To add a tool to a shelf
- Select the tool.
- Middle-drag the tool icon from the Tool Box onto the shelf. Tip: You can add multiple versions of the same tool with different settings to a shelf. For example, you can add a Sculpt Surfaces Tool with the Push option selected and another Sculpt Surfaces Tool with the Pull operation selected. This only works with tools, not regular menu items (actions).
To add a menu item (action) to a shelf
- Switch to the shelf where you want to add the menu item.
- Open the menu containing the item you want, then Ctrl + Shift + click the menu item.
The shelf button you create includes the settings currently specified for that menu item.
For example, you could modify the parameters of the NURBS Sphere Tool (Create > NURBS Primitives > Sphere > 
), then save that menu item as a shelf button. The shelf button is saved with the settings you specified in the Tool Settings window.
To add a command or script to a shelf
- In the Script Editor (Window > General Editors > Script Editor), select the commands you want to add to the shelf.
- Middle-drag the selection from the editor onto the shelf.
You may be prompted as to whether you’re dragging commands to the shelf.
To add a panel layout to a shelf
- Switch to the shelf where you want to add the layout button.
- In any panel, select Panels > Panel Editor.
- Switch to the Layouts tab, select the layout name, and click Add to Shelf.