Tab shortcuts - jump between your dozers and workers
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Tab shortcuts make the Tab key jump to your next dozer or worker in Command & Conquer: Generals – Zero Hour, and Shift+Tab to the previous one. Because the game normally opens the players (diplomacy) screen with Tab, a third option moves that screen to Ctrl+Shift+Tab. All three are unticked by default, so you turn on only what you want.
The three Tab shortcuts
| Shortcut | What it does | Game default it replaces |
|---|---|---|
| Tab | Selects your next dozer or worker | Ctrl + Up |
| Shift + Tab | Selects your previous dozer or worker | Ctrl + Down |
| Ctrl + Shift + Tab | Opens the players (diplomacy) screen | Tab |
Dozers build for the USA and China, and Workers build for the GLA, so the same keys work for every faction. Your other keys stay as they are.
Why use Tab for workers
Builders are easy to lose track of in a busy game. With Tab on the left of the keyboard, your hand stays near the build letters and control groups, so you can cycle builders, give an order and get back to your army without reaching for the arrow keys.
How to turn Tab shortcuts on
- Open the studio and choose the Tab shortcuts tab.
- Tick Tab: next dozer or worker and, if you want it, Shift + Tab: previous dozer or worker.
- Keep Ctrl + Shift + Tab: players (diplomacy) screen ticked as well. If Tab selects workers and the players screen also stays on Tab, the studio warns you about the clash.
- Save your design and press Make my installer. Make sure Tab shortcuts is among the parts you install (at least one Tab shortcut must be on).
- Run the installer on your PC. After it finishes, start a match and press Tab to jump to your next dozer.
What changes in your game
The installer edits only the named entries in your game's key file (Data\<Language>\CommandMap.ini). Comments, order and every other key stay exactly as they were. If another entry already uses the same key combination, the installer reports it.
- Tab shortcuts don't need Control Bar Pro.
- They only change key bindings, so they don't cause a mismatch in online games.
- Restore my original files (Generals Style in the Start menu) removes them again. If the file didn't exist before, it is deleted so the game uses its own keys.
Want to change command button letters too? See the hotkeys guide and our Zero Hour hotkeys list. For what is included in each plan, see pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Are Tab shortcuts on by default?
No. All three options are unticked when you start a design. Tick the ones you want in the Tab shortcuts tab.
How do I open the players screen after turning on Tab for workers?
Press Ctrl+Shift+Tab. Keep that third option on whenever Tab selects workers, so the two don't clash.
Does Tab select only idle workers?
It cycles through your dozers or workers one by one, the same way the game's own next-worker key does, just on Tab instead of Ctrl+Up.
Will Tab shortcuts work online and with GenPatcher?
Yes. Only key bindings change, so there is no mismatch, and the installer keeps GenPatcher and your other mods.
How do I remove the Tab shortcuts?
Open Generals Style from the Start menu and choose Restore my original files, which puts back your game's own files. You can then install a design with the Tab shortcuts unticked.
Make Zero Hour look and play your way
Design your control bar, loading screen, hotkeys and maps pack in the studio, then install it with one click.