Go to your library, right click on the game, go to manage and click browse local files.

You should be in the Dawn of War gold folder under steam>steamapps>common>Dawn of war gold

(ignore my capitalizations)

Click on Profiles folder and then on profile1.

You should see one or two folders. To edit the hotkeys for the base game open w40k folder, for the expansion (winter assault) open wxp folder.

There is a file called KEYDEFAULTS.LUA which you can open with notepad.

NOTE: You might want to make a copy of this (these) files before going further, so that you can return to the default hotkeys at some point, or if something isn't working properly (I think worst case it just unbinds the hotkeys but don't quote me)

Edit the KEYDEFAULTS.LUA in notepad.

Basically all of the commands are of the format

name = " hotkey shortcut"

You only need to change what's in the inverted commas to change the hotkeys. This changes their display and functionality in the game.

You can add in comments by putting -- in front of a line. This could be useful to remind you of what some of the various codes mean.


There are some oddities that I haven't been able to get around.

• I'm not sure setting the pause hotkey works, or the hotkey for the chaos bloodthirster. I'm also not sure how to unbind the camera rotation from alt.
  
• Some of the buttons for abilities and weapon upgrades move around when you attach a commander to a squad or if you look at different units that have the same abilities/guns. So you just have to try not make them clash where possible
  
• The Orcs can sometimes train the same unit out of two buildings. This is why the gretchin (grot) and slugga boy squad hotkeys look backward in the settlement (hq) building.

Here's an example of a hotkey file contents I've edited to allow a grid based set of keys. That is in the hotbar, the buttons side by side correspond to side by side keys where possible.

I've tried to just use keys on one side of the keyboard where possible.

Apologies if there's any mistakes. This was a tedious enough process.

You can copy and paste the following sections into a blank text file or just replace the contents/individual sections of the .lua file and edit in you own preferences and changes afterward.

I've had to split it over three sections because it's a long enough text file.

NOTE: It might be worth comparing to the original files contents in case there's some funny formatting issues coming from copying and pasting, ie if something that is supposed to be on one line ends up on two lines etc.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Edited (grid) Key Combo Bindings
-- (c) 2004 Relic Entertainment Inc.

-- These combos should NOT be changed by the user.
-- They are here in case the user screws up the key bindings file in Root/KeyBindings/

-- Bindings use format "Control+Shift+A"

-- Valid keys
-- a - Z 0 - 9
-- Backspace Tab Enter Escape Space Apostrophe Comma Minus Period Slash Semicolon Equal LBracket Backslash RBracket Grave
-- Up Down Left Right Control Shift Alt CapsLock NumLock ScrollLock Insert Delete Home End PageUp PageDown F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12 PrintScreen Pause
-- MouseLeft MouseRight MouseMiddle MouseTop MouseBottom
-- ScreenLeft ScreenRight ScreenTop ScreenBottom
-- Numpad0 Numpad1 Numpad2 Numpad3 Numpad4 Numpad5 Numpad6 Numpad7 Numpad8 Numpad9 NumpadMultiply NumpadPlus NumpadSeparator NumpadMinus NumpadPeriod NumpadSlash

bindings_version = 4.1

bindings =
{
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- SYSTEM COMMANDS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
escape = "V",
accept = "Enter",
commandqueue = "Shift",
systemmenu = "F10",
objectivesmenu = "F11",
alliesmenu = "F12",
chatmenu = "Enter",
chathistory = "Shift+H",
pause = "F3",
selectionfocus = "Apostrophe",

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- TASKBAR COMMANDS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
stop = "W",
move = "Q",
attackmove = "E",
attackmelee = "R",
build = "A",
buildadv = "",
attach = "T",
attackground = "S",
jump = "V",
rally = "Shift+Q",
combatstance = "Control+Q",
meleestance = "Control+W",
scuttle = "Delete",
infiltrate = "V",
unload = "S",
deepstrike = "Shift+A",
reinforce = "Shift+Q",
leader = "Shift+W",
cancelconstruction = "Delete",
rampage = "V",
repair = "S",
possess = "S",
relocate = "Control+S",

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- ADVANCED TASKBAR COMMANDS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
hq_cycle = "H",
military_cycle = "Control+Space",
builder_cycle = "Space",
research_cycle = "Control+R",
cycle_event_cue = "G",
stance_hold = "Control+Shift+Q",
stance_stand_ground = "Control+Shift+W",
stance_burn = "Control+Shift+E",
stance_cease_fire = "Control+Shift+R",
stance_attack = "Control+Shift+T",
melee_stance_assault = "Control+Shift+A",
melee_stance_ranged = "Control+Shift+S",
toggle_taskbar = "Control+H",
minimap_ping = "Control+P",
minimap_ping_toggle = "Control+E",
toggle_overwatch = "Control+O",
cancel_overwatch = "Control+K",

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- MULTIPLE SELECTION HOTKEYS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
focus_primary_selection = "Control+Tab",
next_primary_selection = "Tab",
prev_primary_selection = "Shift+Tab",
remove_selection_modifier = "Control", -- checked with mouse click (removes clicked items from selection) -- note: must only be one key
crop_selection_modifier = "Shift", -- checked with mouse click (selects all units of the same type) -- note: must only be one key

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- DATA CONTEXT HOTKEYS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-- BUILDINGS FOR MARINES
marine_hq = "Q",
marine_artefact = "D",
marine_armoury = "A",
marine_chapel = "W",
marine_generator = "R",
marine_listening_post = "E",
marine_orbital_relay = "C",
marine_temp_drop_building = "V",
marine_thermo_generator = "F",
marine_bolter_turret = "Z",
marine_machine_cult = "S",
marine_mine_field = "X",

-- BUILDINGS FOR CHAOS
chaos_hq = "Q",
chaos_sacrificial_circle = "D",
chaos_armoury = "A",
chaos_temple = "W",
chaos_generator = "R",
chaos_listening_post = "E",
chaos_greater_circle = "C",
chaos_thermo_generator = "F",
chaos_bolter_turret = "Z",
chaos_machine_pit = "S",
chaos_mine_field = "X",

-- BUILDINGS FOR ORKS
ork_hq = "Q",
ork_waagh_banner = "A",
ork_pile_o_guns = "S",
ork_boy_hut = "W",
ork_generator = "R",
ork_listening_post = "E",
ork_big_generator = "F",
ork_mek_shop = "D",
ork_mine_field = "Z",

-- BUILDINGS FOR ELDAR
eldar_hq = "Q",
eldar_aspect_portal = "W",
eldar_soul_shrine = "S",
eldar_webway_gate = "A",
eldar_generator = "R",
eldar_listening_post = "E",
eldar_advanced_generator = "F",
eldar_support_platform = "Z",
eldar_support_portal = "D",
eldar_mine_field = "X",

-- TROOPERS FOR MARINES
marine_servitor = "Q",
marine_dreadnought = "E",
marine_dreadnought_hellfire = "R",
marine_force_commander = "A",
marine_land_speeder = "W",
marine_librarian = "W",
marine_skull_probe = "Z",
marine_scout = "W",
marine_apothecary = "Q",
marine_assault_marine = "W",
marine_sergeant = "S",
marine_space_marine = "Q",
marine_terminator = "E",
marine_assault_terminator = "R",
marine_land_raider = "D",
marine_predator = "S",
marine_rhino = "Q",
marine_whirlwind = "A",

-- TROOPERS FOR CHAOS
chaos_bloodthirster = "W",
chaos_cultist = "W",
chaos_defiler = "W",
chaos_horrors = "Q",
chaos_lord = "A",
chaos_marines = "Q",
chaos_raptors = "W",
chaos_possessed = "W",
chaos_obliterator = "Q",
chaos_predator = "E",
chaos_aspiring_champion = "A",
chaos_rhino = "Q",
chaos_heretic = "Q",
chaos_sorcerer = "E",

-- TROOPERS FOR ORKS
ork_nobs = "S",
ork_shoota_boyz = "W",
ork_slugga_boyz = "Q",
ork_stormboyz = "E",
ork_tankbustas = "F",
ork_grots = "W",
ork_killa_kan = "E",
ork_bad_dok = "E",
ork_mek_boy = "A",
ork_nob_leader = "L",
ork_warboss = "R",
ork_looted_tank = "R",
ork_squiggoth = "A",
ork_trukk = "Q",
ork_wartrak = "W",

-- TROOPERS FOR ELDAR
eldar_bonesinger = "Q",
eldar_grav_platform_laser = "Q",
eldar_grav_platform_brightlance = "W",
eldar_avatar = "S",
eldar_farseer = "A",
eldar_warlock = "W",
eldar_warlock_seer = "E",
eldar_falcon_grav_tank = "Q",
eldar_fire_prism = "R",
eldar_vyper = "W",
eldar_wraithlord = "E",
eldar_banshee = "W",
eldar_banshee_exarch = "H",
eldar_dark_reapers = "E",
eldar_dark_reaper_exarch = "D",
eldar_guardians = "W",
eldar_rangers = "Q",
eldar_warp_spiders = "R",
eldar_warp_spiders_exarch = "W",


-- WEAPON UPGRADES FOR MARINES
marine_assault_cannon = "Shift+S",
marine_flamer = "Shift+A",
marine_heavy_flamer = "Shift+A",
marine_heavy_bolter = "Shift+S",
marine_lascannon_1 = "Shift+S",
marine_lascannon_2 = "Shift+Z",
marine_lascannon_twin = "Shift+A",
marine_missile_launcher = "Shift+X",
marine_plasma_gun = "Shift+Z",
marine_sniper_rifle = "Shift+S",
marine_missile_launcher_turret = "Q",

-- WEAPON UPGRADES FOR CHAOS
chaos_flamer = "Shift+A",
chaos_heavy_flamer = "Shift+S",
chaos_grenade_launcher = "Shift+S",
chaos_heavy_bolter = "Shift+A",
chaos_lascannon_1 = "Shift+S",
chaos_lascannon_2 = "Shift+Z",
chaos_lascannon_twin = "Shift+A",
chaos_missile_launcher = "Shift+X",
chaos_plasma_gun = "Shift+Z",
chaos_missile_launcher_turret = "Q",

-- WEAPON UPGRADES FOR ORKS
ork_big_shoota = "Shift+A",
ork_kustom_shoota = "S",
ork_bomb_chucka = "Shift+A",
ork_burna = "Shift+S",
ork_mega_blasta = "M",
ork_power_klaw = "Shift+A",
ork_rokkit_launcha = "Shift+Z",
ork_rokkit_launcha_twin = "Shift+A",
ork_shoota = "S",
ork_zzzap_gun = "P",

-- WEAPON UPGRADES FOR GUARD
guard_grenade_launcher = "Shift+A",
guard_plasma_gun = "Shift+S",

-- WEAPON UPGRADES FOR ELDAR
eldar_bright_lance = "Shift+A",
eldar_dcannon = "C",
eldar_missile_launcher = "Shift+A",
eldar_scatter_laser = "S",
eldar_shuriken_cannon = "S",
eldar_starcannon = "Shift+A",
eldar_witchblade_seercouncil = "Shift+A",

-- BUILDINGS

-- RESEARCH FOR MARINES
marine_accuracy_research_1 = "A",
marine_accuracy_research_2 = "A",
marine_force_commander_research_1 = "Z",
marine_force_commander_research_2 = "Z",
marine_daemon_hammer_research = "D",
marine_frag_grenade_research = "Z",
marine_health_research_1 = "S",
marine_health_research_2 = "S",
marine_commander_health_research_1 = "A",
marine_commander_health_research_2 = "A",
marine_librarian_research_1 = "X",
marine_librarian_research_2 = "X",
marine_max_weapons_research = "Q",
marine_melta_bomb_research = "X",
marine_power_research_1 = "Q",
marine_power_research_2 = "Q",
marine_requisition_research_1 = "A",
marine_requisition_research_2 = "A",
marine_scout_infiltration_research = "D",
marine_smoke_launcher_research = "Z",
marine_squad_cap_research = "A",
marine_vehicle_cap_research = "S",
marine_sergeant_melee_research_1 = "Z",
marine_sergeant_melee_research_2 = "Z",
marine_sergeant_ranged_research = "X",
marine_personalteleporter_research = "Z",

-- RESEARCH FOR CHAOS
chaos_ranged_research_1 = "R",
chaos_lord_research_1 = "X",
chaos_lord_research_2 = "X",
chaos_frag_grenade_research = "Z",
chaos_health_research_1 = "S",
chaos_health_research_2 = "S",
chaos_commander_health_research_1 = "Z",
chaos_commander_health_research_2 = "Z",
chaos_sorcerer_research_1 = "C",
chaos_sorcerer_research_2 = "C",
chaos_max_weapons_research = "Q",
chaos_power_research_1 = "Q",
chaos_power_research_2 = "Q",
chaos_requisition_research_1 = "A",
chaos_requisition_research_2 = "A",
chaos_infiltration_research = "V",
chaos_smoke_launcher_research = "Z",
chaos_squad_cap_research = "A",
chaos_vehicle_cap_research = "S",
chaos_champion_melee_research_1 = "Z",
chaos_champion_melee_research_2 = "Z",
chaos_champion_ranged_research = "X",
chaos_furious_charge_research = "C",
chaos_raptor_speed_research = "X",
chaos_accuracy_upgrade_research_1 = "A",
chaos_accuracy_upgrade_research_2 = "A",
chaos_personalteleporters = "A",
chaos_possessed_daemon_fire_research = "A",
chaos_possessed_daemon_flight_research = "S",
chaos_possessed_daemon_mutation_research = "D",
chaos_possessed_daemon_talons_research = "F",

-- RESEARCH FOR ORKS
ork_big_squad_research = "B",
ork_big_shoota_research = "W",
ork_burna_research = "E",
ork_eavy_armour_research = "Z",
ork_extra_armour_research = "Z",
ork_mega_blasta_research = "M",
ork_mekboy_melee_research = "M",
ork_mekboy_ranged_research = "D",
ork_morechoppy_research_1 = "A",
ork_morechoppy_research_2 = "A",
ork_moredakka_research_1 = "Q",
ork_moredakka_research_2 = "Q",
ork_moreshooty_research_1 = "W",
ork_moreshooty_research_2 = "W",
ork_powerclaw_research = "S",
ork_rokkit_research = "R",
ork_tougherorks_research_1 = "T",
ork_tougherorks_research_2 = "T",
ork_warboss_ranged_research = "R",
ork_tougherbosses_research_1 = "X",
ork_tougherbosses_research_2 = "X",
ork_kustom_force_field_research = "X",
ork_tankbustin_kit_research = "C",
ork_kustom_tellyporta_research = "Z",
ork_eavy_armor_boyz_research = "X",
ork_speed_boost_research = "Z",
ork_speed_boost_stormboyz_research = "V",
ork_waaaaagh_research = "W",
ork_research_stikk_bombs = "D",
ork_power_research_1 = "Q",
ork_power_research_2 = "Q",
ork_requisition_research_1 = "A",
ork_requisition_research_2 = "A",
ork_research_grot_infiltration = "A",
ork_research_tankbustabombs = "F",

-- RESEARCH FOR ELDAR
eldar_ability_research = "A",
eldar_accuracy_research = "A",
eldar_exarch_ability_research_1 = "X",
--(Call of War)
eldar_exarch_ability_research_2 = "C",
--(Death Omen Research)
eldar_farseer_ability_research_1 = "A",
--(Fortune)
eldar_farseer_ability_research_2 = "S",
--(Eldritch Storm)
eldar_farseer_ability_research_3 = "S",
eldar_health_research = "H",
eldar_vehicle_ability_research = "Z",
eldar_warlock_ability_research_1 = "Q",
--(Conceal)
eldar_warlock_ability_research_2 = "W",
--(Embolden)
eldar_warlock_ability_research_3 = "R",
--(Warlock Power Weapon Upgrade)
eldar_shroud_ability_research = "C",
eldar_fleet_of_foot_research = "Z",
eldar_bonesinger_ability_research_3 = "X",
eldar_ranger_infiltration_research = "Z",
eldar_haywire_grenade_research = "V",
webway_gate_healing_research = "Z",
eldar_webway_gate_relocation_research = "X",
eldar_plasma_grenade_research = "C",
eldar_bonesinger_ability_research_1 = "E",
--(Imbue entanglement)
eldar_power_research_1 = "Q",
eldar_power_research_2 = "Q",
eldar_requisition_research_1 = "A",
eldar_requisition_research_2 = "A",
eldar_tier2_research = "Z",
eldar_research_farseerhealth_1 = "V",
eldar_research_farseerhealth_2 = "V",
eldar_research_infantryaccuracy_1 = "X",
eldar_research_infantryaccuracy_2 = "X",
eldar_researchinfantryhealth_1 = "C",
eldar_researchinfantryhealth_2 = "C",

-- ADDONS FOR MARINES
marine_hq_addon_1 = "Z",
marine_hq_addon_2 = "Z",
marine_listening_post_1 = "Q",
marine_listening_post_2 = "W",
marine_turret_addon = "Q",

-- ADDONS FOR CHAOS
chaos_hq_addon_1 = "Z",
chaos_hq_addon_2 = "Z",
chaos_listening_post_1 = "Q",
chaos_listening_post_2 = "W",
chaos_turret_addon = "Q",

-- ADDONS FOR ELDAR
eldar_banshee_aspect_stone = "W",
eldar_dark_reaper_aspect_stone = "E",
eldar_fire_prism_aspect_stone = "R",
eldar_fire_dragon_aspect_stone = "F",
eldar_vyper_aspect_stone = "W",
eldar_warp_spider_aspect_stone = "R",
eldar_wraithlord_aspect_stone = "E",
eldar_support_platform_addon = "Q",
eldar_listening_post_1 = "Q",
eldar_listening_post_2 = "W",

-- ADDONS FOR ORKS
ork_hq_addon = "Z",
ork_waagh_banner_gunz_1 = "Q",
ork_waagh_banner_gunz_2 = "Q",
ork_waagh_banner_orkcap = "U",
ork_waagh_banner_popgrowth = "U",
ork_waagh_banner_supportgrowth = "U",
ork_listening_post_1 = "Q",
ork_listening_post_2 = "W",

-- ABILITIES FOR MARINES
marine_battlecry = "Shift+Z",
marine_frag_grenades = "Z",
marine_machine_spirit = "Z",
marine_melta_bombs = "Z",
marine_orbital_bombardment = "Shift+X",
marine_rally = "X",
marine_sabotage = "Z",
marine_smite = "Shift+Z",
marine_smoke_launchers = "Z",
marine_weaken_resolve = "Shift+X",
marine_word_of_emperer = "Shift+C",

-- ABILITIES FOR CHAOS
chaos_chains = "C",
chaos_corruption = "O",
chaos_daemon_strength = "D",
chaos_doom_bolt = "D",
chaos_force_labor = "Z",
chaos_frag_grenades = "G",
chaos_furious_rage = "B",
chaos_smoke_launchers = "S",
chaos_speed_fiends = "S",

-- ABILITIES FOR ELDAR
eldar_bonesong = "O",
eldar_eldritch_storm = "Shift+V",
eldar_psychic_storm = "Shift+Z",
eldar_embolden = "X",
eldar_entanglement = "C",
eldar_fleetoffoot = "A",
eldar_fortune = "F",
eldar_graviticboost = "Z",
eldar_haywire_bombs = "Z",
eldar_guide = "Shift+C",
eldar_mind_war = "Shift+X",
eldar_plasma_grenades = "Z",
eldar_warshout = "Z",
eldar_wraithtomb = "C",
eldar_shroud_ability = "C",

-- ABILITIES FOR ORKS
ork_fightabomba_strafe = "F",
ork_fightin_juice = "F",
ork_gimme_boyz_mek = "M",
ork_gimme_boyz_warboss = "W",
ork_pop_growth = "P",
ork_power_of_waagh = "W",
ork_stikkbombs = "X",
ork_tankbusta_bombs = "Z",
ork_superstik_bomb = "Shift+X",
ork_turbo_boost = "Z",
ork_waaaaagh = "A",
ork_tank_zzappa = "Shift+Z",

--Entity attack range
attack = "Control+A",

}