CATIA V5 Workbench Shortcut

Understanding and Configuring the Start Menu in CATIA V5 (Customize Window)

The Start Menu tab within the Customize window in CATIA V5 allows you to manage how Workbenches and environments are displayed, organized, and accessed. It also contains an important feature called Accelerator, which lets you assign keyboard shortcuts to quickly open specific Workbenches.

Purpose of the Start Menu Tab

The Start Menu tab allows you to:

Add or remove Workbenches from the Favorites list
Reorder how Workbenches appear in the Start panel
Hide Workbenches you rarely use
Assign keyboard shortcuts using Accelerators
Improve navigation and overall workflow efficiency

1. Opening the Start Menu Settings

Open CATIA V5.
Go to Tools > Customize…
Select the Start Menu tab.

You will see a list of all available Workbenches installed in your CATIA configuration.

2. Adding Workbenches to Favorites

Favorites let you quickly access the Workbenches you use most often.

To add:

Select the Workbench in the main list.
Click Add to Favorites.

It will appear in Start > Favorites.

3. Removing Workbenches from Favorites

To clean up your list:

Select a Workbench in Favorites.
Click Remove from Favorites.

This only removes the shortcut, not the Workbench itself.

4. Changing the Display Order

You can reorganize your Workbench list:

Select a Workbench.
Click Move Up or Move Down.

This helps place your most-used Workbenches at the top.

5. Hiding Unused Workbenches

To make the Start panel less cluttered:

Select a Workbench.
Enable Hide in Start Menu.

The Workbench stays installed but disappears from the Start panel.

6. Using the Accelerator (Keyboard Shortcuts for Workbenches)

The Accelerator feature allows you to assign keyboard shortcuts to quickly open a Workbench directly from the Start Menu.

This is especially useful when you frequently switch between environments such as Part Design, Assembly Design, or Drafting.

How to create a keyboard shortcut with the Accelerator

In the Start Menu tab, select the Workbench you want to assign a shortcut to.
Click the Accelerator field (usually located on the right side of the window).
Press the keyboard combination you want to use
- Example: Ctrl + Alt + P for Part Design
If the combination is free, CATIA will accept it.
Confirm and close the Customize window.

From now on, pressing that key combination will open the selected Workbench instantly.

7. Why the Accelerator Is Useful

Speeds up switching between Workbenches
Reduces mouse navigation
Helps standardize workflow shortcuts across teams
Perfect for advanced users who prefer keyboard efficiency

Why Customize the Start Menu at All?

A well-organized Start Menu combined with Accelerators helps you:

Access Workbenches instantly
Maintain a clean and efficient interface
Minimize wasted time navigating menus
Work faster on complex, multi-environment projects