Re map Middle Mouse button

philem · 21 Feb 2012, 00:13

Hi Guys

I have searched the forums but no joy, but I do apologize if it is there somewhere
Have a small question:

I am getting back into Sketchup, I have a project coming up where Sketchup is perfect for the job.

I absolutely hate using the middle mouse button for Orbit, I find that when I press and hold to orbit, most times it drops off and I have to keep re clicking, as Orbit is more used (I M H O) is there a way to re map it (I think that is what its called) I have used Hexagon and tinkered about with a couple of other 3D packages and they seem to pretty much be standard in navigation
ie; Alt Left Click to Orbit
Alt Right Click to Pan
Alt Middle click to zoom
Now, you have the scroll wheel to zoom so the last option is not really necessary but you can map the least favorite combination.
So my question is:
Is there a way to re map the Orbit function other than using the MMB? I know you can use the letter O but the best workflow is to be able to use the mouse possibly with a key combination, that drops off when you "unclick"

thanks in advance

Rich O Brien · 21 Feb 2012, 00:18

Nope!

Your gonna learn love it

Dave R · 21 Feb 2012, 00:52

I'm thinking you need a different mouse if its so hard to hold the CMB down that you keep dropping the Orbit tool. I have a nice little Logitech mouse I use with my Mac (do not load the driver if you get one) and a cheapo Microsoft wired mouse on the PC. Both have a very light touch and are very easy to use. Left index finger hovers over Shift so it's a no brainer to switch from Orbit to Pan to zoom. The Microsoft wireless mouse in the classroom where I teach SketchUp, on the other hand requires a very heavy hand to press and hold the CMB. I dislike that mouse a great deal and find it hard to use.

Mice don't have to be that expensive. I would suggest you check out some new ones.

mwm5053 · 21 Feb 2012, 01:14

I've used several different mice on PC and Mac the Logitec that I have now I don't like but it's going to have to do right now. It has forward and back buttons for web browsing that I like.

@ Dave when you said not load the drivers for the Logitec did you experience a floating problem with your Mac like you orbit and stop but the model keeps orbiting? because I have that problem but when I use shortcut O it seems to work fine. What do you think?

Maybe not so much rum

Dave R · 21 Feb 2012, 01:25

More single malt, less rum.

Actually, I never experienced any problems because I have never installed a Logitech mouse driver. i'm on my second wireless mouse for my MacBook Pro because the first one didn't survive the fall onto the concrete floor. Actually it wasn't the fall. It was the sudden stop at the bottom that did it in. I've only ever just opened the package, put a battery in and plugged in the received. always worked perfectly. I have heard of many people having problems that were due to the driver. It is usually a problem related to the CMB. The people I've spoken to personally have removed the driver at my suggestion and their mouse problems go away.

philem · 21 Feb 2012, 03:29

@dave r said:

I'm thinking you need a different mouse if its so hard to hold the CMB down that you keep dropping the Orbit tool. I have a nice little Logitech mouse I use with my Mac (do not load the driver if you get one) and a cheapo Microsoft wired mouse on the PC. Both have a very light touch and are very easy to use. Left index finger hovers over Shift so it's a no brainer to switch from Orbit to Pan to zoom. The Microsoft wireless mouse in the classroom where I teach SketchUp, on the other hand requires a very heavy hand to press and hold the CMB. I dislike that mouse a great deal and find it hard to use.

Mice don't have to be that expensive. I would suggest you check out some new ones.

Thanks guys.
I found that if I push forward and click I get the orbit, but on my mouse I have 2 buttons on the side for navigating back or forward, I managed to map one of them as the middle button and it works great orbiting now, but am on the lookout for a new mouse.

Krisidious · 21 Feb 2012, 05:15

I find I hate other programs no matter how cool they are because they don't have a middle mouse button orbit... it just feels so natural.

you might try a programmable mouse. someone else might have suggested that.

cebolla · 6 Apr 2012, 16:48

I am spending long days working in SketchUp and my hand/arm/back is suffering from using the middle button on my mouse for orbiting because it requires a fair amount of force. I like the suggestion of programming a thumb button instead, but wanted to hear if anyone recommends certain mice (wireless, please) that only require a light touch (especially the middle button).

Thanks

Dave R · 6 Apr 2012, 17:02

Try the Logitech M325 or similar. The touch on the CMB is quite light. Just don't load the driver software.

cebolla · 7 Apr 2012, 20:20

Thank you, Dave!

Jean Lemire · 9 Apr 2012, 14:22

Hi folks.

Don't use a mouse with a scroll wheel that has a super soft click because you may inadvertently click the wheel while rolling it. This may put you in orbit mode instead of zoom mode.

The best is to try before you buy. I know that, today, with everything in plastic wrap, this becomes difficult. Personnaly, at the office, I use a Dell mouse that behaves well with SketchUp.

Just ideas.