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spencerg58082985
Participating Frequently
January 15, 2022
Answered

Character Style Shortcut question

  • January 15, 2022
  • 2 replies
  • 551 views

Hello all.  Long time user, first time poster. 

 

Can anyone tell me how I can set my character style shortcut to work the top of numbers?  Right now, CMD+1 is my shortcut, but it only works with the 1 on the keypad to the right (Monterey 12.01, desktop, normal wireless Mac keyboard).  I am formatting a very long directory file and to be able to use the 1 on the top row of number keys would save a lot of time (as it's an easy, one-handed move) compared to using two hands to work with the 1 on the number pad.  I know it sounds rediculous, but it would be a huge time-saver for me.  I've looked into turning the number pad off and had no luck figuring that out as well as maybe swapping key functions. 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!  

 

Thank you very much.

 

Spencer.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Dave Creamer of IDEAS

I remember only being able to use a Modifier key (Cmd, Option, Shift) and a numeric keyboard number...

 

However, on my Mac laptop, I was able to assign Cmd-Opt-A and it worked with one hand. The trick is to find either an unassigned kb shortcut OR remove the shortcut from something you don't use. (I tried Cmd-, [comma]. I removed the kb shortcut from Object Editing > Decrease by 1%.)

 

I don't know if the ability to use any kb shortcut is a new feature or not since I use the numeric kb by habit. I don't think it would have anything to do with not having an extended keyboard attached. 

2 replies

Dave Creamer of IDEAS
Community Expert
Dave Creamer of IDEASCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
January 16, 2022

I remember only being able to use a Modifier key (Cmd, Option, Shift) and a numeric keyboard number...

 

However, on my Mac laptop, I was able to assign Cmd-Opt-A and it worked with one hand. The trick is to find either an unassigned kb shortcut OR remove the shortcut from something you don't use. (I tried Cmd-, [comma]. I removed the kb shortcut from Object Editing > Decrease by 1%.)

 

I don't know if the ability to use any kb shortcut is a new feature or not since I use the numeric kb by habit. I don't think it would have anything to do with not having an extended keyboard attached. 

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
    S
    spencerg58082985Author
    Participating Frequently
    January 16, 2022

    Thank you Creamer Training as well for your insight.

     

    I've been fiddling around and ended up doing exactly what you had suggested - removing the current CMD+1 function (I believe it was View at Full Scale or something along those lines) and then reassigning CMD+1 to my Character Style... and it works!  The odd thing was that prior to this, the shortcut I had assigned was aslo CMD+1, but before I removed the function listed above, the shortcut only worked with the 1 on the number pad... a two-hand process (hopefully that makes sense).  So now, I was able to create a new set of saved shortcuts and am reassining the Character Styles and shortcuts that I use to the left side of the keyboard.  Once this project is over and I hopefully start to get mobility back in my right hand, I can switch back to the default (and probably make a few adjustments now that I am more aware). 

     

    I appreciate the help and hope you have a great weekend!  Cheers!

     

    Spencer. 

     

     

    James Gifford—NitroPress
    James Gifford—NitroPress
    Legend
    January 15, 2022

    I am pretty sure ID only supports shortcut keys using one of the shift keys, and not any native keys. At least, I've never been able to map a shortcut to a single key under Windows and I don't think the Mac implementation is any different in that respect.

     

    I can, however, use a Logitech macro keyboard to do anything key related, and assign some clumsy shortcut (Ctrl+EQUALS, for example) to one macro key. Perhaps a software or OS level macro utility can do what you're seeking. (Although I also recommend hard-key macro keyboards whenever one is available... they open up so many possibilities for quick UI automation!)

      S
      spencerg58082985Author
      Participating Frequently
      January 16, 2022

      Thank you for your reply NitroPress.  I appreciate the insight.

       

      Looking into it some more, I believe your are correct.  And in case my question was vague, I am just looking to replace the 1 on the numerpad (right side of the keyboard) with the 1 on the top row of my keyboard.  I appreciate that the shortcut needs to include the CMD or SHFT key paired with a number or letter, I just was curious if the InDesign Chararater Style shortcuts are limited to the numbers on the pad.  And it would seem like they are.  Having one good hand and one with limited mobility, I wish I was able to set up shortcuts for this project that are on the same side of the keyboard (left preferrably). 

       

      Thank you again for your reponse.  With my limited knowledge as far shortcuts and remapping keys, I just wanted to make sure I was going to put in a lot of time and effort that could've been saved by asking for help.  I am going to look into the macros here and I will follow up if I am able to figure out a solution.  I'm guessing there are plenty of folks out there that, for one reason or another, are using InDesign with an injury or disability.

       

      Thanks again NitroPress.  Have a great weekend.

       

      Spencer. 

       

       

      James Gifford—NitroPress
      James Gifford—NitroPress
      Legend
      January 16, 2022

      I think other keys (besides NumPad and top row numbers) can be used for character and paragraph shortcuts; I have a variety of shortcuts I've used (Ctrl+W, Ctrl+F12) in various projects with repetitive style needs. (Again, under Windows; Mac systems are exactly the same until they suddenly aren't in surprising ways!)

       

      I do a lot of keyboard optimization for other purposes. With your needs, you might want to look into a keyboard that supports hardware macros; being able to tap keys over on the left side can cut a lot of effort, even when it's just for lazy users like myself. 🙂

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