hotkey

Go to: Synopsis. Flags. Return value. MEL examples.

Synopsis

hotkey [-altModifier] [-autoSave boolean] [-commandModifier] [-ctrlModifier] [-factorySettings] [-isModifier] [-keyShortcut string] [-name string] [-optionModifier] [-pressCommandRepeat] [-releaseCommandRepeat] [-releaseName string] [-sourceUserHotkeys]

hotkey is undoable, queryable, and editable.

Flags

Long name (short name)	[argument types]	Properties
-altModifier(-alt)
-optionModifier(-opt)
The Alt key (or the option key on a Macintosh) must be pressed to get the hotkey. These two flags may be used interchangeably. Note that if menu item accelerator keys are being used (menuItem -ke/keyEquivalent), then the accelerator key settings override the hotkey settings.
-ctrlModifier(-ctl)
The Ctrl key must be pressed to get the hotkey. Note that if menu item accelerator keys are being used (menuItem -ke/keyEquivalent), then the accelerator key settings override the hotkey settings. In query mode, this flag needs a value.
-commandModifier(-cmd)
The Command key must be pressed to get the hotkey. This is only available on systems which have a separate command key. Note that if menu item accelerator keys are being used (menuItem -ke/keyEquivalent), then the accelerator key settings override the hotkey settings.
-isModifier(-mod)
The hotkey is a modifier itself.
-keyShortcut(-k)	string
Specify what key is being set. The key must be either a single ascii character (capital and lowercase can be set independently) or one of the keyword strings for the special keyboard characters. The valid keywords are: Up, Down, Right, Left, Home, End, Page_Up, Page_Down, Insert Return, Space F1 to F12
-name(-n)	string
The name of the namedCommand object that will be executed when the key is pressed. In query mode, this flag needs a value.
-releaseName(-rn)	string
The name of the namedCommand object that will be executed when the key is released. In query mode, this flag needs a value.
-autoSave(-as)	boolean
If set to true then the hotkeys will always be saved when you quit. If false then the hotkeys are not saved unless "savePrefs -hotkeys" is used.
-factorySettings(-fs)
Resets the hotkeys back to the initial defaults.
-sourceUserHotkeys(-suh)
This command reads the userHotkey file
-pressCommandRepeat(-pcr)
Specify true and the command may be repeated by executing the command repeatLast. This flag is false by default.
-releaseCommandRepeat(-rcr)
Specify true and the command may be repeated by executing the command repeatLast. This flag is false by default.

Flag can appear in Create mode of command	Flag can appear in Edit mode of command
Flag can appear in Query mode of command	Flag can be used more than once in a command

Return value

MEL examples

// Here's an example of how to create a namedCommand
// object and then map it to a key.
//
nameCommand
    -annotation "Select Circle Tool"
    -command "setToolTo circleContext"
    circleToolNamedCommand;
hotkey -k "F5" -alt -name "circleToolNamedCommand";


// Here are more examples of how to use the hotkey command.
//
hotkey -k "d" -name "Delete_Command";
hotkey -k "d" -name "";  // unsets the above command

hotkey -k "d" -name "Delete_Command";
hotkey -k "d" -releaseName "After_Delete_Command";
hotkey -k "d" -name "";         //only unsets the key press name
hotkey -k "d" -releaseName "";  //only unsets the key release name
hotkey -k "d" -n "" -rn "";     //unsets both the key press and release name

//    Determine if a command is attached to either the press or release
//    of the "z" hotkey.
//
hotkey -query z;

//    Likewise, for the modified variations of the "z" key.
//
hotkey -query -alt z;
hotkey -query -ctl z;
hotkey -query -alt -ctl z;

//    Determine the press command attached to the "z" key.
//
hotkey -query -name z;

//    To query the "-" hotkey use the string "Dash" instead.
//
hotkey -query Dash;