Illustrator CS6?

A: Yes, you can assign actions to non-function keys in Illustrator CS6 by using the "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" feature or by using scripts.

Q: How do I create a custom keyboard shortcut in Illustrator?

A: To create a custom keyboard shortcut in Illustrator, go to the "Edit" menu and select "Keyboard Shortcuts" from the drop-down menu. In the "Keyboard Shortcuts" dialog box, select the "Assign" tab and click on the "New Shortcut" button.

Q: How do I use scripts to assign actions to non-function keys in Illustrator?

A: To use scripts to assign actions to non-function keys in Illustrator, go to the "File" menu and select "Scripts" from the drop-down menu. In the "Scripts" dialog box, select the "New Script" button to create a new script.

Q: Can I assign actions to multiple keys at the same time?

A: Yes, you can assign actions to multiple keys at the same time by using the "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" feature. To do this, select the "Assign" tab in the "Keyboard Shortcuts" dialog box and click on the "New Shortcut" button. In the "New Shortcut" dialog box, select the action you want to assign and click on the "Assign" button. Then, select the keys you want to assign the action to and click on the "OK" button.

Q: Can I assign actions to keys that are not on the standard keyboard layout?

A: Yes, you can assign actions to keys that are not on the standard keyboard layout by using the "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" feature. To do this, select the "Assign" tab in the "Keyboard Shortcuts" dialog box and click on the "New Shortcut" button. In the "New Shortcut" dialog box, select the action you want to assign and click on the "Assign" button. Then, select the key you want to assign the action to and click on the "OK" button.

Q: Can I assign actions to keys that are not on the keyboard at all?

A: No, you cannot assign actions to keys that are not on the keyboard at all. The "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" feature only allows you to assign actions to keys that are on the standard keyboard layout.

Q: Can I assign actions to keys that are already assigned to other actions?

A: Yes, you can assign actions to keys that are already assigned to other actions by using the "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" feature. To do this, select the "Assign" tab in the "Keyboard Shortcuts" dialog box and click on the "New Shortcut" button. In the "New Shortcut" dialog box, select the action you want to assign and click on the "Assign" button. Then, select the key you want to assign the action to and on the "OK" button. If the key is already assigned to another action, you will be prompted to choose which action to assign to the key.

Q: Can I assign actions to keys that are not available in the "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" feature?

A: Yes, you can assign actions to keys that are not available in the "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" feature by using scripts. To do this, go to the "File" menu and select "Scripts" from the drop-down menu. In the "Scripts" dialog box, select the "New Script" button to create a new script. Then, use the JavaScript code to assign the action to the key.

Conclusion

In conclusion, assigning actions to non-function keys in Illustrator CS6 is possible by using the "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" feature or by using scripts. We hope this Q&A article has helped to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about assigning actions to non-function keys in Illustrator CS6.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Can I assign actions to non-function keys in Illustrator CS6? A: Yes, you can assign actions to non-function keys in Illustrator CS6 by using the "Assign Keyboard Shortcut" feature or by using scripts.
  • Q: How do I create a custom keyboard shortcut in Illustrator? A: To create a custom keyboard shortcut in Illustrator, go to the "Edit" menu and select "Keyboard Shortcuts" from the drop-down menu. In the "Keyboard Shortcuts" dialog box, select the "Assign" tab and click on the "New Shortcut" button.
  • Q: How do I use scripts to assign actions to non-function keys in Illustrator? A: To use scripts to assign actions to non-function keys in Illustrator, go to the "File" menu and select "Scripts" from the drop-down menu. In the "Scripts" dialog box, select the "New Script" button to create a new script.

Related Articles

  • Can I Assign Actions to Non-Function Keys in Illustrator CS6?
  • How to Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts in Illustrator CS6
  • How to Use Scripts to Assign Actions to Non-Function Keys in Illustrator CS6