Searching for Commands while you Customize SOLIDWORKS 2021

Do you enjoy customizing your shortcuts and toolbars? Then you will love the update to the SOLIDWORKS 2021 Customize Window (found in Tools > Customize).

You can now search for commands by typing it in a search bar under the Shortcut Bars and Commands tabs. Simply type in the name of the command you are searching for and you won’t have to spend time trying to figure out which category it belongs to.

See below of a comparison when searching for the “Delete” command in SOLIDWORKS 2020 and SOLIDWORKS 2021.

Searching for Delete Command in SOLIDWORKS 2020 and Older

Searching for Delete Command in SOLIDWORKS 2021 and Newer

Search for commands in Toolbars

When you search for a command in SOLIDWORKS 2021, sometimes you may not see what you are looking for under “Buttons”. This can happen if your search was simplified or if there are several possibilities for your search. For example, if you were looking for the “Delete Body” command and you only typed “Delete” in the search bar, you will see the “Delete” command under “Buttons” (like seen above). However, if you quickly browse the narrowed down categories in the left pane you will find the “Delete Body” command in the “Features” category (seen below).

Find “Delete Body” under “Features” Category

The more accurate your search term, the less you’ll have to search. Give it a try and start customizing your SOLIDWORKS much more efficiently!

Workaround for Users with SOLIDWORKS 2020 or older!

Users who are using SOLIDWORKS 2020 or older may not be able to search commands in the Customize Window easily but there is a small workaround they can optimize on. With the Customize Window open, search for the desired command in SOLIDWORKS main command search (see below left). You can then click and drag it where you like, command manager, shortcut ‘S’ key, etc. Remember to make sure the SOLIDWORKS search is set to Commands (see bottom right).

SOLIDWORKS 2020 and older Search Commands Workaround

Remember: You can only click and drag as seen above when the Customize Window is open.

Do you want to be more efficient in SOLIDWORKS?

Make sure to check out Essential SOLIDWORKS keyboard shortcuts and How to personalize SOLIDWORKS with a Custom Tab.