If you’re a Dorico user, you know how important it is to work efficiently. Customizing key commands is one way to tailor your workflow and save time. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the steps for customizing Dorico key commands, along with examples of some key commands I’ve set up to streamline my own process. At the end of this post, you’ll find a link to a video demonstration where I go through these steps in real-time. Feel free to leave a comment or question below.

Getting Started with Key Command Customization

To customize key commands in Dorico, start by opening Preferences.

  • On Mac, navigate to the Dorico menu and select Preferences.
  • On Windows, go to the Edit menu and choose Preferences.
    You can also use the universal key command to open preferences:
  • Command + Comma (Mac)
  • Control + Comma (Windows)

    Once you’re in Preferences, click on Key Commands to begin setting up or editing key commands.

Example 1: Adding a Custom Key Command for the Dot

I want to use the numeric keypad on my computer keyboard to input dotted notes. The dot on the keyboard worked, but the numeric keypad did not.

Here’s how I set that up:

  1. Search for “dot” in the Key Commands search area.
  2. Under Note Input, choose Dotted Notes.
  3. Click Press Shortcut, then press the period on the numeric keypad.
  4. Dorico may warn you if the key is already assigned globally. In this case, the new command will override it within the specific context.
  5. Click Add Key Command and then Apply.

Now both the keyboard period key and the numeric keypad period key will work for entering dotted notes.

Example 2: Adding a Key Command for the Hub

The Hub didn’t have a default key command, so I added one:

  1. Search for “Hub” in the Key Commands search area.
  2. Click Press Shortcut and test combinations using the letter H.
    • For example, Shift + Command + H on Mac (or Shift + Control + H on Windows) was already in use, so I didn’t select that.
  3. I opted for Shift + Option + H (Mac) or Shift + Alt + H (Windows), which was available.
  4. Click Add Key Command, then Apply.

Now, opening the Hub is just one key command away.

Example 3: Adding a Key Command for “Make Into a System”

This is a frequently used command for me, so I set up a key command:

  1. Search for “Make Into” in the Key Commands search area.
  2. Under Page Layout, select Make Into a System.
  3. Click Press Shortcut and test combinations using the letter M.
    • For example, Shift + Alt + M was already assigned to “Edit > Create Marker.”
  4. I settled on Shift + Alt + Command + M (Mac) or Shift + Alt + Control + M (Windows), which was available.
  5. Click Add Key Command, then Apply.

This key command lets me quickly force notes into a system without needing to click icons.

Testing and Exploring Key Commands

After setting up these key commands, I tested them:

  • Numeric keypad period works for dotted notes.
  • Shift + Option + H opens the Hub.
  • Shift + Alt + Command + M applies “Make Into a System.”

You can view all existing key commands under the Help > Key Commands menu. This opens a list of commands in your browser, sorted by context (e.g., Write Mode, Engrave Mode).

Additional Resources

For your convenience, Dorico offers a printable Key Command Chart for both Mac and Windows.

Watch the Video

If you’d like to see these steps in action, watch the demonstration video embedded below. I also cover some bonus tips to help you maximize productivity in Dorico.

Leave a comment with your questions or share your favorite custom key commands. If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to click the like button and subscribe to the channel.