CADD Manager Don Brown has a Windows-based tip to increase efficiency in AutoCAD.

"As a CADD/BIM [building information modeling] manager, I am constantly looking for ways to work more quickly and efficiently. Something I've noticed is that drafters commonly overlook the 'ready-made' shortcuts within most Windows applications (not just AutoCAD), such as using Alt+F+S to save, Alt+F+P to print, etc.

"When you press Alt, the application puts you into the menu bar, and underlines or highlights the quick keys: F for file, E for edit, etc. Once you learn to use those keys, you can often make things happen very quickly — and, best of all, without having to take your hand off your mouse. Give it a shot: Open multiple files in AutoCAD and press Alt, then W, then T. I know it's faster right now to just press the Window Tile button, but once your fingers are trained, you'll never go back."

Notes from Cadalyst Tip Patrol: Keyboard shortcuts are a great tool to help you work more efficiently: you aren't wasting time moving your mouse around the screen. There are several keyboard shortcuts that come with Windows; Alt+Shift will get you to the interface of the current program. The Ctrl key will also give you access to some basic Windows-based shortcuts. I often use Ctrl+S to save, Ctrl+C to copy, and Ctrl+V to paste, to name just a few.