Panning and Orbiting: I HATE IT!

[WFTDesign]

Okay, I am reading a book how to use Revit, lots of features are COOL. I am sure I will use Revit so on.

But there are two tiny things- I HATE it!  Okay, that is Panning and Orbiting. My understanding is that I have to hold down the mouse wheel to pan or orbit, I don't like it because I may have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. That is not good for my wrists. 

So, on AutoCAD Architecture 2017, I use AutoLISP short-cut command for Pan and Orbit. It works great because it balanced between using left wrist and right wrist. But to hold down the mouse wheel, I am concerned it may cause CTS.

Any idea of having keyboard shortcuts for Pan and Orbit? 

[ToanDN]

I don't think Revit support that.  Have you looked at any ergonomic mouse or joystick?

[WFTDesign]

It looks like I would have to hold down the mouse wheel. Is there any alternative to that? I don't count the ergonomic mouse because it looks like STILL holding down. That would be to suggest that I wish I could create shortcut. It works well on AutoCAD Architecture and SketchUp, but not Revit???

[Viveka_CD · Accepted solution]

Hi @WFTDesign

Revit uses the F8 key to Dynamically Modify View (3D Orbit)

We do have an option to assign a keyboard shortcut for the PAN but looks like you have to still hold down the mouse button. See image below -

If you are looking for an alternative then I suggest taking a look at the Spacemouse by 3DConnection HERE

I just tried the space navigator link HERE and the 3D orbit works cool!

Here is an image from the settings:

I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for, but I hope this alternative might help take care of the wrist.

Also please read Luke Johnson's review about the CAD mouse for REVIT HERE

As suggested by @Lance.Coffey you could try to re-map the middle mouse button to another key which may require a 3rd party plugin. See HERE

Please check a similar discussion in one of our threads HERE

I am reaching out to the API team on the short key configuration for Revit and will keep you posted for an update. 

Please mark this response as "Accept as Solution" if it answers your question. Kudos gladly accepted.

Best Regards,

[RobDraw]

Preventing RMS is not as much about the mouse and buttons but more about doing proper ergonomic exercises at regular intervals. I had a pretty severe bout quite a few years ago and what helped the most was doing stretches regularly throughout the day. Especially making it a point to get up from the chair and stretch my back.

[Viveka_CD]

Thanks @RobDraw

Thanks for the suggestion! I guess ergonomic exercises especially for the hand are a must for every user who works long hours on the computer.

Here's what I found and wanted to share this with the community:

Best Regards,

[erin.holdenriedSRA7W]

Yes, we need help on this ASAP.  My job depends on it.  I am developing carpal tunnel from holding down left and scroll buttons all day in Revit.  Need a keyboard options ASAP!

[RobDraw]

Just because you need it doesn't mean that you will get it. You should probably explore some of the other methods of navigating the model. Scroll bars and the view cube are good alternatives. 

[mhiserZFHXS]

I would certainly think Autodesk could add an option to add a keyboard option to press and hold for panning/rotating.

But also, you could get a new mouse and keyboard that allows for more customization. You could then reprogram a key on your keyboard to act as clicking your mouse wheel.

[erin.holdenriedSRA7W]

I have been researching mice and not really have much luck . . . It seems that the middle click and left click functions of a mouse are not usually available to assign to other mouse buttons (like side buttons if it has it) or keyboard keys.   That is the case for the Logi Lift mouse I bought recently (and will likely return).  I also ordered a 3D Connexion CAD mouse.  But, I have a feeling I will have the same problem.

[mhiserZFHXS]

Razer mice and keyboards have this functionality for sure, as I use them. I don't know about other products, but I would assume others can.