How to Use the Hotkey Assistant Widget
Quick answer: The Hotkey Assistant widget shows relevant options and shortcuts at the bottom of the screen while you’re running certain commands, appearing automatically when a supported command starts and disappearing when it ends. It’s on by default. Toggle it globally via the HOTKEYASSISTANT system variable or the HKA button in the Status Bar, or turn it off for specific commands only through its Configuration dialog.
How the Widget Works
When it appears, it has three parts:
- Information: a prompt telling you to press
Ctrlto cycle between the widget’s available options. - Options: the actual choices available, which change depending on which command you’re running.
- Dismiss: closes the widget for that specific run of the command. This doesn’t turn it off permanently, it’ll appear again next time you use a supported command.
Not every command supports it, only certain ones trigger the widget at all.
Turning It On or Off Globally
Either:
- Set the
HOTKEYASSISTANTsystem variable, or - Left-click the HKA button in the Status Bar.
Turning It Off for Specific Commands Only
If you want the widget available for some commands but not others, right-click the HKA button in the Status Bar and choose Configure… to open the Hotkey Assistant Configuration dialog, where you can deactivate or reactivate it per command or action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dismissing the widget turn it off permanently? No. Dismissing only closes it for that one instance; it’ll reappear the next time you use a supported command, unless you turn it off globally or for that specific command through Configuration.
Why doesn’t the widget appear for every command I run? It’s only available for certain supported commands, not a universal feature across all of BricsCAD.
Can I disable the widget for just one or two commands rather than everywhere? Yes, through the Hotkey Assistant Configuration dialog (right-click the HKA button > Configure…), rather than the global on/off toggle.
How do I cycle through the widget’s options? Press Ctrl while it’s active.