Please add to FAQ: Accelerator keys

["Robert Campbell" <rob campbell visto com>]

By searching the archive, I finally learned how to set and customize the accelerator keys for the functions I frequently use.  I can't believe I suffered so long without shortcuts for Modify, Magnify, and Scroll (well, it was only about two weeks).  The technique may be common knowledge on the Linux platform, but it is not on Windows, which I use.  I think many users would appreciate if this was added to the FAQ, maybe in a new User Interface section (I think that the current Using Dia section should focus on creating diagrams).

After learning how to set the accelerator keys, it took me a little while longer to figure out that the commands under the Tools menu corresponded to the icons in the main Dia window.  Before I did, I tried silly things like clicking the Modify icon and pressing 'M' to set its accelerator key.  So either I'm really stupid or this FAQ-worthy, too (I'll let you decide).

As I was writing the FAQ entries below, I decided that Dia should warn the user before inadvertantly overwriting a key assignment that has been made elsewhere.  It doesn't seem like a big deal in Dia (yet), but it would be in the CAD applications I use, which have hundreds of functions.  Just a suggestion.

Here's my take on the FAQ entries.  Do with them as you wish.

Q: How can I set or change an accelerator key for a function in the menu?
A: Highlight the menu item then press the desired key or key-combination.

Q: How do I remove an accelerator key assigned to a function?
A: Highlight the menu item then press the delete key.  If you wish to reassign an accelerator key, it is not necessary to delete the current assignment first.  Simply highlight the new menu item and press the key or key-combination.

Q: How can I set or change an accelerator key for one of the icons in the main window?
A: These functions correspond to the items in the Tools menu.  Set or change their accelerator keys there.

I hope this is helpful.

Thanks for all the hard work on Dia.  I'm finding it very useful.

Sincerely,
Rob Campbell
rob.campbell@visto.com
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