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I never get this far in MMOs - the point where hotkeys become a problem and you have so many skills on all bars. I really want to try and find a good layout that will give me optimal DPS in dungeons (or as best as possible) and won't hurt my fingers too much, lol. Right now, 6-0 on my main bar are set to Ctrl+Q, E, R, Z and it's working but I would appreciate any suggestions for the other bars or what your layouts look like.
Thanks!
Here's what my UI looks like too. http://imgur.com/7vbU5ok
It depends on your mouse and keyboard setup. Assuming you have the standard 2-button mouse and QWERTY keyboard though, you may have to use a hotbar change macro to sort through combos.
If you're using a gaming keyboard and mouse, a specific model may help people offering you a UI setup. I have a 6-button logitech mouse so my UI is going to be based on the fact I will always have 6 buttons available in my dominant hand, even while moving with WASD. I understand that's not going to be the case with you, so it's something to consider.
You can also use macros to play so you don't move your hands as much. Refer to this List of Hotbar commands as a source document for macros.
A very simple example of a hotbar change would be this:
Template: /hotbar change #
Example: /hotbar change 3
This immediately changes your primary hotbar (and all associated keybinds) to the abilities assigned to hotbar 3 (replace '3' with any hotbar you want to use: up to 10). You can change and switch individual abilities and slots as well, and that's in the manual above.
Using this macro, you can have one set that is your basic attack combo, one set that is a utility combo, and one set for mudras. It takes some practice, but should be pretty solid once you get used to it. Play around with it to configure the keybinds to your preference.
Don't forget to create a "/hotbar change 1" macro to change it back to your default hotbar.
Alternatively, there are players who simply create a complete rotation and order them in their hotbar so they just press 1, 2, 3, etc until the rotation is complete. This works very well for monks, dragoons, ninjas, and blackmages who don't deviate too much from a pre-determined rotation to optimize their dps. It's not so optimal for tanks and healers where flexibility is better than a good rotation.
If you want an actual graphic UI help: reddit provides inspiration.
Your peripherals make a notable difference in how best to setup the UI to comfortable accommodate your style. I, personally, have a gaming keyboard and mouse, which I use to limit the amount of modifier keys I have to hold down. In fact, pre-Heavensward I only use Shift for one ability.
This would be my UI layout. I re-map targeting to my mouse, freeing up the Tab key. While it does show Shift/Alt, those keys are all re-mapped to specific buttons on my keyboard. If you have any questions though, I'm happy to help. ^^
Edit: Ignore the keybind tab in the corner. I've been experimenting and stuck it there so I could open that menu faster, xD