Shortcuts

AutoCAD Ctrl+Shift+h Shortcut :Toggle Hide pallets

If you need a clear, step‑by‑step guide to using the CTRL+SHIFT+H shortcut in AutoCAD — what it does, how to use it, why it may sometimes not work, and practical alternatives — this guide covers everything a beginner needs to know.

What is the Ctrl+Shift+H shortcut?

Ctrl+Shift+H is commonly used in AutoCAD to toggle the visibility of UI palettes (hide or show palettes). Depending on your AutoCAD version, workspace, or custom settings, this key combination may be mapped to hide/show palettes (for example, Tool Palettes, properties, or other floating palettes) or it may be unassigned by default.

Important related default shortcuts you should know:

  • Ctrl+1 — open/close the Properties palette
  • Ctrl+3 — open/close Tool Palettes
  • Ctrl+0 — clean screen (hide most UI elements temporarily)

Quick explanation (how it works)

  • Press Ctrl+Shift+H to toggle (hide or show) the palettes that are currently visible in your drawing window.
  • If nothing happens, the shortcut may be unassigned, overridden, or intercepted by another application or OS shortcut.
  • In many cases the shortcut is simply a convenience wrapper for commands such as TOOLPALETTES, PROPERTIES, or workspace-specific UI toggles.
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How to use Ctrl+Shift+H — Step by step

Basic usage

  1. Make sure AutoCAD is the active window (click inside the drawing area).
  2. Press Ctrl+Shift+H once.
    • If mapped, palettes will hide (if they were visible) or show (if they were hidden).
  3. Repeat to toggle back.

Observe what changes

  • Before: palettes (e.g., Tool Palettes, Properties, or custom floating palettes) are visible and may occupy screen space.
  • After: those palettes are hidden, giving you a larger drawing area.

How to check or assign Ctrl+Shift+H in CUI (Customize user interface)

If Ctrl+Shift+H doesn’t work, you can check and assign it in the CUI:

  1. Type CUI and press Enter.
  2. In the Customize User Interface dialog, expand keyboard shortcuts → Shortcut Keys.
  3. Look for an entry bound to Ctrl+Shift+H.
    • If found, check the Command or Macro assigned.
  4. To create or reassign:
    • Right‑click Shortcut Keys → New Shortcut Key.
    • In Properties set Keys to Ctrl+Shift+H.
    • Assign a Command or Macro. Example macro to toggle tool palettes:
      • Macro: ^C^CTOOLPALETTES
      • (The ^C^C cancels any running command before executing.)
    • Click Apply and OK.
  5. Test the shortcut in the drawing window.

Note: you can assign a different macro to hide/show specific palettes if you prefer.

Alternative methods to hide/show palettes

  • Use built‑in shortcuts:
    • Ctrl+1 — toggle Properties palette
    • Ctrl+3 — toggle Tool Palettes
    • Ctrl+0 — Clean Screen to hide most UI elements
  • Type commands at the command line:
    • TOOLPALETTES — opens/closes Tool Palettes
    • PROPERTIES — opens the Properties palette
    • RIBBON or RIBBONCLOSE — open/close the ribbon
    • CLEANSCREENON / CLEANSCREENOFF
  • Use the View tab / Workspace Controls:
    • Switch workspace or use the View → Palettes menus to show/hide specific UI panels.
  • Use the status bar / right‑click context menus to enable/disable palettes.
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Why Ctrl+Shift+H may not work (common causes) and fixes

  • Shortcut not assigned or removed

    • Fix: Reassign in CUI following steps above.

  • Conflicting application or OS shortcut

    • Fix: Close background apps (e.g., screen recorders, chat apps) that may intercept the keys, or change the shortcut in AutoCAD CUI.

  • Different workspace or custom profile

    • Fix: Switch to a known workspace (e.g., Drafting & Annotation) or reset your AutoCAD profile to default via Options → Profiles.

  • Keyboard layout differences (language/region)

    • Fix: Ensure the correct input language is active, or use another shortcut you assign in CUI.

  • Corrupted CUI or profile

    • Fix: Reset AutoCAD to default settings or import a clean CUI/profile backup.

  • AutoCAD running with limited permissions (rare)

    • Fix: Run AutoCAD as administrator temporarily to test; if that helps, investigate permissions and company IT policies.

  • Macro or command referenced by the shortcut no longer exists

    • Fix: Recreate a valid macro that calls a standard command (for example, ^C^CTOOLPALETTES).

Practical tips and best practices

  • If you frequently hide and show specific palettes, create a custom shortcut in CUI for exactly that palette (e.g., only Tool Palettes).
  • Use Ctrl+0 (Clean Screen) for quick, temporary full-screen drawing.
  • Save and export your customized CUI and workspace so you can restore your shortcuts on another machine.
  • Add a small overlay or tooltip in your workspace documentation for teammates to learn your custom shortcuts.
  • If you work across multiple AutoCAD versions, test what the shortcut does in each version as defaults can vary.

FAQ

What exactly does Ctrl+Shift+H toggle in AutoCAD?

It commonly toggles the visibility of palettes (hide or show UI palettes). The exact behavior can vary by AutoCAD version, workspace, or custom CUI settings.

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My Ctrl+Shift+H does nothing — what should I try first?

First, click inside the AutoCAD window and press Ctrl+Shift+H again. If still nothing, check CUI → Keyboard Shortcuts to see whether the key combo is assigned. Also verify no other application is intercepting the keys.

How can I make Ctrl+Shift+H hide only the Tool Palettes?

Open CUI, create a new Shortcut Key, set Keys to Ctrl+Shift+H and set the Macro to: ^C^CTOOLPALETTES. Apply and test.

Is there a default built‑in command that hides all UI elements?

Yes — Ctrl+0 toggles Clean Screen, which hides most UI elements to maximize drawing area. You can also use CLEANSCREENON and CLEANSCREENOFF.

Can I have different shortcuts for Different workspaces?

Yes. Shortcuts are part of the CUI and can be adjusted per workspace configuration. Save separate CUI/workspace profiles for different workflow setups.

Does Mac AutoCAD use the same Ctrl+Shift+H shortcut?

No. Keyboard shortcuts and modifier keys differ between Windows and Mac AutoCAD. Check Mac-specific documentation or the AutoCAD for Mac shortcut editor.

How do I export my custom shortcuts to another computer?

Export your CUI file (Customize → Transfer tab or Export in the CUI dialog) and import it on the target machine. Also export workspace settings if needed.

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