Hotkeys

 

 

 

   Also known as shortcuts, are buttons on the keyboard, that speed up action ordering, creating units and so on,  just like "ALT+TAB" gets you to Desktop in Windows for example.

 

   There are three default type of hotkey sets available in StarCraft:  the Grid layout, the Standard layout and the Classic layout.

 

  

   The Grid layout is exactly what it sounds like: a grid of the keys -excluding the " key of course- "QWERT", "ASDFG", "ZXCVB" for all tier building, action etc regardless of race played.Many player swear by it, others can't get a grid on it. It does have a sub-layout that is for left handed players, which would accomodate the "UIOP[", JKL;', "NM,./" keys respectively.

 

   The other layout is the Standard layout. It contains many keys and is race specific. This layout can be very confortable, if not it can be customized to ones liking opposed to the Grid. Standard too have a left handed layout.

 

   The third and final layout is the Classic. For many of us who are new to StarCraft, this layout doesn't seem to be the most optimal, but for players who played StarCraft 1 and BroodWar, its very familiar and nostalgic. This layout is specifically brought on-board for the veterans of the game, but have no left handed conterpart.

 

   Layouts can be changed at Menu->Options->Hotkeys. Customization of hotkeys can take a bit of time, but can be the most confortable layout you'll ever use. You can either start out with the Standard -recommended if not played SC 1 or BW- or the Classic layout -better for veteran players- and simply think of which button is unconfortable for you to reach and reassign it to another key until you find the easiest way to use them. I will share my customized layout in the "Remaping" article.

  

   You can improve your hotkey usage faster if you see the hotkeys on your Command Card (bottom right on the in-game screen). To access it go to Menu->Options->Gameplay->Checkmark the "Display Hotkeys on Command Card" box. This will help you get familiar with which hotkey corresponds to what action.

 

   As a last suggestion try to glance at the Command Card and hit the key instead of clicking on the icon with your mouse.

 

 

      

Train! Strain! Innovate!

Good Luck and Have Fun!