NOTE:  These keyboard snapshots are pretty old. Many of them go back to 2000. Even though new features and functions have been added to Avid Media Composer software since these snapshots were taken, hopefully they will inspire you to create a customized keyboard layout that will help you with your work.

 
A lot can be gained by seeing how other editors work. I hope that these examples will get you thinking and inspire you to experiment and find ways of mapping your keyboard in a way that will make your working hours easier and more productive. Thanks to everyone that has helped this section grow.

 
If you would like to share your keyboard, simply take a screen snapshot and e-mail it to me at Ben [at] ContactBen [dot] com. If you'd like, include what type of work you do along with a brief description detailing why you like your setup and how it makes your work better, faster and/or easier.

 
The Keyboards:

 
Benjamin's Avid Keyboard
Here's an old keyboard mapping of mine from about 2000. While I have made changes since then, much of this mapping is what I still use today. I've also included a key so you'll know what the menu items are that I've mapped to the keyboard:
AC = Add Comment
AM = Audio Mix Tool
BD = Batch Digitize
CM = Clear Monitor or Clear Menu
CS = Custom Sift
DC = Digital Cut Tool
Di = Digitize Tool (a.k.a Record Tool)
Ha = Hardware Tool
Lo = Locator Window
LD = Less Detail
LT = Lock
MD = More Detail
PL = Play Length Toggle
Re = Render at Position and Render In / Out
Ro = Render on the Fly
SP = Sync Point Editing
SU = Show Unsifted
T = Title Tool
UT = Unlock
VO = Video Output Tool
W1, W2, W4 = Workspaces 1, 2 and 4
 

Benjamin's Top Level

 

Benjamin's Shift Level

Dean's Top Level (his Shift Level is a well kept government secret):

Fiona's Top Level

 

Fiona's Shift Level

Joe's Top Level

 
Joe's Shift Level

Larry's Top Level (he doesn't use the Shift Level):

Scott C.'s Top Level
Scott is from Winnipeg, MB Canada. He edits national commercials and corporate videos.

Mike S.'s Top Level
Mike edits for a television station in North Carolina.

Michael M.'s Top Level
This mapping is from when Michael was using Xpress Pro

 
Michael M.'s Shift Level

Ivar's Top Level
Ivar is an Avid editor in the Netherlands and has this to say:
"I work mostly for TV. I normaly work on an Avid Adrenaline. These keyboard settings have grown over the years (I've edited on Avid since 1992, when I worked on one of the first 3 avids here in Holland). Everytime I run into a repetative action I try to put it on the keyboard."

 
Ivar's Shift Level

Share your Avid Keyboard
If you would like to share your current keyboard, simply take a screen snapshot and e-mail it to me at Ben [at] ContactBen [dot] com. If you'd like, include a brief description detailing why you like your setup and how it makes your work better, faster and/or easier for the type of work you do.