I'm sure this has been covered many times, but I just want to make sure I understand completely.

Are there (or is there a way to set up) keys to use as modifier keys for navigation tools (pan, dynamic rotate, zoom)?

I know "space" is used for Pan and it works great!, but are there keys to use for dynamic rotate and zoom in the same way?

I have assigned a key for dynamic rotate but when I hit the key it drops the current tool to select the "dynamic rotate" tool you then have to reselect the tool. It's an awkward way to work.

It's very productive to have a tool selected and (for example) hold down the option key to rotate without dropping the tool.

I use Modo and it uses:
option = dynamic rotate
option/control = dynamic zoom
option/shift = pan

all are modifier keys so you can navigate around the model quickly and keep the current tool selected.

any help for a new user would be great!
thanks!
brian

I'm using the Apple Mouse - no middle mouse button... The mouse is ok but I guess I could get a different mouse. It does work well with other apps. If the VCP can do this with the mouse button, is there a way to set up the keyboard to do the same thing?

Any recommendations on a good VCP mouse?

ctr+right click=rotate
alt(option)+right click= zoom
space bar + right click = pan
command + left click = zoom window (in and out depends on diagonal direction)

Jitouch is UMO the better option for middle click set on magic mouse, prior to I use magi prefs, Better touch tool and middle click and they have some glitches

Dynamic pan, zoom and rotate are all in the context menu.

My mistake

its ctr + right click for rotate
option + right click for zoom

I did edit my last post for correct the info

Luis G.

Hi Brian,

I'm also using Modo (for some organic modelling, and for rendering geometry I create in ViaCAD).
And much prefer the Modo shortcuts (they beat 3DS Max and Maya).
In Modo you can customize all shortcuts (to emulate other 3D software).

And I would love to have this feature in ViaCAD, which really is something pretty simple to program (especially compared to all the complex surface and solid modelling math!).

Another thing, I would get rid of the magic mouse. I bought one and sold it quickly, it looks very nice (best looking mouse so far!) but the size and weight and the missing physical 3 buttons are a big no for 3D modelling.

Buy any decent Logitech or MS mouse with laser scanner (and not any of the extreme high res DPI scanners, as they feel slow even after configuring acceleration etc).

I discovered the ViaCAD shortcuts by trying (and I've always used a 2 or 3 button mouse). However I find them impractical and slow for some reason.

So, I add a vote for configurable short cuts (maybe this is possible, but I have not found where it can be configured)

Best regards,
Roberto