Tip #11
Using keyboard shortcuts
A quick comment first for Macintosh users. The concept of keyboard shortcuts is found in both the Windows and Macintosh versions of Dreamweaver. The specific commands shown may not be the same for a Macintosh. As you work with menus in either version, you can see the shortcuts referenced there for some of the actions. Plus there is a separate document from the Macromedia site, referenced below, for Macintosh shortcuts.
As you have seen already, actions are selected from menus and special windows, like inserting a non-breaking space. However, Macromedia has assigned many actions to keyboard commands, which are often faster to use as you become more familiar with the program. As you type you can use these keyboard commands, rather than having to stop and use the mouse to pick options from menus.
- Control+W to close a document
- Control+N to open a new document
- Control+Z to undo the last action
- Control+L to create a hyperlink on selected text
If you want, you can go to this website: www.macromedia.com/support/dreamweaver/documentation/dwmx_shortcuts/ to download a printable Quick Reference card of the keyboard shortcuts for Dreamweaver. Both of these cards are for the 2004 release, and there is no reference there for the older release. However, keyboard commands don't seem to be changed from version to version.
Download the Windows Dreamweaver MX Quick Reference PDF (88K)
Download the Macintosh Dreamweaver MX Quick Reference PDF (88K)
Pick the option you prefer.
These are zipped files you will have to unzip on your local computer.
You can also use the Keyboard Shortcut Editor to create your own shortcut keys, edit existing shortcuts, or use the predetermined shortcut sets. To access the Keyboard Shortcut Editor, pick Edit on the menu bar, then Keyboard shortcuts.
To read more about editing the keyboard shortcuts, using the shortcut editor, go to Help on the menu bar, then Using Dreamweaver and select the button of Search on the left panel that appears. Search for topics that deal with keyboard shortcut editor and display the resulting topics.
These tips are created as part of a class on Dreamweaver Basics.