How do I customize my keyboard shortcuts?

This article outlines how to change shortcuts in the software. If you are looking for commonly used shortcuts, see Commonly used keyboard shortcuts in Harmony.

Step 1: Open the Keyboard Shortcuts window

1. In the top menu, do one of the following:
   • In Windows, click Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts…
   • In macOS click Harmony Premium/Advanced/Essentials > Keyboard Shortcuts…
2. The Keyboard Shortcuts dialog box opens: 

Step 2: Find the function you want to assign a shortcut to

To find the function you want to adjust, do one of the following:

• In the left-hand window of the dialog box, use the dropdown arrows next to the category names to find the function.

• In the right-hand side of the dialog box, underneath the Search field, select Name and type the name of the function in the Search field. Use the arrow keys to jump through similarly named functions until you find the one you need.

• In the right-hand side of the dialog box, underneath the Search field, select Shortcut and type the current shortcut of the function in the Search field. Use the arrow keys to jump through functions until you find the one you need.

Step 3: Clear the current shortcut

Once you’ve found the function you want to adjust, do the following to clear the current shortcut. If there is no shortcut, continue to Step 4.

1. Select the function so that it is highlighted in blue.
2. In the right-hand side of the dialog box, find the ‘Press Shortcut Key’ section. You should see the currently selected shortcut displayed.

3. Remove the shortcut by clicking on the Clear button.

Step 4: Assign a new shortcut

To assign a new shortcut, do the following:

1. With the function still selected, insert the new keyboard shortcut in the text field. Do this by pressing all necessary buttons at once. 

2. If there are no other functions with that shortcut, it will be automatically assigned. If the shortcut is shared with other functions, you will see a warning window appear which lists the functions that share the shortcut.

3. Choose one of the following options:
   • Replace: Remove the shortcut from the other functions and apply it only to the current one.
   • Duplicate: Keep the shortcut for the other functions and apply it to the current one as well. Keep in mind that this is not recommended if the functions are used in the same workspace or view.
   • Cancel: Cancel the assignment and choose to leave the function without a new shortcut, or apply a different shortcut by following the same process from Step 3.
4. If the function had no shortcut, or you chose to replace or duplicate the shortcut, the keyboard shortcut will be adjusted for the selected function.
5. Press OK in the Keyboard Shortcuts dialog box to save the changes.

Q&A 

Question: 

Once I’ve changed my keyboard shortcuts, can I export them for reuse on other systems or in new versions?

Answers: 

When using new versions on the same computer system, the software will prompt you on its first opening, asking if you would like to transfer the preferences and shortcuts from the previous installation.

If you miss this prompt, or want to transfer to another system, see How can I save and import my preferences, settings and presets for use on another device/version?