Can I pause a command to initiate a keyboard shortcut

[cory]

I have several keyboard shortcuts that are set for different zoom operations.  I would like to start the line command to create a line, pick a point to start my line and then initiate my keyboard shortcut to zoom in our out etc.  I can zoom in and out and pan around with my mouse but if I try to initiate a command such as "shift z" for zoom extents it just ignores me.  If I am not in the middle of a line command my shortcuts work fine.  Is there a way to start my line command, pick my point or intersection and then pause that command and hit "shift z" to zoom extents without loosing my line? 

[Kent1Cooper · Accepted solution]

If you define your shortcuts to initiate 'Zoom [with the preceding apostrophe, to be "transparent"] commands, they may work, though I haven't tried that by way of keyboard shortcuts, so there could be something about those that doesn't allow that.  It certainly works in other menu-pick instances.

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @cory,

The Apostrophe is the key as Kent1Cooper suggested.

For instance, I start the LINE command and pick the first point. When prompted for the second point I enter 'Zoom and have the option to enter Extents, window, etc. and then it returns to the line command.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[cory]

Thank you guys this works very well...but... does anyone know a way to do this without hitting the apostrophe first.  I would like to be in the middle of my line command and only hit, SHIFT Z, to zoom extents and not lose my line.

[Patchy]

It can be done in CUI with Shift+any F keys with macro :   '_.zoom _e

Why not Double clicks the middle mouse button? it's for zoom extents.

[Kent1Cooper]

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@Anonymous wrote:

... does anyone know a way to do this without hitting the apostrophe first.  I would like to be in the middle of my line command and only hit, SHIFT Z, to zoom extents and not lose my line.

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Something is defining what SHIFT Z invokes.  Get into that definition, and add the apostrophe there.  That's what I meant in Post 2 by "...define your shortcuts to initiate 'Zoom [with the preceding apostrophe, to be "transparent"] commands...."

[Kent1Cooper]

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@Patchy wrote:

.... 

Why not Double clicks the middle mouse button? it's for zoom extents.

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That covers Zoom Extents, but re-read the first sentence in Post 1 -- they have shortcuts for other Zoom operations, too.

[Patchy]

Why don't you try to make Shift+Z  and make it work

The answer is there Shift+ F key

See that answer.

[cory]

I can use the middle mouse button for zoom extents but I have other zoom shortcuts that I would like to work as well.

 I do have something odd happening that I'm not sure is an AutoCad issue or a computer issue.  When I begin a keyboard short cut such as, SHIFT Z, or SHIFT X, etc. I have to press the Z or X very quickly. If I press and hold for any amount of time, even for a second, the function does not work.  I almost have to press SHIFT and hit the letter as fast as I can and it works perfectly.

Weird.... any ideas. 

[cory]

I'm sorry I wasn't quite following you at first the apostrophe is there and it seems to be working well.  I didn't know what you meant by "transparent"

[cory]

I have no idea what your saying

[Patchy]

Shift key+  a letter    NEVER WORK

Using Shift key + the F key WORKS

so go to CUI and do this:

[Kent1Cooper]

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@Anonymous wrote:

....  I didn't know what you meant by "transparent"

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See this [from Help for 2016 but the same is true in other versions] about halfway down under the heading "Interrupt a Command with Another Command or System Variable."  'Zoom is one of those that can be used that way, and 'Layer, and 'Snap, and some others.

[cory]

Patchy 

I see what your saying now.  By F key you mean any of the functions keys.  I thought you literally meant the letter F key.

Thank you for your persistence.

[Patchy]

Sorry about that, the F function keys is what I meant.