Spotlight like command access

[Anonymous]

If you use a Mac, you probably use "Command + Spacebar" all the time. Simple hit it, spotlight pops open in the top right corner, and start typing. (I know Windows 8 has similar behavior for the windows key) This quick ability to launch apps and find things is so crucial for working quickly. 

Competing CAD programs (both Rhino and Blender) to Fusion 360 have something similar for commands. Again - this is a huge workflow boon. The ideal case, in my opinion, would be to have all features named as strings and available from a search command area. This would make it extremely fast to do tasks without needing to move one's mouse around and click on things. 

[roambotics_scott]

I love this and anything else that speeds access to repetitive (or one-off) tasks.

[haughec]

Thanks for the request, Jeff.  I agree that this would add value.  A few clarifying questions:

From your use of Spotlight (or similar search behavior in other systems/applications), would you use this type of search to access/invoke known commands, or would you use it strictly to locate commands that you couldn't find?  I'm really asking if this is a potential alternative to keyboard shortcuts to access commands.

On one hand, pressing the "C" key to immediately invoke the Circle command could be very efficient.  Alternatively, if you pressed the "C" key are were presented with a list of commands beginning with C (Circle, Copy, etc), you could access more commands, but would have to select one or press enter to invoke them - more capable, but slightly less efficient.  Which would you (and others) prefer?

Thanks again,

Charles

[Anonymous]

Invoke known commands. These are the commands I usually *frequently* and so quick access is especially important for them. I just google if I don't know how to do something - with Google I can use my language to describe it. 

Keyboard shortcuts are nice - but they aren't very flexible. Let's assume that Google has done a ton of research on this matter and look at how they do autocomplete. When you start typing - it starts finishing what you are typing by guessing based on things like search frequency, global popularity, etc. It also shows you a lot of options below of what you might be searching for. To get to those you press the down arrow until the option you want is highlighted, and then you press enter to search that query or in our case active that command. 

So in this Example, when you press C it should autocomplete:

Circle - Center Diamater

Circle - 2 point

Circle - 3 point

Cylinder

Coil

Create Form

Chamfer

Change Parameters

etc

Each letter you type filters down the options. 

Does that make sense?

[haughec]

Yes, that definitely makes sense.  Thanks for the thorough response.  We're looking into keyboard shortcuts (and other ways to access commands) now.  I'll share more insight as the project progresses.

Charles

[schneik-adsk]

This was added as part of your November 2015 update. Thanks for your suggestions.

Press "s" then start typing the command you want.