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F1-help to open in my default browser instead of AutoCAD's window

M1k3y2014
Advocate

F1-help to open in my default browser instead of AutoCAD's window

M1k3y2014
Advocate
Advocate

When pressing F1 in Revit it opens the help in my default browser, but in AutoCAD in its own "window".

I don't know if I've changed that in Revit at some point, but as it works like that in all Revits I have I assume it is set like that by default, and now I'd like to set the same to work like that in AutoCAD.

 

This for general navigation to see the URL for example.

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paullimapa
Mentor
Mentor

Though Revit Help opens in a web browser there does not seem to be an option to do this in AutoCAD. But instead for AutoCAD help opens in an AutoCAD window 


Paul Li
IT Specialist
@The Office
Apps & Publications | Video Demos
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Michiel.Valcke
Advisor
Advisor

It takes a little bit of work in the CUI, but this is possible,

First create a new command, give it a name and use the following command macro 
^C^CSTART;https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2024/ENU/;

MichielValcke_0-1712318885195.png

Save your changes 
Then add the command to the keyboard shortcut list by dragging it from the command list to the keyboard shortcut list.

MichielValcke_1-1712318973636.png

Select the new command in the shortcut list and change it's associated key in the right window

MichielValcke_2-1712319110493.png

click on the F1 button when you see this window

MichielValcke_3-1712319151099.png

click on ok, save your changes and exit the CUI dialog box.


Press F1, you'll still see a window appear (in a flash) but it will close, and your browser will open and show the online help files. 
You can do this with any URL.

Kent1Cooper
Consultant
Consultant

It's not invoked via F1, but I just have a CAD pull-down list in my browser Favorites bar, with the website help links for various versions, this Forum, etc.  On-line Help for Acad2025 is >here<.  Just change the 2025 part to the version(s) you need -- they're all otherwise the same string, at least as far back as 2020.

 

Kent Cooper, AIA
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pendean
Community Legend
Community Legend

@Kent1Cooper wrote:

...they're all otherwise the same string, at least as far back as 2020.

 


I got back to 2015 before it changed https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2015/ENU/

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paullimapa
Mentor
Mentor

@Michiel.Valcke suggested method is excellent.

To prevent the flash you can also use this for the macro:

^C^Cbrowser;https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2020/ENU/;

FYI: This does not prevent Ribbon Menu F1 key from still opening the built-in AutoCAD window for Help.


Paul Li
IT Specialist
@The Office
Apps & Publications | Video Demos
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