Switching Between Files in NX 3

[eroe]

I am wondering if there is a way to easily set up a keyboard shortcut that can cycle through open files in NX6?

I come from a strong SolidWorks background, and I grew to love the Ctrl+Tab shortcut that allows you to cycle through different files. That way when you are working between two parts, all you have to do is hit Ctrl+Tab, and you will switch between the two parts rapidly (as opposed to using the "window" drop-down.

I am not looking for something as elaborate at the SW file switcher, but a more "primitive" version (maybe using a journal or if there is already a way to set this up please share)

For those who are not familiar with the SW "switcher", if you hold down Ctrl+Tab a window appears, showing all the open files (as thumbnails with the part name below them), and you can select the file with your mouse.
Alternatively, you can just pres and release Ctrl+Tab, and it will cycle between open files (starting from the most recently visible, so if you had a part open, and then created a new part using file new, if you were to press and release Ctrl+Tab, the last part that was up will be called)

What I am looking to do is be able to use a combo of keys (like Ctrl+Tab) to be able to either cycle between open documents, or when the combo keys are pressed, a window pops up and shows all the open parts (I dont care if they are thumbnails are not, but a list none the less would be nice)

Please let me know your thoughts, Is there a simple way to do this without a journal? Are there any other alternative methods to quickly switch between two part files?

My biggest concern with using the Window drop-down is that every time I have to switch between two parts, I have to remember where they are in the list, or I spend two or three seconds sifting through trying to find the correct part. Or if I am really into a design, and I have a lot of files open, the part I am looking for gets pushed from the list due to other files being open, then I have to go to the fly-out window to find the right file.

Does anyone have a better (quicker) way to manage open files?

Sorry about the many questions, I just want to get some thoughts on the subject, and maybe help some people be just a little more efficient

Eric Roe
Electro-Mechanical Engineer
Airfloat LLC

 

[JohnRBaker]

In addition to the Windows drop-down, you can also use the 'History -> Today' tab on the Resource Bar. Granted, this will show you all of the currently opened files as well as any others which have been opened 'Today' but it's very quick and you have the advantage of seeing the thumbnail images of the parts which makes it easier to find the one that you're looking for.

As for the Window dialog, you don't have to actually select the menu, you can instead simply press Alt+o (that's an 'o', NOT a Zero) and then select either 1 thru 0 to select from the first 10 part files names in the Window list.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA

http://www.siemens.com/plm

UG/NX Museum:

http://www.plmworld.org/p/cm/ld/fid=209

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[vja]

eroe ...don't try to find lost alt-tab combo and easy measure tool.....u are searching some where else.....

 

[potrero]

@eroe: please call GTAC and submit an Enhancement Request for this feature. Many others have voiced the same preference you raise (to use something as simple as Ctrl+Tab to cycle between loaded NX parts), but unless GTAC hears of the demand, it won't get implemented.