BricsCAD V18 For AutoCAD Users PDF

BRICSCAD®
FOR AUTOCAD® USERS
Comparing User Interfaces

Compatibility of Drawing Elements
Customizing and Programming BricsCAD
Operating Dual-CAD Design Oﬃces
Working in 3D
BIM, Sheet Metal, & Communicator
Updated for V18

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10th edition Based on BricsCAD V18

First printing 11 December 2017
Technical writer Ralph Grabowski

Technical editor Bricsys Staff
Copy Editor Herbert Grabowski
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developers as a means to distinguish their products. spect to any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to have
been caused directly or indirectly by this book.

Table of Contents
AutoCAD-BricsCAD Dictionary.................................................................................................................................... xii
1. BricsCAD for AutoCAD Users.......................................................1

THE BRICSYS BENEFIT....................................................................................... 2
THE AGONY OF AUTOCAD........................................................................................................... 2
THE BUSINESS OF BRICSYS......................................................................................................... 3
Bricsys Shape: Free Early Design Software.................................................................................................4
24/7 Project Management............................................................................................................................ 5
BRICSCAD IS NOT INTELLICAD...................................................................................................6
THE BRICSCAD ADVANTAGE .............................................................................7

NEAR-IDENTICAL USER INTERFACE........................................................................................... 7
Extra Commands and System Variables......................................................................................................8
3D Direct Modeling and Constraints...........................................................................................................8
APIs and Customization...............................................................................................................................9
Examples of Add-ons.................................................................................................................................. 10
No-charge Developer Network................................................................................................................... 11
SUPPORT FOR MULTIPLE OPERATING SYSTEMS................................................................... 11

LOWER PURCHASE AND MAINTENANCE PRICING.................................................................12
Keep Your BricsCAD....................................................................................................................................13
It Makes More than Cents...........................................................................................................................13
All About BricsCAD Bulk Licenses............................................................................................................................... 14
WHAT’S MISSING FROM BRICSCAD?.........................................................................................15
What’s Missing from AutoCAD...................................................................................................................15
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.................................................................................16
RECOMMENDED HARDWARE....................................................................................................16
Supported Operating Systems...................................................................................................................17
What’s New in BricsCAD V18...................................................................................................................................... 19
2. Comparing User Interfaces Between AutoCAD & BricsCAD...49

Comparison of User Interfaces...................................................................................................................................50
Summary of User Interface Elements........................................................................................................................ 52
START SCREENS.................................................................................................53
VARIATIONS IN USER INTERFACE.................................................................. 54

‘:’ VS ‘TYPE A COMMAND’.......................................................................................................... 55
Customizing the Command Prompt (BricsCAD only)............................................................................... 55
PROMPT MENU (BRICSCAD ONLY).......................................................................................... 56

Controlling the Prompt Menu (BricsCAD only).........................................................................................56
Additional Command Options (BricsCAD only)........................................................................................ 57
THE QUAD (BRICSCAD ONLY)................................................................................................... 57

Drawing with the Quad..............................................................................................................................58
Displaying Properties with the Quad.........................................................................................................58
Editing with the Quad ...............................................................................................................................59
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OPTIONS & SETTINGS......................................... 60

TOURING THE SETTINGS DIALOG BOX.....................................................................................61
Using Real-time Search.............................................................................................................................. 61
Opening and Closing Nodes....................................................................................................................... 62
Accessing and Understanding Values....................................................................................................... 62
Exporting Settings......................................................................................................................................63
VARIATIONS IN PALETTES.............................................................................. 64
PROPERTIES PANELS.................................................................................................................64
Accessing and Moving BricsCAD Panels.....................................................................................................................65
LAYERS PANELS..........................................................................................................................66
SHEET SETS.................................................................................................................................. 67
MECHANICAL BROWSER VS PARAMETRICS MANAGER.......................................................69
Parts Library (BricsCAD Only)....................................................................................................................70
CONTENT BROWSER PANEL (BRICSCAD ONLY).................................................................... 70

STRUCTURE PANEL (BRICSCAD ONLY)....................................................................................71
iv BricsCAD V18 for AutoCAD Users

STATUS BAR & OTHER UI DIFFERENCES........................................................72
DIFFERENCES IN STATUS BARS................................................................................................ 72
WORKING SETS (BRICSCAD ONLY).......................................................................................... 74
TIPS WIDGET (BRICSCAD ONLY)............................................................................................... 75
DIFFERENCES IN VIEW CUBES.................................................................................................. 76
DIFFERENCES IN SELECTION SETS........................................................................................... 77
3D SELECTION.............................................................................................................................. 78
VARIATIONS IN DESIGNCENTER & DRAWING EXPLORER.................................................... 79
Unified Interface......................................................................................................................................... 81
GIZMO VS MANIPULATOR..........................................................................................................81
3D MODELING.............................................................................................................................. 82
BRICSYS 24/7 VS AUTODESK 360............................................................................................... 82
Using 24/7...................................................................................................................................................83
3. Compatibility of Drawing Elements......................................... 85

Checklist of DWG 2018 Entities...................................................................................................................................87
DWG 2018 COMPATIBILITY.............................................................................. 88

HOW WE TEST ENTITY COMPATIBILITY..................................................................................88
Decoding the Legend.................................................................................................................................88
3D Meshes..................................................................................................................................................89
Constraints .................................................................................................................................................89
Dimensions.................................................................................................................................................89
Dynamic Blocks...........................................................................................................................................90
Geographic Location..................................................................................................................................90
Model Documentation ..............................................................................................................................90
Multilines.................................................................................................................................................... 91
Proxy Objects............................................................................................................................................. 91
Surfaces...................................................................................................................................................... 91
Tables.......................................................................................................................................................... 92
Underlays.................................................................................................................................................... 92
Viewports.................................................................................................................................................... 92
Visual Styles................................................................................................................................................ 92
MISCELLANEOUS COMPATIBILITY ISSUES............................................................................. 92

History of BricsCAD’s DWG Support...........................................................................................................................93
DWG 2018 ENTITY SUPPORT........................................................................... 94

2D ENTITIES..................................................................................................................................94
TEXT ENTITIES............................................................................................................................. 97
DIMENSION ENTITIES................................................................................................................98
Table of Contents v
GEOMETRIC AND DIMENSIONAL CONSTRAINTS................................................................ 100
COMPLEX 2D ENTITIES..............................................................................................................102
3D ENTITIES............................................................................................................................... 104
COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN PROPERTIES.....................................................108

LAYER PROPERTY COMPATIBILITY........................................................................................ 108
COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN STYLES...............................................................110

View Detail and Section Styles.................................................................................................................. 110
Dimension Styles........................................................................................................................................111
Leader and QLeader Styles....................................................................................................................... 112
MText and Text Styles............................................................................................................................... 113
Multiline Styles.......................................................................................................................................... 115
Multileader Styles...................................................................................................................................... 115
Plot Styles.................................................................................................................................................. 116
Section Styles............................................................................................................................................ 116
Table Styles................................................................................................................................................ 117
Visual Styles............................................................................................................................................... 118
4. Customizing and Programming BricsCAD...............................121

Customization Capabilities........................................................................................................................................ 122
AUTOCAD OPTIONS VS BRICSCAD SETTINGS............................................. 123

SYSTEM VARIABLES AND PREFERENCES............................................................................... 123
FILE PATHS..................................................................................................................................124
AUTOCAD CUI VS BRICSCAD CUSTOMIZE................................................... 124

UNDERSTANDING BRICSCAD’S CUSTOMIZATION TREE..................................................... 125
How BricsCAD Customizes Menus...........................................................................................................126
Tutorial: How to Add a Command to a Menu..........................................................................................126
TIPS FOR WORKING WITH BRICSCAD MENUS......................................................................130

Q: Which commands can be add to menus, toolbars, and so on? ........................................................ 130
Q: What’s the difference between “Insert” and “Append”? ................................................................. 131
Q: What do I do when I mangle a customization? .................................................................................. 131
CREATING A NEW MENU ITEM IN BRICSCAD........................................................................ 131

Step 1: How to Create Partial Menus in BricsCAD....................................................................................132
Step 2: Adding Custom Commands to BricsCAD.....................................................................................134
About BricsCAD’s Macro Metacharacters............................................................................................... 136
About BricsCAD’s Menu Design Conventions......................................................................................... 136
About Diesel and DCL in BricsCAD........................................................................................................... 136
CUSTOMIZING CONTEXT MENUS............................................................................................136
CUSTOMIZING TOOLBARS ......................................................................................................137
vi BricsCAD V18 for AutoCAD Users

CUSTOMIZING RIBBON TABS AND PANELS ..........................................................................138
CUSTOMIZING KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS .............................................................................. 140
CUSTOMIZING MOUSE BUTTONS & DOUBLE-CLICKS.......................................................... 141
Double-Click Actions.................................................................................................................................. 141
CUSTOMIZING TABLET BUTTONS AND MENUS....................................................................142

CUSTOMIZING QUICK PROPERTIES........................................................................................143
CUSTOMIZING THE QUAD........................................................................................................144
CUSTOMIZING WORKSPACES..................................................................................................145
CUSTOMIZING ALIASES AND SHELL COMMANDS.............................................................. 146
Shell Commands....................................................................................................................................... 146
CUSTOMIZING TOOLS PALETTES............................................................................................147

Legalities: About Copying Files ................................................................................................................................ 148
OTHER AREAS OF CUSTOMIZATION............................................................148

FONTS ........................................................................................................................................ 148
TrueType Fonts......................................................................................................................................... 148
SHX Fonts.................................................................................................................................................. 149
PFB Fonts.................................................................................................................................................. 149
Font Mapping........................................................................................................................................... 149
eTransmit.................................................................................................................................................. 150
LINETYPES AND HATCH PATTERNS........................................................................................ 151

Tutorial: How to Copy AutoCAD .lin and .pat Files to BricsCAD.............................................................. 151
PLOT STYLES............................................................................................................................... 152

Plotter Manager........................................................................................................................................153
SUPPORTED FILES........................................................................................... 153

BricsCAD V18 Automation Object Model.................................................................................................157
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS............................................................. 158

ABOUT BRX.................................................................................................................................159
ABOUT TX....................................................................................................................................159
ABOUT .NET (WINDOWS ONLY)............................................................................................. 160
PORTING AUTOLISP TO LISP................................................................................................... 160
Porting DCL to BricsCAD........................................................................................................................... 161
Porting Diesel to BricsCAD........................................................................................................................ 161
PORTING VBA TO BRICSCAD (WINDOWS ONLY).................................................................. 161

PORTING ADS TO SDS............................................................................................................... 161
PORTING COM TO BRICSCAD (WINDOWS ONLY)................................................................. 161
LOADING APPLICATIONS INTO BRICSCAD............................................................................162
Units...........................................................................................................................................................162
THIRD-PARTY DEVELOPER SUPPORT.....................................................................................162
Table of Contents vii

5. Operating Dual-CAD Design Offices........................................163
WHY USE MORE THAN ONE CAD SYSTEM? ................................................164
LOWER TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP................................................................................... 164
Country-Biased Pricing............................................................................................................................. 166
Solutions to High License Fees.................................................................................................................167
MAXIMIZING COMPATIBILITY................................................................................................ 168

CAPABILITY................................................................................................................................ 169
RUNNING BRICSCAD & AUTOCAD IN ONE OFFICE......................................171

DIVIDING WORKFLOWS BETWEEN AUTOCAD & BRICSCAD............................................... 171
STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION................................................................................................173
COMMON OPERATIONS THROUGH FILE PATHS................................................................... 173
Tutorial: How to Add AutoCAD Support Folders to BricsCAD.................................................................174
USER PROFILES..........................................................................................................................176
Launching BricsCAD with a User Profile...................................................................................................177
Tutorial: How to Import AutoCAD Profiles into to BricsCAD...................................................................178
ROAMING PROFILES.................................................................................................................178
AutoCAD Support Folders.........................................................................................................................179
BricsCAD Support Folders.........................................................................................................................179
Tutorial: Importing Menus Files from AutoCAD...................................................................................... 180
Tutorial: Making Hidden Folders Visible in Windows.............................................................................. 180
Tutorial: Making Hidden Folders Visible in MacOS.................................................................................. 181
Tutorial: Loading AutoCAD’s PGP File into BricsCAD...............................................................................182
Tutorial: How to Export AutoCAD Palettes to BricsCAD.........................................................................182
THE DUAL OS OFFICE......................................................................................184

SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF PORTING SOFTWARE TO LINUX........................................... 184
User Interface .......................................................................................................................................... 185
APIs........................................................................................................................................................... 185
BENEFITS OF LINUX.................................................................................................................. 186

Linux is Free.............................................................................................................................................. 186
Linux is Hardware-Efficient...................................................................................................................... 186
Linux Is Malware-free............................................................................................................................... 186
Linux is Hardware-compatible..................................................................................................................187
Linux Dual-boots........................................................................................................................................187
DRAWBACKS TO LINUX............................................................................................................187
Lack of Identical Software........................................................................................................................187
Which Linux? ............................................................................................................................................ 188
Problematic Installers .............................................................................................................................. 189
Competing GUIs ....................................................................................................................................... 189
viii
BricsCAD V18 for AutoCAD Users
6. Working in 3D........................................................................... 191
3D Function Comparison ..........................................................................................................................................192
BRICSCAD’S DIRECT MODELING VS AUTOCAD’S PRESSPULL................. 193

WORKING WITH DIRECT MODELING..................................................................................... 194
Accessing Direct Modeling Commands................................................................................................... 194
Direct Modeling Tutorial.......................................................................................................................... 195
WORKSPACES, 3D VIEWING, QUAD CURSOR,
MANIPULATE, & 3D MOUSE...........................................................................199

SWITCHING WORKSPACES...................................................................................................... 199
Accessing the Workspace Commands..................................................................................................... 199
VIEW ROTATION & UCS FACE COMMANDS..........................................................................200

Accessing the 3D Viewing Commands.....................................................................................................200
BRICSCAD'S LOOKFROM VS. AUTOCAD'S VIEWCUBE.........................................................201
Accessing LookFrom Commands ............................................................................................................... 202
VISUAL STYLES AND RENDERING.......................................................................................... 202

Accessing Visual Styles Commands ........................................................................................................... 203
WORKING WITH THE QUAD CURSOR.................................................................................... 203

BricsCAD Command Prefixes.................................................................................................................................... 204
Accessing the Quad Command................................................................................................................204
BRICSCAD’S MANIPULATOR VS AUTOCAD’S GIZMO.......................................................... 204

TIPS BAR..................................................................................................................................... 205
WORKING WITH A 3D MOUSE.................................................................................................206
3D GEOMETRIC & 3D DIMENSIONAL CONSTRAINTS ................................207

WORKING WITH 3D CONSTRAINTS........................................................................................ 207
Accessing 3D Constraint Commands....................................................................................................... 207
3D DESIGN INTENT......................................................................................... 208

WORKING WITH DESIGN INTENT........................................................................................... 209
Accessing Design Intent Commands........................................................................................................ 211
MECHANICAL BROWSER & HARDWARE LIBRARY..................................... 212

Accessing the Mechanical Browser..........................................................................................................213
HARDWARE LIBRARY................................................................................................................ 213

Accessing the Standard Parts Panel.........................................................................................................214
Tool Palettes..............................................................................................................................................214
MODELING AND DEFORMING 3D SURFACES.............................................. 215

Accessing Surfacing Commands...............................................................................................................215
Table of Contents ix
3D ASSEMBLY MODELING.............................................................................. 216
Accessing Assembly Commands...............................................................................................................217
WORKING WITH ASSEMBLIES................................................................................................. 217
3D KINEMATIC ANALYSIS............................................................................... 221

DOING MOVEMENT ANALYSIS................................................................................................222
3D SECTIONS................................................................................................... 224
WORKING WITH SECTIONS..................................................................................................... 224
Accessing the Commands........................................................................................................................ 224
DRAWING VIEWS VS MODEL DOCUMENTATION.......................................225

Accessing Generative Drawing Commands............................................................................................ 226
BILLS OF MATERIAL VS DATA EXTRACTION.............................................. 226

HOW BMBOM AND BMBALLOON WORK...............................................................................227
Adding Balloons........................................................................................................................................ 227
Accessing the BOM Command................................................................................................................ 228
3D COMPARE................................................................................................... 229
Accessing the Drawing Compare Command........................................................................................... 230
7. BIM, Sheet Metal, & Communicator Add-ons........................ 231

3D BIM DESIGN.................................................................................................232
HOW BIM DESIGN WORKS...................................................................................................... 233
Accessing BIM Commands....................................................................................................................... 239
3D SHEET METAL DESIGN.............................................................................. 240

The Color of Sheet Metal.......................................................................................................................................... 240
TUTORIAL I: HOW SHEET METAL DESIGN WORKS...............................................................241

Adding Form Features.............................................................................................................................. 245
Exporting Sheet Metal Parts....................................................................................................................246
TUTORIAL II: FROM 3D SOLID TO SHEET METAL................................................................. 246

Accessing Sheet Metal Commands......................................................................................................... 253
BRICSCAD COMMUNICATOR........................................................................ 254

Import Formats Supported...................................................................................................................... 254
Export Formats Supported...................................................................................................................... 255
Accessing Import and Export Commands............................................................................................... 255
Import-Export without Communicator................................................................................................... 255
x
APPENDICES
A. Command Name Cross-reference.......................................... 257

BRICSCAD MECHANICAL COMMANDS.................................................................................. 279
BIM MODELING COMMANDS.................................................................................................280
SHEET METAL MODELING COMMANDS................................................................................ 282
B. System Variable Cross-reference........................................... 283
C. Command Alias Cross-reference ............................................315
D. Keystroke & Button Cross-reference.................................... 325

KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS FOR THE DRAWING AREA..................................326
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS FOR COMMAND BAR & TEXT WINDOW..........330
MOUSE AND TABLET BUTTONS.................................................................... 331

MOUSE BUTTONS......................................................................................................................331
TABLET BUTTONS..................................................................................................................... 332
NAVIGATE & 3D WALK-FLY CONTROLS.................................................................................. 334
3D MOUSE CONTROLS AND BUTTONS.................................................................................. 335
BricsCAD Customization........................................................................................................................... 335
Table of Contents xi
AUTOCAD-BRICSCAD DICTIONARY
BricsCAD’s terms closely follow AutoCAD’s jargon, but there are a few differences.
AutoCAD Term BricsCAD Equivalent

ADS SDS (software development system)
ARX BRX (BricsCAD runtime extension)
TX (Teigha runtime extension)
AutoLISP LISP
Content Browser
Design Center Drawing Explorer
implied intersection 3dintersection
intersection 2dintersection
macros tools
model documentation generative drafting
Navigation Cube or ViewCube LookFrom widget
object entity
options settings
osnap esnap (short for “entity snap”)
palette panel or bar
shortcut menu context menu
xdata EED (extended entity data)
xii
CHAPTER ONE
BricsCAD for
AutoCAD Users
THIS BOOK HELPS YOU MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM AUTOCAD® TO BRICSCAD. HERE
you learn about the benefits of using BricsCAD while saving your firm a lot of money on software
licenses. You’ll read about the advantages to switching to BricsCAD, how it is similar to AutoCAD,
and about some of the transition issues on which to keep an eye.
We provide you with detailed information on issues like the differences and similarities in user
interfaces between the two CAD programs, compatibility of DWG files, and even how to operate
two CAD systems in your design office.
At the end of this book, we provide you with useful appendices that exhaustively cross-reference
command and variable names between the two CAD systems — along with alias names, shortcut
keystrokes, and mouse button actions.
BricsCAD V18 for AutoCAD Users is meant for you if you are
ÐÐ An AutoCAD user considering switching to BricsCAD

ÐÐ A CAD manager adding licenses of BricsCAD to complement your AutoCAD shop
ÐÐ A design firm working with clients using a different CAD package
Or perhaps you are simply wondering about the differences between market leader AutoCAD and
aggressive up-and-comer BricsCAD. Whichever the case, this book is for you. Now in its 11th edi-
tion, the book is updated to include functions added to BricsCAD V18.
Welcome!
The Bricsys Benefit
Bricsys is a small company compared to Autodesk, whose executives have grown the company into
a two-billion-dollar-a-year enterprise. But dealing with a firm as enormous as Autodesk carries a
with certain amount of risk, and it pays to be aware of what the risks might be.
THE AGONY OF AUTOCAD

Autodesk offers a rich variety of nearly a hundred software packages and bundles. AutoCAD itself
comes in a dozen variations, with versions specific to architecture, civil engineering, and so on.
The company bundles together multiple programs into what it calls “Collections,” such as Product
Design Collection. This much choice can be confusing for potential customers determining which
product or bundle is the best one for their design needs.
When you depend on the good will of a single, large software supplier, this carries a risk. Software
crucial to the operation of your company might become a drag on profits to a large software pro-
vider, and so they might stop supporting it. Autodesk fine-tunes
its products to maximize profits on behalf of its shareholders.
As a result, the software you buy today may not be available
tomorrow.
For example, Autodesk in years past has moved customers

of its FM:desktop facilities management software to another
company; halted development of its Constructware con-
struction management software; and even orphaned users
of some other packages, such as Generic CADD (a low-cost
CAD package), Actrix Technical (diagramming software),
StudioDesk (architectural concept software), Mechanical
Desktop (AutoCAD-based 3D mechanical design software),
123D.com, and Impressions (post-design rendering software)
— among others.
Being a large company, Autodesk needs to charge prices that

tend to be high. The old $4,200 price of its foundation drafting
package, AutoCAD, is 4x to 10x more costly than many office
productivity packages. Pricing AutoCAD high is just the start:
a previous CEO famously boasted to financial analysts that her
company could make up to 10x more money when customers moved from
AutoCAD to 3D modeling software. The 10x increase comes out of your
pocket.
Autodesk’s offerings of software at http://www.autodesk.ca/en/products-standard as of December, 2017
2
Subscriptions. Autodesk made annual subscriptions mandatory for AutoCAD after January 31,
2016, and so it no longer sells more perpetual licences. This means you pay annually (or monthly)
for the software; if you do not pay, the software stops working. You can see that if your firm can-
not afford the subscription fee renewal — such as in the midst of the next recession — then yuor
company’s future is at risk.
Autodesk has stated that it makes more from customers paying subscriptions than on perpetual
licenses — which means that your firm is paying Autodesk more to run CAD than it needs to. This is
because Autodesk charges 1/3 of the software’s old perpetual license price as its annual subscrip-
tion fee. Clearly, after three years, you are paying more, and the payments never stop — unless you
switch to another CAD software supplier.
License Terms. Upon installing the software, Autodesk customers must agree to onerous terms
dictated by Autodesk in its software license. Many customers don’t bother reading EULAs (end
user license agreements) because the text is lengthy, and SOME SECTIONS ARE MADE EVEN MORE
DIFFICULT TO READ THROUGH THE USE OF UPPERCASE LETTERS.
If you do read it, you may be shocked to learn that you are allowing Autodesk to send agents into
your private home and business to search for unauthorized copies. Autodesk can require you to
have your computers audited remotely, to see if you are cheating — even when it has no evidence
that you are.
Worse, the EULA makes it illegal for customers to travel outside their country with Autodesk soft-
ware residing on their computers. Before getting on that airplane, you are required to erase Auto-
CAD from your computer. While Autodesk means this to protect regional sales, it is shortsighted
of Autodesk to block its customers from taking part in the reality of today’s globalized business.
THE BUSINESS OF BRICSYS

In contrast to Autodesk, Bricsys makes choice easy by offering just one software package in three
levels of capabilities, along with three vertical add-ons. Compare the list below with the Autodesk
list on the facing page:
BricsCAD Shape Free 3D-modeling software intended for early design work (new to V18)
BricsCAD Classic Budget-priced 2D CAD software with limited 3D modeling
BricsCAD Pro All of Classic, plus:
3D direct modeling, rendering, generative drafting, and all APIs
BricsCAD Platinum All of Pro, plus:
3D constraints, mechanical assemblies, and access to add-ons listed below

BIM add-on Building information modeling and IFC connection

Communicator add-on Standard and proprietary MCAD file format translation
Sheet Metal add-on Sheet metal design and CAM system output
1 BricsCAD for AutoCAD Users 3

Communicator requires a Pro or Platinum license; BIM and Sheet Metal require Platinum licenses.
Here is a comparison of some of the major capabilities of each edition. For a more detailed com-
parison, please refer to https://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/bricscad/compare/.
Function BricsCAD Classic BricsCAD Pro BricsCAD Platinum

2D Design and Editing Included Included Included
Printing, Exporting, Importing Included Included Included

Constraints ... 2D 2D and 3D
ACIS 3D Solids Modeling Viewing Modeling, editing, viewing Modeling, editing, viewing
Direct 3D Editing Viewing Modeling, editing, viewing Modeling, editing, viewing
History-based 3D Modeling Viewing Modeling, editing, viewing Modeling, editing, viewing
Design Intent ... ... Modeling and editing
3D Assemblies and BOMs Viewing Viewing Modeling, editing, viewing
Generated Drawings Viewing Included Included
Surface 3D Modeling Viewing Viewing Modeling, editing, viewing
Deformable Modeling Viewing Viewing Modeling, editing, viewing
Kinematic analysis Viewing Viewing Modeling, editing, viewing
BOM Viewing Viewing Modeling, editing, viewing

GIS Included Included Included
Rendering ... Included Included
Customization Included Included Included
Programming LISP, TX LISP, TX, BRX, VBA, .Net LISP, TX, BRX, VBA, .Net
BricsCAD Platinum is the full-featured version of BricsCAD: it has everything. The Pro version is
almost identical, leaving out only the parametric-based 3D modeling and 3D constraints. The Classic
version costs the least because it leaves out features for which Bricsys has to pay royalties to other
software companies. This means that the Classic version excludes ACIS modeling and editing, and
VBA, BRX, and .Net programming.
To read and write DWG and DXF files, BricsCAD uses the highly compatible Teigha libraries from
Open Design Alliance.
In summary, Bricsys has a simple-to-understand product line, doesn’t charge high prices, and
doesn’t impose mandatory subscriptions. The terms in its license allow you to use the software in
any country, and Bricsys does not threaten to send agents into your home.
Bricsys Shape: Free Early Design Software

To help customers at the early design stage, Bricsys provides BricsCAD Shape for free. This 3D-only
modeler accepts materials, inserts blocks, and is 100% compatible with BricsCAD. The company
sees it as a replacement to SketchUp. (Autodesk has no software like Shape.)
4 BricsCAD V18 for AutoCAD Users

BricsCAD Shape adding blocks to a 3D model
24/7 Project Management

For managing drawing projects, Bricsys recommends 24/7 (previously known as Chapoo). This
browser-based communication, collaboration, and project management system does not require
BricsCAD, so it works with any office system. It is, nevertheless, integrated into BricsCAD through
options in the File menu.
The home screen for 24/7

24/7 project management offers your firm the following benefits:
ÐÐ Speed. View multi-megabyte drawings in seconds, zooming in on details and examining annotations
with fly-over text that lists time stamp and author. 24/7 supports 70+ file formats, like Excel, Visio, MS
Project, and AutoCAD.
ÐÐ Upload Files. Drag and drop files into the upload area of 24/7.
ÐÐ Share Files and Folders. Files can be shared through email, Facebook, or Twitter; folders are shared with
other 24/7 users only. You have 1GB of online storage space to start with.
ÐÐ Create Annotations. Drag a rectangle over the text or image to highlight, and then enter mark-ups in a
few words or attach multiple text pages to the annotation. When you notify friends about it, 24/7 emails
a link with direct access to the file with the annotations.
ÐÐ Manage Compliance. Follow a continuous audit trail of the entire project process. 24/7 automatically
maintains log files of project activities and participants.
ÐÐ Single Access Point. You have a repository of all actions, documents, meetings, and participants in a
single location.
ÐÐ No Software to Install. Work with an ASP (application service provider) system. The software runs on
central servers with guaranteed access 24/7; you only need an Internet connection and a supported Web
browser.
There are two versions, the for-free 24/7 Free and the fee-based 24/7. Unlimited access is avail-
able to an unlimited number of participants through a yearly flat fee based on industry type and
company size. Portable versions of the service are available for Android and Apple tablets. For more
information, please visit https://www.bricsys.com/en-intl/247/.
BRICSCAD IS NOT INTELLICAD

Readers familiar with BricsCAD may know that at one time it was based on IntelliCAD. Was is the
important word here. The very earliest versions of BricsCAD were re-branded releases of IntelliCAD,
an AutoCAD workalike programmed by the IntelliCAD Technical Consortium.
(A little history: ITC was created in 1998 by Visio, now part of Microsoft. Years earlier, Visio had
purchased some software named “Project Phoenix” from SoftDesk, who in the mid-1990s was
the largest AutoCAD third-party developer. SoftDesk had began coding Phoenix after executives
worried that Autodesk might cut off access to APIs. When Autodesk purchased SoftDesk, the US
Federal Trade Commission required that it spin off Phoenix. Visio made the purchase and renamed
it IntelliCAD, but then later spun it off to the ITC. The consortium continues to update IntelliCAD
to this day, whose members re-brand the software for resale in their regions.)
The executives of Bricsys decided they would rather develop BricsCAD on their own rate, faster than
the ITC’s pace, and made the decision to write all-new code. During BricsCAD V8 and V9, Bricsys
concentrated on replacing all the ITC code with its own new programming code. As of BricsCAD
V10, the software is 100%-Bricsys. Bricsys contributed the new code to the ITC, which helped
speed up improvements to IntelliCAD.
6
Mechanical workspace interface of BricsCAD V18 running on Windows 10
With Bricsys’ purchase in 2010 of the programming division of Russian software company LEDAS,
functions grew dramatically with V12 and the following releases. Today we see BricsCAD equipped
with 3D constraints, sheet metal and BIM modeling, 3D deformable and surface modeling, and many
other functions not found in IntelliCAD.
The BricsCAD Advantage

You should not be considering BricsCAD for its negative benefits; it has its own benefits that are
significant. These include a similar user interface, extra commands and variables that AutoCAD
lacks, support for operating systems in addition to Windows, built-in direct 3D modeling and edit-
ing, 3D constraints, a no-charge developer network — and lower pricing.
NEAR-IDENTICAL USER INTERFACE

When you launch BricsCAD for the first time, you will notice that it looks very much like AutoCAD
— complete with ribbons and/or toolbars, menu bar, command prompt, and palettes.
As illustrated amply by appendices at the back of this book, BricsCAD uses the same names for
many AutoCAD commands, system variables, and aliases. It uses the same keystroke shortcuts.
Commands that are missing from BricsCAD are probably ones you weren’t using anyhow, such as
for database linkages or 3D point cloud processing.

The user interface of BricsCAD is available in English and a dozen other languages, and it can be
customized. Chapter 2 describes the user interface in detail.
Extra Commands and System Variables

AutoCAD boasts more than 1,700 commands and variables; BricsCAD also has more than 1,700
commands and variables. BricsCAD mimics most of them, but then has additional useful commands
and variables that are not found in AutoCAD.
In BricsCAD, for example, all entity (object) snaps have command names. This lets you directly
enter commands like Intersection and Midpoint. BricsCAD offers more ways to select objects
than does AutoCAD, such as with circular and external selection sets. BricsCAD uses commands
to manipulate extended entity data, something available in AutoCAD only through programming.
And BricsCAD can create and edit 3D models and sheet metal designs with 3D constraints (not
available in AutoCAD at all).
AutoCAD stores user settings in a number of locations scattered throughout the program, some of
which can be difficult to access; some settings are unavailable, even as system variables. In contrast,
BricsCAD summarized all variables and options in a single dialog box accessed by the Settings com-
mand. BricsCAD offers you extra control of the program through variables known as “preferences,”
such as BkgColor for specifying the background color of the drawing area and CmdLineFontName
for setting the name of the font used by the command bar.
Unique to BricsCAD is the Quad cursor. When you hover over a feature, such as a 2D object or a 3D
face, it instantly reports information about. (You can specify which information is reported.) Move
the cursor downwards, and the Quad displays the commands most likely needed to manipulate the
feature. When no objects are selected, right-click to display the Quad cursor with drawing com-
mands. You can customize the content of the Quad cursor to your liking.

The Quad cursor provides fast access to entity data (left) and context-senstivie commands (right)
3D Direct Modeling and Constraints

When it comes to 3D design, BricsCAD is dramatically ahead of AutoCAD. The Platinum edition ap-
plies 3D constraints and infers design intent — in addition to placing 2D dimensional and geometric

constraints. AutoCAD does not have 3D constraints or design intent. (The Classic and Pro editions
of BricsCAD have 2D constraints.)
BricsCAD offers 3D modeling functions not found in AutoCAD, such as these 3D constraints and entity snaps
To model assemblies of complex products, BricsCAD employs .dwg files of mechanical components
and orders them in hierarchical structures, even reading assembly structures from other MCAD
systems, like Solidworks and Autodesk Inventor. Kinematic analysis of moving and rotating parts
reviews motions forwards and backwards in real time. Sheet metal and BIM (building information
modeling) design are optional add-on modules. None of these are in AutoCAD or operate with
.dwg files.
Direct modeling and editing lets you directly interact with 3D models. See chapter 6 for more. While
this is possible in AutoCAD, Autodesk tells its users to use their stand-alone Fusion 360 software
and pay an extra cost.
APIs and Customization

Bricsys is making it easier for third-party developers to adapt AutoCAD add-ons to BricsCAD —
just as Bricsys works to make it easy for AutoCAD users to learn BricsCAD through this book. For
programmers, this is done with APIs, short for “application programming interfaces,” and BricsCAD
supports almost the same list of APIs as does AutoCAD.
AutoCAD API
Equivalent in BricsCAD Notes
Action Recorder (*) Scripts, SCR AutoCAD’s Action Recorder scripts cannot be edited;
scripts recorded by BricsCAD can be edited
ActiveX ActiveX In-place editing; not available in BricsCAD for Linux or Mac
ADS SDS ADS code ported from AutoCAD requires just a recompile using
BRX headers; ADS/SDS are deprecated by Autodesk and Bricsys.
ARX BRX or TX Ported ARX code requires just a recompile using new BRX headers;
when used with TX (ex-DRX), ported ARX code must be rewritten
AutoLISP LISP Ported AutoLISP code runs as-is in BricsCAD; no changes needed,
includes support for Vl, Vlr, Vla, and Vlax functions and encryption
COM COM Ported AutoCAD COM code runs as-is in BricsCAD;
not available in BricsCAD for Linux or Mac
CUI CUI Ported AutoCAD CUI files made need adjusting for BricsCAD
Diesel Diesel Ported Diesel code runs as-is in BricsCAD; no changes needed
DCL DCL Ported DCL code runs as-is in BricsCAD; no changes needed
.Net Teigha.NET BricsCAD provides Teigha.NET and extra BRX-managed wrappers;
not available in BricsCAD for Linux, Mac, or Windows Classic versions
... TX Teigha eXtensions (formerly DRX) from Open Design Alliance;
not available in AutoCAD.
VBA VBA Current AutoCAD VBA code runs as-is in BricsCAD for Windows;
not available in BricsCAD Linux, Mac, or Windows Classic versions
VSTA ... VSTA is unavailable in BricsCAD

Generally, BricsCAD provides a nearly identical subset of equivalent function names. In the case of
non-compiled code, such as LISP and DCL, you just drop it into the BricsCAD environment. With
compiled code, you recompile it using headers provided by Bricsys to registered developers. See
https://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/applications/developers/.
Examples of Add-ons
Independent programmers have written dozens of add-ons that tailor BricsCAD for specific appli-
cations in the areas of AEC, civil, data exchange, electrical, GIS, survey and mapping, general tools,
HVAC, mechanical, packaging, rendering, and structural design. Here are a few examples:
DTCPRO from Disedig performs digital terrain modeling (TIN and contouring), cross-sections, longitudinal
profiles, linear works, and volumetrics inside BricsCAD. http://www.disedig.com/Dtcpro.html
Color coding indicating height of terrain
Autopath from CGS Plus generates swept path analysis by analyzing maneuverability and clearance of
steered vehicles of all types for intersections, roundabouts, and parking lots.
http://www.cgs-labs.com/Software/Autopath.aspx
Turning paths of large vehicles
10
DS Tools from Design Sense adds to BricsCAD’s basic sheet metal capabilities with blank development, strip
layouts, punch designs, die set designs, manufacturing bills of material, and quotations.
http://www.thedesignsense.com/DSTools
Range of tasks performed by DS Tools
At time of writing, more than 400 applications are available for BricsCAD. For the complete list,
visit the company’s Applications Store at https://www.bricsys.com/applications/.
No-charge Developer Network

Bricsys does not charge third-party developers a fee; Autodesk charges an annual fee of $1,400
and up. You do not pay Bricsys a fee to join, you do not pay an annual membership, you do not pay
for support, and you do not pay royalties on shipping products.
The reason support is free is because Bricsys feels that to become a successful CAD company it needs
to encourage the development of many, many add-on applications — currently 1,500, a number that
includes ones written privately. The company feels so strongly about third-party development that
it has halted development of its own add-ons, except for a few that benefit many users.
Bricsys now concentrates on two tasks:
ÐÐ Improving BricsCAD
ÐÐ Adding to APIs
End users also benefit from APIs. (The application programming interface is the software link
between CAD software and programming languages/compilers.) When a third-party developer
requests an addition to the API, the added code becomes a new feature in BricsCAD that end users
can employ.
SUPPORT FOR MULTIPLE OPERATING SYSTEMS

Bricsys was foresighted enough to write its BricsCAD code so that it is independent of the operating
system. The company offers versions of BricsCAD that run natively on Windows, Linux, and MacOS.
While AutoCAD runs on Windows and MacOS (not Linux), the MacOS version has a significant
shortcoming in that it leaves out about a third of the functions found in the Windows version. Yet

the Mac version is as expensive as the Windows version. (Autodesk lists the missing functions
http://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/compare/compare-platforms.)
BricsCAD, by contrast, boasts nearly all the same functions in all three OS versions, as shown by
the comparison chart at https://www.bricsys.com/en-intl/bricscad/compare/.
LOWER PURCHASE AND MAINTENANCE PRICING

Perhaps the most dramatic difference from AutoCAD is that the most expensive version of BricsCAD
is 4x cheaper than AutoCAD. To put the math another way, your office can be outfitted with four
seats of BricsCAD Platinum in place of one seat of AutoCAD — and have money left over to buy
another computer.
BricsCAD has a single upgrade price and a single maintenance price for all editions.
List Price 1 AutoCAD AutoCAD LT BricsCAD Platinum BricsCAD Pro BricsCAD Classic
Perpetual License “$4,410”
2
“$1,140” $ 1,110 $ 750 $ 590
Maintenance 3 ... ... $ 200/year $ 200/year $ 220/year
Subscription $1,470/year $ 380/year ... ... ...

1
US$ pricing for single-user license; price may be different in other currencies. Lower pricing usually available for multi-seat
purchases and networked versions; student-use licences are free. Prices as at 6 November 2017.
2
Autodesk “perpetual” licence price no longer available, and is shown for illustrative purposes based on 3x subscription cost.
3
Annual maintenance requires a one-time perpetual license purchase; includes advanced support and all upgrades.
In addition to the add-on provided by third party developers, Bricsys provides three add-ons for
sophisticated modeling:
Add-on Purpose Price 1 Autodesk Equivalent Autodesk Price 2

BIM 3 Building information modeling $650 Revit $2,200 per year
Communicator File translation
4
$610 Included with AutoCAD ...
Sheet Metal 3 Sheet metal design $520 Inventor $1,890 per year
1
US$ pricing for single-user license; price may be different in other currencies. Lower pricing usually available for multi-seat
purchases and networked versions; student-use licences are free. Prices as at 6 November 2017.
2
Autodesk a subscription pricing; must be paid each year for the software to continue operating.
3
Requires a BricsCAD Platinum license
4
Requires a BricsCCAD Pro or Platinum license
In 2016, Autodesk eliminated nearly all perpetual license sales. This means that annual subscrip-
tion payments are compulsory when purchasing new software from Autodesk. After three years of
subscription payments, you are paying Autodesk more than you would have with a single perpetual
license payment. See http://www.autodesk.com/store for pricing details on all Autodesk products.
In contrast, BricsCAD saves you money through lower pricing to start off with, and a maintenance
fee that’s lower than Autodesk’s subscription cost. Bricsys allows you to chose whether to upgrade
12
(or not) or to subscribe (or not); Autodesk does not. You save even more money, because BricsCAD
has less stringent hardware requirements, and allows you to run on a free operating system, Linux
(not available from Autodesk). See Chapter 5 for running CAD on Linux.
See https://www.bricsys.com/estore/ for pricing details on all Bricsys products.
Keep Your BricsCAD

If you like your old BricsCAD, you can keep your old BricsCAD. When new releases come out, Bricsys
does not force you to give up your old software. When you get a license number for V18, it powers
BricsCAD as far back as V14.
Licensing dialog box for BricsCAD V18
BricsCAD licenses can be moved between computers, just like AutoCAD. This lets you install the
software as many times as you need, then just deactivate the current one to activate BricsCAD on
another computer.
It Makes More than Cents

You could ask, “Are AutoCAD’s additional functions worth the $3,300 difference in price?” For some
users, a high price makes sense to them. But for others, the difference means they can get more
software. For example, you could model a 3D boat hull in Rhino and then add 2D details and an-
notations with BricsCAD.
You can 3D mesh modeling with Rhino at $995, add a Rhino-BricsCAD file converter ($95) — and
still be two thousand dollars ahead. Rhino is available from Robert McNeel & Associates at http://
www.rhino3d.com/download; the 3DM converter is sold at the Bricsys eStore.

ALL ABOUT BRICSCAD BULK LICENSES
by Jason Bourhill
Once your firm has more than ten seats of BricsCAD, you should consider a bulk license for convenience and possible cost savings.
The Bricsys bulk license system carries out unattended installs, configurations, and uninstalls of BricsCAD by the IT manager, as well
as providing flexibility to end users. Bricsys offers two forms of bulk license, volume and network. Autodesk does not offer such
licensing for AutoCAD LT.
VOLUME LICENSES
Volume licensing uses a single authentication key that is valid for a specific number of installs, as identified in the license agreement.
After the software is installed, each user needs to activate their license online (requires an Internet connection) with the licensing
server hosted by Bricsys.
Volume licenses suit firms whose staff that require continuous access to BricsCAD. The cost is the same as for individual All-In seat
license.
NETWORK LICENSES
Network licensing uses a single authentication key that is valid for a specific number of simultaneous users, as identified by the license
agreement.The license server is customer-hosted, and only the customer-hosted license server needs to activate licenses online with
Bricsys.This means that none of the client computers need an Internet connection, which some firms prefer for security. Bulk license
installation is usually undertaken by the firm’s IT manager.
Network users have the option to book out a license, allowing for continued use away from the license server. This may incur ad-
ditional cost.
Network licenses suit organizations whose staff require only intermittent access to BricsCAD. The cost is initially greater than with
volume licenses; however, the ongoing costs can be significantly less. The key is the low threshold: network licenses can start from
just one license and then grow from there, instead of the minimum of ten needed for volume licensing. Once the number reaches
five, a discount becomes available on purchasing licenses. With larger numbers, a discount is also available for annual subscriptions.
SUPPORT FOR NETWORKS AND LICENSES

To download the network license manager, follow this link: https://www.bricsys.com/bricscad/tools/Bricsys-NetworkLicenseManager.msi.
Follow the advice of BricsCAD’s online help when setting up the network by going to https://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/support/
and then entering “network” as the search term. In addition, the Bricsys Knowledge Base covers typical network installation issues
and error codes at https://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/support/#85.
Information on how to use the Bricsys network license on a client computer: https://www.bricsys.com/bricscad/help/en_US/V18/
BricsCAD/index.html?page=source%2FNetwork.htm. Large organizations may want to automate deployment through silent installation
(Windows only): https://www.bricsys.com/bricscad/help/en_US/V18/BricsCAD/index.html?page=source%2FSilent_Installation.htm.
BricsCAD uses the Reprise license manager. For detailed information on the license manager software, download the PDF manual
from the Reprise site: http://www.reprisesoftware.com/RLM_License_Administration.pdf. License administrator and user FAQs from
Reprise Software: http://www.reprisesoftware.com/publisher/license-management-faq.php.
14
WHAT’S MISSING FROM BRICSCAD?
BricsCAD doesn’t have every feature found in AutoCAD. As I update this ebook each year, the list
becomes shorter with each release of BricsCAD. Here it is as of V18:
Associative Center Marks* AutoPublish CAD standards

Database links Dynamic blocks* Markups
Quick view thumbnails PDF editing Point cloud processing
3D mesh modeling
*) BricsCAD edits these entities created in AutoCAD, although it cannot create them.
Chapter 3 provides complete details of which AutoCAD entities work in BricsCAD, which work
partly, and those few that don’t work at all.
At first glance, there are features in AutoCAD that appear to be missing from BricsCAD, but another
glance shows that BricsCAD has near-equivalents operating under other names. Here are some
examples:
AutoCAD Feature BricsCAD Equivalent Command Names in BricsCAD

Action Recorder Script recorder RecScript, StopScript
DesignCenter ContentBrowser ContentBrowserOpen
QLeader Leaders DimLeader
Real-time dimensioning Dimensioning with Quad ...
ViewCube LookFrom widget LookFrom
VSTA VBA and .Net VBA, AppLoad
What’s Missing from AutoCAD

BricsCAD Platinum V18 offers these 2D and 3D functions that are not found in AutoCAD 2018,
which costs 4x as much:
ÐÐ Placing 3D constraints
ÐÐ Assembling parts into large models
ÐÐ Parametric equations for arrays
ÐÐ Inferring design intent
ÐÐ Editing 3D models directly
ÐÐ Analyzing kinematics
ÐÐ Designing sheet metal
ÐÐ Designing BIM
ÐÐ Editing interactively with the Quad cursor
ÐÐ Entering object snaps as command names
ÐÐ Making circular, external, and other types of selection sets
ÐÐ Manipulating extended entity data easily
ÐÐ Accessing all system variables and options through a single dialog box

ÐÐ Setting additional variables, such as BkgColor (specifies drawing area background color) and CmdLine-
FontName (sets the font for command bar text)
ÐÐ Customizable clean screen display
ÐÐ Drawing comparison
ÐÐ Layout manager
ÐÐ Browser panel for showing all parts of drawings
System Requirements
Your IT department will appreciate that BricsCAD does not require expensive hardware or the latest
operating system requirements to perform well. This is significant for these reasons:
ÐÐ Design firms can often run BricsCAD on computers they already have. This extends the investment in
hardware, and manages costs when they do upgrade
ÐÐ BricsCAD uses less RAM and requires less CPU speed than AutoCAD, meaning more memory space and
CPU power is available for users
RECOMMENDED HARDWARE
Autodesk and Bricsys recommend that your computer meet the following specifications. Auto-
CAD cannot run on smaller computers (like netbooks) whose screens have a resolution of below
1024x768. BricsCAD runs well on older computers. AutoCAD for Mac will not run on unsupported
Apple computers; BricsCAD works well with older Macs. Here are the recommended specifications
for 64-bit systems.
Hardware AutoCAD 2018 BricsCAD V18

CPU 1GHz 1GHz or faster CPU
MacOS 2GHz or faster Any recent Mac

Apple Mac Pro 4.1 or later
MacBook Pro 5.1 or later
iMac 8.1 or later
Mac mini 3.1 or later
MacBook Air 2.1 or later
MacBook 5.1 or later
Minimum RAM 4GB 256MB, plus RAM required by OS
MacOS 3GB
Recommended RAM 8GB or more 1GB or more

MacOS 4GB
Hard Disk Space 4GB for installation 250MB for program files + 1GB free space
MacOS 3GB for installation
Monitor Resolution 1024x768 minimum 1024x768 with true color (minimum)

1600 x 1050 recommended

MacOS 1280x800 minimum 1024x768 with true color minimum
16
2880x1800 recommended
Graphics Board DIrectX 9 or 11 Any XGA or better graphics board, such as from
128MB (minimum) workstation-class Intel, nVidia, and AMD
Pixel Shader 3.0 or greater for 3D Uses Redway3D for rendering
Direct3D for 3D
For supported brands, see
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/syscert?siteID=123112&id=18844534
MacOS Built-in graphics Built-in graphics

Pointing Device Mouse Mouse
MacOS Apple or Microsoft mouse or Mouse or trackpad

trackpad

Supported Operating Systems

Bricsys supports BricsCAD running on several dialects of Linux, as well as on MacOS (the new name
for MacOS), and older releases of the Windows operating system.
Autodesk has not announced a Linux version, and no longer supports Windows Vista. While Au-
todesk has a version of AutoCAD for the Mac, it is missing numerous commands and most APIs.
Here is the list of operating system on which both CAD systems can run:
AutoCAD BricsCAD
... Windows Vista with service pack 2
Windows 7 SP1 Windows 7
Windows 8.1 Windows 8 or 8.1
Windows 10 Windows 10
MacOS v10.11 or later MacOS v10.9 or higher
... Ubuntu LTS Linux

... Fedora Linux
... OpenSuse Linux
... Linux other distributions
The Windows versions of AutoCAD require Internet Explorer for functions such as help; BricsCAD
works with any Web browser.
For more information on that operating systems on which BricsCAD runs, see http://bricsys.com/
en_INTL/support/#30a=65
Information about AutoCAD running on the Windows operating system: https://knowledge.au-

todesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Operating-system-
compatibility-for-AutoCAD-and-AutoCAD-LT.html.
AutoCAD for Mac operating systems: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-for-mac/

troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Operating-system-compatibility-for-AutoCAD-for-
Mac.html.

Just as you can try out AutoCAD free for 31 days, you can install and run the Platinum edition of
BricsCAD for 30 days at no charge from http://www.bricsys.com . You can test the Linux, Mac, and
Windows versions. The size of the BricsCAD download file is 264MB, 5x smaller than AutoCAD’s
1.8GB download file.
IN SUMMARY, BricsCAD operates much like AutoCAD — yet is much more economical.
—————
In the following chapters, we delve deeper into the themes sketched out by this chapter. But first,
a look at what’s new in BricsCAD V18.
18
WHAT’S NEW IN BRICSCAD V18
This list of BricsCAD’s new and changed functions was compiled from version 18.1.08. Changes are highlighted throughout this book,
but be aware that information on theses pages is not comprehensive, because Bricsys continually updates this software. For informa-
tion on functions added since this book was published, please see http://www.bricsys.com/common/releasenotes.jsp.
New command and variable names are shown in boldface blue, updated ones are in boldface black. The new and changed functions
are listed in roughly alphabetical order, sorted into the following sections:
ÐÐ User interface
ÐÐ Layers
ÐÐ Text
ÐÐ Dimensioning
ÐÐ 3D modeling
ÐÐ Layouts
ÐÐ Generated views
ÐÐ BIM module
ÐÐ Sheet metal module
ÐÐ Communicator module
ÐÐ PDFs and printing
ÐÐ Files
ÐÐ Chapoo (renamed 24/7)
ÐÐ APIs
BricsCAD V18 installs and runs independently from previous BricsCAD versions.
WHAT’S NEW IN THE USER INTERFACE

BricsCAD V18 improves the display performance in the following areas:
ÐÐ Redraw is 2x faster for drawings containing many tiny entities, such as dashes in hatch patterns.
ÐÐ Isolines of 3D models are displayed faster
ÐÐ Selection preview is cleared when the cursor leaves the view area
ÐÐ Zooming into partial circles and arcs is smoother
ÐÐ Changing the BkgColor and Perspective variables is faster when many drawings are loaded, as
only the active drawing is updated; the regeneration of others is delayed
ÐÐ Rollover performance is improved for large selection sets
ÐÐ Explorer is faster in folder view at switching between sections of the same drawing, such as
between layers and linetypes, by no longer reloading the database
ÐÐ Print and save performance was improved by a factor 20 for drawings containing layers with
many viewport overrides
ÐÐ Thumbnail raster images generated for render materials and blocks are now cached, allowing
instant switching in the Content Browser between drawings containing even thousands of
blocks
ÐÐ Drawing compare uses a cache to operate orders of magnitude faster than competitors

NEW CLEAN SCREEN INTERFACE
CleanScreenOn command maximizes the drawing area by optionally hiding the document tabs, dockable panels, toolbars, ribbon,
command line, status bar, and menu bar. Also hidden is the Windows taskbar.
TIP Press Ctrl+0 (zero) to switch instantly between clean screen on and off.
Above: Normal screen; below: clean screen
CleanScreenOff command unhides hidden user-interface items.

CleanScreenOptions variable determines which user interface elements should remain visible in clean screen mode; default = 15:
CleanScreenOptions Meaning
0 Hide no elements
1 Hide document (drawing) tabs
2 Hide dockable panels (palettes)
4 Hide toolbars
8 Hide ribbon
16 Hide command line panel (bar)
32 Hide status bar
64 Hide menu bar
TIP As a useful alternative to the CleanScreenOptions variable’s command-line prompt, open the
Settings dialog box and then search for “clean”:
CleanScreenState variable (read-only) reports whether clean screen mode is on or off:
CleanScreenState Meaning
0 Off (default)
1 On
Command Bar. Previously, when the command bar was turned off, command text appeared only in the status bar. As of V18, the last
four lines of command text appear in the drawing area.After about five seconds, the text fades away.When you next enter a command
or pick an option, the on-screen text reappears.This applies when the command bar is off, and works whether clean screen is on or off.

UPDATED CONTENT BROWSER PANEL
ContentBrowserOpen command opens the Content Browser panel to display .dwg files and model views. WIth V18, it now also
displays the names of blocks and dimension styles in each drawing file. Also new, model views, blocks, and dimensions styles can be
dragged into the current drawing.

Left: Blocks displayed by Content Browser panel; right:... and dimension styles
TIP If you do not see the side panel with the icons, drag the edge of the Content Browser panel
wider until the side panel becomes visible.
Model views can be dragged only into layouts. If the name of a block or dimension style already exists, you are asked if you want to
replace or overwrite the current definition. Thumbnail raster images generated for blocks and render materials are now cached, al-
lowing instant switching in the Content Browser panel between drawings containing even thousands of blocks.
Elements are placed in the current drawing as follows:
ÐÐ Drag blocks into the drawing. The -Insert command is activated; the insertion and alignment
options are available, but the other options are skipped over:
: ._-insert
? to list blocks in drawing/~ to open the file dialog/<Block to insert>: _ArchTick
Units: Unitless Conversion: 1
Insertion point for block or [Multiple blocks/Scale]:_s
Scale factor for block: 1
Insertion point for block or [Multiple blocks/Scale]:_r
Rotation angle for block: 0
Insertion point for block or [Multiple blocks/Scale]:
\
22
When the block definition already exists, the following warning appears:
ÐÐ Right-click a dimension style name, and then choose Add Dimstyle(s); when the dimstyle
already exists, the following warning appears:
ÐÐ Switch to a layout, and then double-click a model view; it is placed in the current layout using
the PlaceView command.
ContentBrowserClose command closes the Content browser.
NEW DRAWING COMPARE
DwgCompare command compares a selected drawing with the current drawing to show new, modified, and missing entities in
user-defined colors.
: dwgcompare
CMPDIFFLIMIT = 1000. Select the file to compare with or [Limit]:(Press Enter to
display the Open a File dialog box.)

Choose a DWG or DXF file, and then click Open. A drawing appears that shows the differences between the two drawings. Green
indicates added entities, while red reports removed ones.
3 differences were found.
While the DwgCompare session is active, the following actions are available:
ÐÐ Select an entity to see the new DiffType property (read-only) displayed in the Properties panel
and by Rollover tooltips

Left: Diff type property in the Properties panel; right: ...and in the rollover tooltip
ÐÐ The Structure panel (opened by the new StructurePanel command) displays all differences.
Bricsys notes that the default.cst configuration file should be used to display the results cor-
rectly. (CST files format the display of data in the Structure panel.)
ÐÐ KeepMe command visually merges the two drawings being compared with Drawing Compare.
It keeps selected entities and discards the matching variants. When no more differences are
listed in the Structure panel, the merge is complete.
ÐÐ EndCompare command exits the comparison session.
Dimensions are not compared. Blocks can be compared and merged.

The new Compare toolbar controls the drawing comparison process. From left to right, the buttons activate the DwgCompare,
KeepMe, and EndCompare commands.

The following variables can be used to control the comparison results:
ÐÐ CmpClrMiss variable specifies the color of missing entities; default = red.
ÐÐ CmpClrMode1 variable specifies the color of modified entities in drawing #1; default = 253 (gray).
ÐÐ CmpClrMode2 variable specifies the color of modified entities in drawing #2; default = yellow.
ÐÐ CmlClrNew variable specifies the color of new entities; default = green.
ÐÐ
ÐÐ CmdDiffLimit variable specifies the maximum number of entities to compare:
CmdDiffLimit Meaning
1 Minimum number
1000 Default
10000000 Maximum number (ten million)
Here are the variables displayed in the Settings dialog box:
NEW MANIPULATOR WIDGET
Manipulate command prompts us to select an entity, to which it attaches the new manipulator widget. The widget rotates, moves,
mirrors, and scales entities along the x, y, or z axes or xy, xz, or zy planes. Entity editing is performed by dragging the arrowheads or
bars, or else by entering values for precise control via dynamic dimensions. This command works on 2D and 3D entities.
ÐÐ Scale (resize) or Mirror (default) by dragging a blue arrowhead; which action is in effect de-
pends on the Arrowhead Acts As setting found in the shortcut menu (see below)
ÐÐ Move the selected entity by dragging one of the gold bars
ÐÐ Copy by holding down the Ctrl key while dragging a bar
ÐÐ

ÐÐ Rotate by dragging one of the yellow arcs; see figure below
To adjust the position of the widget
ÐÐ Relocate the widget by dragging the white ball (found nearest to the origin); entity snaps are
respected
ÐÐ Twist the widget by dragging one of the three while balls adjacent to each arrowhead
ÐÐ Right-click the widget for the following options:
ÐÐ Move moves the widget freely to another location

ÐÐ Align with WCS or UCS or Entity/Face aligns the x,y,z arms of the widget with either the positive
x,y,z-axes of the world, or a user-defined coordinate system, or to the nearest face of an entity.
ÐÐ Reorient manipulator prompts us at the command line:
Specify origin of manipulator: (Pick a point in the drawing)
Point on X axis or <Accept>: (Pick a point you want to be the x axis)
Point on the XY-plane with positive Y value or <Accept>: (Pick a point you want to
be the x,y-plane)
ÐÐ Hide hides the widget.

ÐÐ Manipulator Settings opens the Settings dialog box at the Manipulator section.
ÐÐ Classic color changes the arm colors so that the x arm is red, the y one is green, and z is blue.
ÐÐ Arrowhead Acts As switches between 3D scaling (indicated by the double blue arrowhead)
and 3D mirroring (indicated by the mirrored blue triangles).

Left: Manipulator in scale mode (double arrowheads); right: ...and in mirror mode (mirrored triangles)
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Manipulator variable determines when the manipulator widget is available:
Manipulator
Meaning
0 Not displayed (default)
1 Display manipulator when entities are selected
2 Display manipulator when left mouse button is pressed longer than
the time specified by ManipulatorDuration variable
ManipulatorDuration variable determines how long the left mouse button must be pressed before the manipulator widget appears;
default = 250 milliseconds.
ManipulatorSize variable specifies the size of the manipulator widget relative to the default size; range is 0.5 - 2; default = 1.
M_ArrowheadLengthCoeff variable specifies the length of the manipulator’s arrowheads:
M_ArrowheadLengthCoeff Meaning
1 Minimum value
3.5 Default value
M_ArrowheadRadiusCoeff variable specifies the radius (size) of the arrowheads:
M_ArrowheadRadiusCoeff Meaning
1 Minimum value
2.2 Default value
M_AxisDiameter variable specifies the diameter (thickness) of the manipulator’s axes (arms):
M_AxisDiameter Meaning
1 Minimum value
6 Default value
16 Maximum value
M_TotalAxisLength variable specifies the length of the axes (arms):
M_TotalAxisLength Meaning
1 Minimum value
130 Default value
200 Maximum value
NEW WALK AND FLY NAVIGATION
Navigate command walks or flies through 3D models:
: navigate
Flight mode is Off, STEPSIZE=4, STEPSPERSEC=24
>>Press Esc to quit or right click to modify navigation settings.

The cross shows our position in the model:
Use the following keys to walk or fly through the model:
Key
Alternate Key Action
A Left Arrow Walk to the left
W Up Arrow Walk forward
S Down Arrow Walk back
D Right Arrow Walk to the right
F ... Switch between Fly and Walk modes
... Left-drag Look around
... Right-click Display the Navigation Settings dialog box
Right-click during navigation mode to access the Navigation Settings dialog box:
ÐÐ Navigation Mode switches between walk and fly modes.Walk mode restricts movements to the x,y-plane, whereas fly mode does not.
ÐÐ Current Drawing Settings sets values for the following variables:

StepsPerSec variable specifies the speed in steps per second when navigating through 3D models
with the new Navigate command, as well as the and RtWalk command activated by holding down
Alt+left mouse button:
StepsPerSecond Meaning
1 Slowest speed
2 Default
30 Fastest speed (typical for videos)
StepSize variable specifies the size of steps in drawing units when navigating through 3D models;
this variable replaces RTWalkSpeedFactor.
StepSize Meaning
1E-6 Shortest step
6 Default
1E+6 Longest step (one million drawing units)
RTWalkSpeedFactor is variable obsolete and is replaced by the StepSize variable.
ÐÐ Registry Settings specifies the rotation speed in frames per second.
NEW VIEW TRANSITIONS
View transitions are now animated, so that zooms, pans, and view rotations appear to move.
TIP Turning on view transitions may make it easier to keep your bearings as the view changes, but I
find that slows down my CAD work, waiting for the zoom to finish. So I leave it turned off.
VtDuration variable specifies the duration of view transition animations in milliseconds; default = 0.75 seconds.
VtDuration
Meaning
0 Disabled
750 Default, in milliseconds
5000 Maximum (5 seconds)
VtEnable variable determines when view transitions occur; default = 3:
VtEnable Meaning
0 Disabled
1 Enabled for zooms and pans (default)
2 Enabled for view rotation (default)
4 Enabled during scripts and so on

VtFps variable determines the minimum frame rate required to allow view animation to operate; default = 7. When your computer
and its graphics board do not have sufficient horsepower to generate the animated transition, then the effect is unavailable. The FPS
(frames per second) rate is divided into 1 second: 1.0 divided by 7fps = 0.143 seconds/frame.
VtFps Meaning
0 Disabled
7 Default
30 Maximum
WHAT’S NEW IN QUAD CURSOR AND ROLLOVER TOOLTIPS
When the Quad and Rollover are both on, clicking the Quad’s title bar now toggles the display between Quad mode (tool buttons)
and Rollovers (properties).
ÐÐ QuadDisplay variable adds 4, the Suppress Quad on Hover When Entities are Selected option.
ÐÐ QuadiconSize now supports 64x64-pixel size icons, useful for very-high resolution displays. This variable also affects the size
of the rollover tooltip.
Left to right: 16x16 small icons, 32x32 medium icons, and 64x64 large icons
ÐÐ QuadMostRecentItems variable specifies the number of most-recent items listed by the Quad. The default is 2.
ÐÐ _QuadTabFlags variable determines style of Quad. This variable appears to be a temporary one for use during a transition to
a new Quad layout:
_QuadTabFlags Meaning
1 Fixed with tabs
2 Center tab labels
4 Tab borders (on by default)
8 Double tab height (on by default)
16 Show 3D mass properties
The property values in the Rollover tooltips are can now be edited. In the figure below, the color of the line is being changed with
the Rollover tooltip.
Rollover properties performance is improved for large selection sets.

ÐÐ RolloverOpacity variable determines the translucency of rollover tooltips; range is from 10 (mostly transparent) to 100, opaque
(default)

ÐÐ RolloverSelectionSet variable determines how rollover tooltips display properties of a selection set:
RolloverSelectionSet Meaning
0 No properties displayed of the selection set
1 General properties displayed (default)
2 Properties common to all entities displayed
ÐÐ RolloverTips toggles the display of rollover tooltips.
OTHER CHANGES TO THE USER INTERFACE
ÐÐ CrossHairDrawMode variable determines how the cursor is drawn in the drawing area during 3D visualization. RedSDK is
faster at the job, but may be incompatible with some systems.
CrossHairDrawMode Meaning
0 Use Windows rendering
1 Undefined at this time
2 Use RedSDK rendering
ÐÐ DocTabPosition, ShowDocTabs, and WndlTabs variables are no longer read-only.
Dynamic dimensions are now enabled during the following drawing commands:Arc, Circle, Ellipse, HelixPLine, Polysolid, Ray, Spline,
and Xline. Also, they are enabled during the following editing commands: ArrayEditExt, Change, Lengthen, PEditExt, Stretch, and Ucs
commands. Dyndims now also work when grip-editing entities.

Left Dynamic dimensions displayed during the Arc command; right: ...and the Stretch command.
ÐÐ DynDimAperture variable specifies the search radius, in pixels, around the cursor; works only when the DynMode variable is
on. Default value is 20; largest value is 21474836347
Home key rotates the view to become horizontal.
LockUi variable locks the location and size of toolbars and dockable panels. To temporarily override the lock to move items, hold
down the Ctrl key.
LockUi Meaning
0 Disabled (default)
1 Docked toolbars and panels locked
2 Docked and anchored windows locked
4 Floating toolbars and panels locked

The LockUi toggle button is added to the status bar.
Properties command now saves the grid column splitter position between sessions.
ÐÐ RubberbandColor variable specifies the rubber band color; default = 40 (gold).The rubber band shows in real time the distance
that entities are moved during commands like Move and Copy.
ÐÐ RubberbandStyle variable toggles the look of the rubber band between solid lines and dashed ones (default).
Temporary Tracking Mode. To activate temporary tracking mode, we used to enter TK in the command bar, or else choose
Temporary Tracking Points from the Snap toolbar. With V18, we can now click the middle mouse button to activate temporary
tracking points.
Temporary snap tracking points now leave colored trails. In the figure below, the current tracking line is orange, while the placed one is blue.
Tracking can be used in any direction, and is no longer restricted to the xy-plane. Dynamic dimensions are displayed during tracking,
as shown above
WHAT’S NEW IN LAYERS

VpLayer command gains the following options to modify viewports in current layout.The new Color, Ltype, LWeight, and TRans-
parency options set the color, etc. respectively in the current viewport. The new eXcept current option can be used during the
selection of viewports.
: vplayer
[List frozen layers/Color/LineType/LineWeight/TRansparency/Freeze layers/Thaw lay-
ers/Reset layers/New frozen layers/Default visibility setting]:
ÐÐ InterfereLayer variable specifies the layer on which interference solids are placed.
ÐÐ LayerFilterExcess variables deletes layer filters when the number exceeds this value, upon opening the Layers dialog box;
default = 250.
ÐÐ SaveLayerSnapshot variable saves layer settings with newly created views.
32
The new Isolate Selected Layers option is added to the shortcut menus of Layers dockable panel and the Layer Explorer.
WHAT’S NEW IN TEXT

BricsCAD V18 improves the display of highlighted SHX text in wireframe mode.
ÐÐ AnnoAutoScale variable determines what happens to annotative scales when a new one is introduced:
AnnoAutoScale Meaning
0 New annotative scale is not added to existing entities
1 New annotation scale is added, except to those on off, frozen, locked, and
VpFreeze layers
2 New annotation scale is added, except to those on off, frozen, and
VpFreeze layers (excludes locked layers)
3 New annotation scale is added, except for those on locked layers
4 New annotation scale is added to all annotative objects
Fields. BricsCAD V18 adds the Layout Name property and the NamedObject field category to the Field dialog box.

Find and Replace. The Ignore hidden items option is added to the options of the Find and Replace Options dialog box. The
Zoom To option is improved to support switching between layouts. When the zoomed entity is on a frozen or off layer, an alert
message is reported.
Find command now reports a count of found and replaced text.
Hyperlinks. Double-clicking the Hyperlink value in the Properties Panel or the Rollover tips now opens the link.
MText command now supports the following format options:
ÐÐ Numbered lists
ÐÐ Bulleted lists
ÐÐ Strikeout text
ÐÐ Paragraph alignment (left, right, center, justify and distribute)

ÐÐ MTextDetectSpace variable determines if lists are formatted automatically:
MTextDetectSpace Meaning
Off Lists are not formatted automatically
On (default) Lists are formatted upon pressing the spacebar
Table command gains new functions. The minimum row height of tables now adjusts automatically, and is based on the actual height
of the cell’s content, instead of the height specified by the table’s style.
TInsert command inserts blocks into table cells, as a cell can now contain one or more blocks and text:
: tinsert
Pick table cell: (Choose a cell in a table; BricsCAD displays the Insert Block in
Cell dialog box.)
Alternatively, right-click a cell, choose Insert Block Reference, and then choose a block definition.

Left: Accessing the block insertion dialog box; right: .. and choosing the block to insert into the cell
Blocks are sized to automatically fit the area of the cell. A cell can hold more than one block; to add additional blocks, repeat the
steps listed above.
To add text to a cell that already contains a block, click on the cell and then start typing.The text is placed below the block, by default.
To control how the text and the block are positioned relative to one other, access the new Manage Cell Content dialog box by
right-clicking the cell. This dialog box manages each cell independently, so each cell can have a different arrangement.

Left: Table with cells containing text and two blocks, text with block, and only blocks; right: adjusting content of cell

Use the Up and Down arrows to move the block and text around. The Layout Mode droplist determines how the block and text
are positioned in the cell:
ÐÐ Flow places the items (block and text) to best fit the constraints of the cell’s size
ÐÐ Stacked Horizontal placed one item next to the other
ÐÐ Stacked Vertical places one item above the other
ÐÐ Content Spacing specifies the distance between the block and the text in drawing units
TIPS To change the block shown in a cell, double-click the cell, and then choose another block from
the Insert Block in Cell dialog box.
To remove the block from a cell, right-click the cell and then from the shortcut menu choose Delete
Cell Content; this unfortunately erases everything from the cell, including text.
ÐÐ TextEditMode variable toggles automatic text entity selection:
TextEditMode
Meaning
0 Command repeats automatically, until cancelled (default)
1 Commands after ending one edit
2 Repeats if text was selected after starting DdEdit;
stops after one edit when text is selected before starting DdEdit
Text Style Explorer does a better job handling font files missing from the drawing. This can occur when someone sends you a DWG
file but forgets to include fonts that your system lacks. The columns that were formerly titled Font name and Actually used font
are now titled Saved font and Found font . Substituted and missing fonts are colored red in the Found font column. A tooltip
appears to explain the font substitution: “Substituted missing font with FONTALT” or “Substituted using FONTMAP.”
-Style command now reports if a font was substituted.
WHAT’S NEW IN DIMENSIONS

Associative center line and center marks entities created in AutoCAD can be displayed and edited by BricsCAD V18, but not created.
Dimension styles can be drag-and-dropped into the current drawing from the new Content browser; see Content browser earlier
in this section.
DimBaseline and DimContinue commands get the Undo option, so that we can back up when we place too many chain dimen-
sions are placed, or placed them in the an incorrect position.
: dimbaseline
Baseline: Origin of next extension line or [Select starting dimension/Undo] <Select
starting dimension>:
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Multi-line leaders now support associativity. When an entity is moved, the arrowhead and leader move with it.
WHAT’S NEW IN 3D MODELING

See also what’s new in layouts, generated drawings, BIM, and Sheetmetal.
ArrayEdit command now supports both 2D and 3D associative arrays with parametric expressions. Expression can be set in the
Properties panel: click the new Fx button and then enter an expression.This allows the construction of entities with variable numbers
of repeating elements that can be used in multiple drawings, such as staircases and ball bearings. Both the number of elements and the
size of individual elements can be parametrically controlled.
bmBrowser command is removed, as the Mechanical browser is separated into a Standard Parts panel and a Report panel. As a result,
new commands open and close the panels:
Commands Purpose
MechanicalBrowserOpen MechanicalBrowserClose Replace the bmBrowser command
ReportPanelOpen ReportPanelClose Opens and closes the Reports panel
StandardPartsPanelOpen StandardPartsPanelClose Opens and closes the Standard Parts panel
ÐÐ ReportPanel variable reports the status of the Mechanical Browser panel.

ÐÐ bmUpdateMode variable specifies how to load external assemblies.
Expressions (formulas) can also be assigned to nested entities using the Mechanical browser, the Property panel’s array properties, or
through the new Link to parameter option of the -bmParameters command.
Extrude command is now faster at extruding splines, and creates 3D solids (instead of surfaces) when extruding polylines located
at large coordinates.
Interfere command gains several enhancements. Interference checking is performed orders of magnitude faster by using a cached
form of DWG data. Solids showing the interferences are placed on their own layer, as specified by the new InterferenceLayer variable,
which has its own color. Interference checking can be interrupted by pressing the Esc key.
The new Settings option displays a dialog box that configures interference settings, which are stored in new variables:
: interfere
Select first set of entities or [Nested selection/Settings] <Nested selection>:
ÐÐ InterfereColor variable specifies the color assigned to interference solids; default = ByLayer.
ÐÐ InterfereLayer variable specifies the layer on which interference solids are placed; default = Interference.
Left: Intersecting solids; right: Intersected solid colored red and placed on layer ‘Intersection’
3D constraints can now be applied to the origin, axes, planes of the WCS in model space, as well as coordinate systems associ-
ated with blocks and arrays. The constraints are applied between them and entities using the new World and Block options while
creating constraints:
: dmConcentric3d
Select first subentity [World/Block]: w
Select reference coordinate system subentity [Origin/X axis/Y axis/Z axis/XY plane/
YZ plane/ZX plane]: o
Select first subentity [World/Block]:

WHAT’S NEW IN LAYOUTS
AnnotativeDwg variable is now set to 0 when the first annotative object is created; it can no longer be set to 1 when the drawing
does not contain any annotative objects in the drawing.
Clipping Boundaries. The borders of clipped-off xrefs, PDFs, and images can now be edited with grips, and the clipped area can be
inverted. To invert, choose the boundary, and then turn on the Clip Inverted property in the Properties panel.

Left: Clipping boundary being edited with a grip; right: Inverting the clipping boundary
DefaultScaleList command and related dialog box manage the list default scale factors for metric and Imperial units. It is identical
to the ScaleListEdit command, with the exception of the Hide Xref Scales option.

Left: Dialog box for the new DefaultScaleList command; right: ...and for the existing ScaleListEdit command
Layout switching is now instant, through the caching of display objects for all layouts, if sufficient memory is available.
LayoutManager command adds, deletes, activates, finds, and rearranges layouts. To set a layout as current, double-click a row label
or cell; the layout tab is scrolled into sight, if needed.

The toolbar provides the following functions:
ÐÐ New Layout adds another layout to the list with the generic name Layoutn.
ÐÐ Delete removes one or more layouts, without a warning message
ÐÐ Up and Down changes the order of layouts
ÐÐ Clear Selection removes the highlight from selected layout(s)
A new button to the left of the Model tab opens the Layout manager.
WHAT’S NEW IN GENERATED DRAWINGS

bmBalloon command places associative balloon entities on assembly components and related generated views. Balloons contain
component numbers extracted from associated BOM (bills of material) tables created by bmBOM command; the GenerateAs-
socViews variable should be On.
bmExplode command creates exploded representations of assemblies by moving all top- and bottom-level components to make
them visible; the exploded representation is stored as a new block that is inserted in model space. Table-style and Manual modes are
offered in command options. Drawing views can be generated from exploded representations of assemblies with the option to add
BOM balloons to them.
HpMaxAreas variable determines how sparse hatches are filled.

ViewBase and ViewEdit commands gain the Select option for selecting solids nested in components. Press the Tab key to iterate
through the entities on different nesting levels.
ViewSection command gains the Sectionable property for mechanical components; when off, components appear non-sectioned on
section views. The property is supported for Full section type. Clipped property of section views can now be set on a per-viewport
basis. Clipped views can be dragged from the new Content Browser and then dropped onto layout sheets as a new way to document
details. Section views can be printed in their clipped state, including lids and hatches.
ViewUpdate command now preserves the rotation angle of generated drawing views following view updates.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE BIM MODULE
BIM is an optional extra-cost add-on (bim is the prefix for building information modeling commands)
BricsCAD BIM V18 is certified for IFC import and export.
Rooms now detect their 3D boundaries and can be displayed as 3D solids in the model.The room volume is listed in the Properties panel.
Room stamps are based on a template drawing, which allows BIM to customize their appearance; room stamps can be moved using grips.
Parametrics is a new feature in arrays to control the number of elements in the array. This allows BIM to create parametric stairs,
curtain walls, and so on.
Xrefs are now supported as BIM objects.They can be classified and have a spatial location.The structure tree has an option to display
the exploded contents of xrefs.
bimAddEccentricity controls relative positions of the axes in linear solids.

bimApplyProfile command applies profiles to linear entities; also replaces profiles of linear solids. Profiles are elongated solids that
consist of a constant cross section over a linear extrusion path.The command recognizes clippings and openings. Permitted linear enti-
ties include lines, polylines, circles, arcs, ellipses, elliptical arcs, and open and closed non-self-intersecting splines with default tangents.
This command is typically used to create elements such as these:
ÐÐ Columns
ÐÐ Beams
ÐÐ Railings
ÐÐ Pipes
ÐÐ Ducts
bimAttachSpatialLocation command gains the option to automatically detect, create, and assign buildings and stories.
bimClassify command gains more types, as well as a dialog box to select the classification type. Classification types are grouped into
the following categories:
ÐÐ Core
ÐÐ Architectural
ÐÐ Structural
ÐÐ Building services
bimConnect command now works with linear solids (profiles), connecting them with smooth or planar cuts:
ÐÐ Smooth cut - one solid is fully extended to connect to all the other solid’s faces
ÐÐ Planar cut - solids are cut with straight planar cuts
bimDrag command now places multiple solids in copy mode, and has a repeat option like the Copy command.The command works
with linear solids, moving or copying all side faces of the extrusion on the entire solid; on start and end faces, the command executes
a push-pull operation.
bimIfy command classifies and spatial locates automatically the entire model.
bimLinearSolid command draws linear solids, like the Line command; axis lines of linear solids can be displayed.

bimMultiSelect command select all linear solids with coplanar/parallel axis with the selected linear solid. If the selction is the face
of the solid, then the result is the faces on the same side of the linear solids with coplanar/parallel axes. The Ctrl-widget offers the
following options:
ÐÐ All coplanar axes
ÐÐ Axes that are coplanar and parallel
ÐÐ All parallel axes
bimOsMode variable controls geometric snapping to axes of linear solids.

bimProfiles command opens the library of profiles included with the installation.
bimProperties now assigns custom properties to building elements, and adds a properties dialog to create, edit, and delete property
definitions, and organize properties in property sets. A set of IFC2x3 properties is included.
bimSection gains the option to create interior elevations. Input is a room; outputs are a volume state bimsection entity for each
wall segment and one for the floor plan. The bimsection entities have new types ‘Interior Elevation’ and ‘Interior Floor Plan’ and as
such their callouts can be fully customized separately from other section types. Color of intersection hatch is set to ByLayer in default
bimsection settings.
bimSectionUpdate command now accepts rooms as input. In case interior elevations are attached to it, they are generated into a
single file. The file is named by room name and room number.
bimSuggest command selects two solids, analyzes their connection, and then presents similar situations in the model where the same
connection can be applied.You can toggle suggestions between different types. The following connections are supported:
ÐÐ Wall-wall
ÐÐ Wall-slab
ÐÐ Wall-beam
ÐÐ Column-slab
bimWindowCreate command creates fully parametric windows based on closed contours, such as polylines.
DataExtraction command now supports ply quantities and materials. A room now has a property ‘Interior Elevations’, values can
be On or Off, to control visibility of the corresponding interior elevation bimsection entities.
ÐÐ DefaultBSysLibImperial variable points to the Imperial bsyslib library folder.

ÐÐ DefaultBSysLibMetric variable points to metric bsyslib library folder.
ÐÐ UseBIM variable specifies the BIM license level:
UseBIM Meaning
0 BIM add-on not present
1 Trial version of BIM running
2 Licensed version of BIM running
IfcImport command supports many more IFC types; windows in imported IFC files are now parametric and associative; custom
properties can be imported. IFC import is certified by BuildingSmart for Coordination View 2.0 exchange.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE SHEET METAL MODULE
The Sheet Metal module is an optional extra-cost add-on (sm is the prefix for sheet metal commands)
smAssemblyExport command batch processes assemblies with sheet metal parts by traversing the assembly structure. For every
component that it recognizes as an encapsulated sheet metal design, it saves it as an unfolded version to a .dxf file, and then generates
an HTML summary report on the assembly.
smBendCreate command gains the option to not change existing reliefs, provided they are sufficient to create the required bend.
smConvert command is better at distinguishing flanges and bends versus form features. It now arranges flange faces so that external
dimensions are preserved when the thickness is changed. Recognition of small-radius bends (including zero-radius ones, which have
an internal hard edge) is done in a smarter way, respecting the design intent of their external radius.
smExportOsm command now translates form features to .osm files.
smExtrude command extrudes sheet metal parts from polylines:
ÐÐ Linear segments converted to flanges

ÐÐ Arcs to bends
ÐÐ Hard edges in flanges to bends automatically
smFlangeEdge command now handles near-zero radius and aligned junction cases better. Miters are automatically created when
several flanges are pulled together, and it supports no-relief cases as design intent.
smFlangeSplit command now ensures that miters automatically maintain their gaps. Bend splits intelligently convert part of the
bend adjacent to corner into a junction.This command gains the option to convert miter design with coincident faces to a valid miter
feature. And it supports more inputs:
ÐÐ Polyline
ÐÐ Two points
ÐÐ Single point as input
smJunctionCreate command gains the option to recognize junction designs with coincident faces and then convert them to regular
junction features.
smParametrize command creates rigid sets of constraints on holes to improve the ability to change parameters for such parts. It
generates overall distance constraints and supports Entire Model as an input.
smReliefCreate command now supports wrong-direction and zero-radius bends.
smRepair command now keeps corner/bends reliefs, junctions, miter features. It preserves existing reference faces of the model. In
healing zero-radius wrong bends, it selects minimally possible internal radius. Form features incorrectly placed on an unfolding are healed.
smRibCreate command creates associative rib features on sheet metal parts from 2D profiles, which are updated automatically
when defining profiles are changed.
Settings command now contains per-drawing values to initialize sheet metal contexts on creation.Template .dwt files can now contain
our preferred values, such as default thickness, bend radius, and relief parameters. A new setting controls the color of the reference
side of flange features that are to remain fixed during changes to thickness.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE COMMUNICATOR MODULE
Communicator is an optional, extra-cost translator add-on
BricsCAD V18 is not compatible with Communicator V17, and so an upgrade to Communicator V18 is required.
CommunicatorInfo command replaces the CommDiag command, checking whether the Communicator add-on is correctly installed;
an error diagnostic is printed when it is not.
CommDiag command is replaced by the CommunicatorInfo command
Export command (when Communicator is installed) now supports product structure in XCGM and CATProduct formats.
Import command (when Communicator is installed) now imports PMI (product and manufacturing information) annotations as
graphical elements grouped in blocks. PMI data is imported from the following file formats:
ÐÐ ACIS
ÐÐ CATIA V5
ÐÐ NX
ÐÐ Pro/E and Creo
ÐÐ SolidWorks
ÐÐ XCGM
PMI data in the following formats can now be imported in V18:
PMI Meaning
0 Do not import PMI
1 Import PMI as graphical information (default)
2 Import PMI as semantic information
3 Import PMI both as graphical and semantic information
Communicator now checks for fatal ACIS errors when the “Repair model on import” setting in Communicator’s settings is turned off.
WHAT’S NEW IN PDFs AND PRINTING
NEW IN PDF EXPORTING
PDF files are now generated 10 to 15% faster.

PdfExport and PrintAsPdf commands now report ‘Cannot export file: filepath\name.pdf (File is currently open in another program.
Please close the file and try again.)’ instead of ‘Can’t open file filepath\name.pdf’.
PrintAsPdf command now prints selected entities as an option. Missing paper sizes that previously were used are now added
automatically as a custom size upon printing or previewing. This command’s performance is improved for drawings containing many
viewports and gradient hatches.
BricsCAD used to output duplicate searchable text, confusing some OCR applications. In V18, PDF searchable text is more efficient.
When text is exported as
ÐÐ AsText searchable text is not exported, because the visible text already is searchable
ÐÐ AsGeometry searchable text is exported transparently, together with the geometric representation of the text
ÐÐ PDF image (such as with the modeling visual style) then text is exported transparently on top of the image

ÐÐ PdfPRCCompression variable determines the PRC compression level; PRC is the 3D PDF container format.
ÐÐ PdfPRCExport variable determines how PRC data is exported:
PdfPRCExport Meaning
0 3D models are not exported
1 3D models are exported at B-Reps
2 3D models are exported as meshes
ÐÐ PdfPRCSingleViewMode variable toggles single view for PRC data; default is on.
ÐÐ PdfVectorResolution variable specifies the resolution of vector data; default is 2400 dpi.
NEW IN PRINTING
Preview command’s generation performance is improved; drawings that may have taken a minute to display are now down to a few
of seconds. Previously only wireframe previews were generated; now the current visual style is used.
Print command offers increased precision when handling custom paper size dimensions stored in .pc3 files, resulting in better paper
size matching when switching between printers.
Publish command tries to find missing and renamed layouts first by name, then by handle from sheetset (.dst) files. When a layout is
not found, the sheet is omitted from the published sheets.
ÐÐ PlotOutputPath variable now does a better job handling the location of the print output directory on startup: if the value
of the variable is empty (“”), then it is initialized with the user’s Documents folder for print and publish operations; if the folder
name specified by PlotOutputPath is unavailable or write-protected, then this variable also employs the user’s Documents folder.
WHAT’S NEW IN FILES

Network read/write performance is improved for DWG and DXF files accessed over a network.
AcisIn command now checks the incoming model for fatal errors and then prints warning messages that list the errors found.
ÐÐ MyDocumentsPrefix variable (read-only) holds the path to the user’s Documents folder.
ÐÐ RegExpand variable determines how paths are stored in the Windows registry:
RegExpand
Meaning
0 Store paths in absolute format
1 Store paths in a portable format, using environment variables
ÐÐ SkpStich variable toggles if SketchUp surfaces are stitched upon import; default is 1.
WHAT’S NEW IN CHAPOO (NOW 24/7)

Chapoo is renamed 24/7. The prefix of related commands is renamed from Chapoo to Cloud:

Previous Command Name New Command Name
ChapooAccount CloudAccount
ChapooDownload CloudDownload
ChapooLogOff CloudLogOff
ChapooLogOn CloudLogOn
ChapooOpen CloudOpen
ChapooProject CloudProject
ChapooUpload CloudUpload
ChapooWeb CloudWeb
The Include data files for 3D online viewing and Remove after upload options were removed, because they are no longer
needed, as these data files are now generated on the 24/7 server.
WHAT’S NEW IN APIs

BricsCAD V18 supports the DWG 2018 format.
Teigha API is updated to version 4.3.0.
ACIS modeler is upgraded to version 2018 1.0.
CIVIL 3D enabler loads, saves, and displays drawings made with AutoCAD CIVIL 3D, and snaps to entities in the drawings.
FlySDK library for PDF underlays is updated to v11.0.3.1
BricsCAD V18 is compiled with Visual Studio 2013 (platform toolset = v120). To be compatible, C++ extension dlls need to be com-
piled with the same platform toolset.
MISCELLANY
BRX implemented AcDbSpatialFilter::queryBounds(). Jig input flag AcEdJig::kDisableDirectDistanceInput is now supported.The quality
of drawing thumbnail image displayed by acdbDisplayPreviewFromDwg() has been improved. Implemented AcDbSurface::createInterf
erenceObjects(). Implemented AcDb3dSolid::getSubentMaterial() member function. Implemented AcDbSubDMesh::getSubDividedFac
eArray(), AcDbSubDMesh::getSubDividedVertices(), AcDbSubDMesh::computeSurfaceArea() and AcDbSubDMesh::computeVolume()
. Implemented missing functions for AcDbUnderlayReference.
COM. Startup registration changed to register per-user (HKCU instead of HKLM) so that side-by-side installations work without
requiring elevated privileges.
CUI. V18 added CUI icon mappings for acad IDs ML_EDIT_ADD, ML_EDIT_DELETE, LAYSTATE, and added support for PNG raster
images in resource-only DLLs.
Customize. Added ‘Copy tool’ option to the right-click menu in the ‘Available tools’ tree.
LISP. getxx: ? is now considered as a valid shortcut character for the prompt menu. Double precision numbers smaller than 1.0e-13 are
now printed as “0.0” (for output to commandline or file; binary value of variables is not changed).Added (dos_command filename) and
(dos_fileex filename [mode]) functions for all platforms (compatible with DOSLib). Improved (findfile) and (load) performance, when file
is specified with a fully qualified path. Added COM enums ‘ac2018_dwg’(64) ‘ac2018_dxf’(65) and ‘ac2018_Template’(66) to complete
COM support of the new dwg 2018 format.Added ExpressTools API function (acet-appid-delete).Added BIM API functions for rooms:
46
ÐÐ (bim:get-allrooms)
ÐÐ (bim:get-room name)
ÐÐ (bim:get-roomisvalid EnameOrVlaObject)
ÐÐ (bim:get-roomident roomObject)
ÐÐ (bim:get-roomname roomObject)
ÐÐ (bim:get-roomarea roomObject)
ÐÐ (bim:get-roomdescription roomObject)
ÐÐ (bim:get-roomdepartment roomObject)
ÐÐ (bim:set-roomname roomObject name)
ÐÐ (bim:set-roomdescription roomObject description)
ÐÐ (bim:set-roomdepartment roomObject department)
ÐÐ (bim:create-room EnameOrVlaObject name)
ÐÐ (bim:create-associativeroom refPoint planeNormal name)
ÐÐ (bim:get-roomassignedstory roomObject|EnameOrVlaObject)
ÐÐ (bim:get-roomassignedbuilding roomObject|EnameOrVlaObject)
ÐÐ (bim:set-roomassignedstory roomObject|EnameOrVlaObject building story)
ÐÐ (bim:set-roomassignedbuilding roomObject|EnameOrVlaObject building)
ÐÐ (bim:set-roomunassignedlocation roomObject|EnameOrVlaObject)
MENU. A menu macro ending with ^P now suppresses adding to command history. Inline ^P in a menu macro no longer affects the
value of MenuEcho. Setting a new toolbar button image from within a lisp reactor could cause the toolbar to be hidden.The following
commands were added to the menus:
ÐÐ ArrayClassic
ÐÐ ChSpace
ÐÐ DimReassociate
ÐÐ DimDiassociate
ÐÐ ExportLayout
ÐÐ HatchGenerateBoundary
ÐÐ InsertAligned
ÐÐ OverKill
ÐÐ PdfAdjust
ÐÐ TxtExp
ÐÐ WsSave
.NET. V18 added Transparency constant to the LayerStateMasks enum. Database.AttachXref and Database.OverlayXref now load
the xref immediately. Implemented support for using Entity.IntersectWith() to get intersections with a DBPoint entity. Added missing
methods to the Bricscad.PlottingServices.PlotProgressDialog class.
Profile Initialization. V18 added a default profile named “Default” for the situation when no initial profile is present at initial bricscad.
exe startup using a script file

TIP Sample applications installed with BricsCAD are updated to demonstrate these new APIs, such
as under the C:\Program Files\Bricsys\BricsCAD V18 en_US\API folder.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
A Pro or Platinum license is required for the following functions:
ÐÐ Rendering
ÐÐ Most kinds of 3D modeling
ÐÐ Drawing views (generated views)
ÐÐ All APIs
A Platinum license is required for these additional functions:
ÐÐ 3D constraints
ÐÐ Mechanical assemblies
ÐÐ Deformable (mesh) modeling
The Communicator translation add-on requires a separate license that works with Pro or Platinum.
The BIM and Sheet Metal add-ons require separate licenses each, on top of a Platinum license.
———
For the latest information about what’s new in V18, including bug fixes, see https://www.bricsys.com/common/releasenotes.jsp.
See the appendices at the back of this book for alphabetical listings of new commands, system variables, and shortcuts.

CHAPTER TWO
Comparing User Interfaces

Between
AutoCAD and BricsCAD
BRICSCAD LOOKS A LOT LIKE AUTOCAD, AS YOU SEE ON THE NEXT PAGE. BRICSCAD
defines aspects of its user interface by several means, such as from the content of CUI (customize
user interface) files and the settings of variables, just like AutoCAD. While AutoCAD overall has
more capability in CUI, BricsCAD provides greater control for users through its extensive collec-
tion of variables.
In this chapter, you learn about the similarities (and differences) between the user interfaces of
the two CAD systems, specifically in the following areas:
ÐÐ Start screen
ÐÐ Command line and prompts
ÐÐ BricsCAD’s Prompt menu
ÐÐ BricsCAD’s Quad cursor
ÐÐ BricsCAD’s Settings vs AutoCAD’s Options dialog boxes
ÐÐ Properties, Layer, Tool, and Sheet Set palettes (panels)
ÐÐ BricsCAD’s Mechanical Browser vs AutoCAD’s Parametrics Manager
ÐÐ Status bar
ÐÐ Selection sets
ÐÐ BricsCAD’s Working sets
ÐÐ BricsCAD’s Tips widget
ÐÐ Differences in view cubes
ÐÐ BricsCAD’s Content Browser and Drawing Explorer vs. AutocAD’s Design Center
ÐÐ BricsCAD’s Manipulator vs. AutoCAD’s gizmo
ÐÐ Bricsys’ 24/7 vs. Autodesk’s 360
COMPARISON OF USER
INTERFACES
Right: BricsCAD V18 in Mechanical workspace
Below: AutoCAD as it appears when first launched

in its default dark user interface

2 Comparing User Interfaces Between AutoCAD and BricsCAD 51
SUMMARY OF USER INTERFACE ELEMENTS
The UI elements discussed in this chapter are shown in boldface. Those new to V18 are shown in blue.
UI Element in AutoCAD Equivalent Element in BricsCAD

... Working (drawing) sets
Customizable user interface Customizable user interface
Menu bar (turned off in default workspace) Menu bar
Toolbars (turned off in default workspace) Toolbars
Scroll bars Scroll bars
Tooltips Tooltips
Layout tabs Layout tabs
Status bar Status bar
Workspaces User Profile Manager
Rollover tooltips Quad Quick Properties
Drawing tabs Drawing tabs
Ribbon Ribbon
QuickView layouts and drawings ...
On the Drawing Screen
... Quad cursor
... Tips widget for shortcut keystrokes
Tri-color cursor Tri-color cursor
UCS icon & dynamic UCS UCS icon & dynamic UCS
Aperture & pickbox cursors Aperture & pickbox cursors
Grips Grips
Dynamic block grips Dynamic block grips
Selection highlighting & previews Selection highlighting & previews
AutoSnap markers & autotrack vectors AutoSnap markers & autotrack vectors
Selection modes: 14 Selection modes: 18
Subentity selection Subentity selection
Navigation cube Look From widget
Steering wheels Manipulator widget
Command Bar and Mouse

... Customizable command prompt
... Prompt (options) menu
Keyboard input Keyboard input (see appendices A, B, and C)
AutoComplete AutoComplete
Dynamic input Dynamic input
Keyboard shortcuts Keyboard shortcuts (see appendix C)
Double-click actions Double-click actions (see appendix D)
Mouse buttons Mouse buttons (see appendix D)
3D Mouse 3D Mouse (see appendix D)
Shortcut menus Shortcut menus
Information Centers
... Prompts on status bar
DesignCenter Content Explorer / Drawing Explorer
Properties palette Properties panel
Tool palettes Tool palettes panel
Sheet set manager Sheet sets manager
Parameters manager Mechanical browser / Hardware library
InfoCenter Help
Quick Properties Quick Properties
Quick Access toolbar Quick Access toolbar

Start Screens
BricsCAD and AutoCAD launch with start screens. AutoCAD’s is illustrated below.
One of the pages of the start screen in AutoCAD
As of AutoCAD 2015, Autodesk made the dark interface the default color scheme for the Windows version of the
CAD program. This color scheme places white text on a dark background for many UI elements, although its dia-
log boxes defy the scheme by continuing to be the other way around: black text on a light background. Screen
grabs of AutoCAD in this book reflect the default setting.
The start screen for BricsCAD accesses workspaces, starts new drawings, opens previously-opened
drawings, and accesses online tutorial videos.
The new start screen in BricsCAD V18

The Profile Presets button takes you to profiles and workspaces.
Profile Presets showing workspaces and profile names
The What’s New button takes you to the list of what is new, improved, and fixed in each release of
BricsCAD; you can read the release notes online at https://www.bricsys.com/common/release-
notes.jsp. The Tutorials button accesses video tutorials on using BricsCAD, also found at https://
www.bricsys.com/tv.
Variations in User Interface

BricsCAD and AutoCAD sport user interfaces that look similar to each other. Both offers ribbons,
toolbars, menu bar, and status bar. For command input, both provides autocomplete, dynamic
input, palettes, shortcut menus, and so on. The figure below shows BricsCAD with autocomplete
(left) and dynamic input (right).

Left: BricsCAD command bar with AutoComplete; right: Dynamic input in BricsCAD drawing area
BricsCAD has some user interface differences from AutoCAD in areas such as the command prompt
wording, the prompt menu, and some command options. Let’s look at these.

‘:’ VS ‘TYPE A COMMAND’
For its command prompt, BricsCAD uses very compact ‘:’ prompt to indicate it is ready for you to
enter a command. Old releases of AutoCAD used ‘Command:’, but newer releases display the even
longer ‘Type a command’.
Bricsys command prompt showing a colon ( : )
Customizing the Command Prompt (BricsCAD only)

If you prefer to see AutoCAD’s prompt wording or anything else in BricsCAD, you are free to change
the display. To do so, open the Settings dialog box, like this: enter the Settings command, and then
in the search field enter ‘prompt prefix’.
BricsCAD jumps to the Prompt Prefix field, in which you can enter any text you like, even silly things.
Changing the prompt displayed by the command bar in BricsCAD
Exit the dialog box (click big red X), and the new prompt text appears immediately.
BricsCAD command prompt changed
The PromptOptionFormat further customizes command prompts by making them more or less
verbose. Option 4 is is useful for international versions of the software:
Value Meaning Example

0 (default) Show description only Set end of arc or [draw Lines/Angle/CEnter/CLose/...
1 Show keywords only Set end of arc or [Line/Angle/CEnter/CLose/...
2 Show description, keywords in brackets Set end of arc or [Draw lines(Line)/Angle/Center(CEnter)/...
3 Show description, shortcuts in brackets Set end of arc or [Draw lines(L)/Angle/Center(CE)/Close(CL)/...
4 Show local keyword, global keyword in brackets
(AutoCAD does not provide customization of the command line wording.)

PROMPT MENU (BRICSCAD ONLY)
One of BricsCAD’s user interface elements not found in AutoCAD is the prompt menu. This is a
floating menu that appears whenever a command has options. The idea behind the prompt menu
is to let you operate BricsCAD without a command prompt area; also, it provides a way to choose
options with a mouse instead of using the keyboard.
Left: Command bar in BricsCAD displaying options of the Circle command; center: Prompt menu displaying equivalent
options
In the figure, you see command line window (at left) and the prompt menu in the center. As the
Circle command progresses, the prompts in the command bar and the prompt menu match one
another. You are free to specify options through the following inputs:
ÐÐ At the keyboard type in option abbreviations

ÐÐ With the mouse choose among options on the prompt menu
ÐÐ To cancel the command in progress, press Esc or click Cancel
In some cases, the prompt menu does not appear, such as when BricsCAD prompts you to select
objects or when a command displays a dialog box.
Controlling the Prompt Menu (BricsCAD only)

You turn the prompt menu on and off, and specify its location on the screen. In the Settings dialog
box, search for ‘prompt menu’, and then change a setting:
Settings for the prompt menu
The Don’t Display and Display options determine whether the prompt menu is seen. The Corner
options position the prompt menu towards one of the four corners of the drawing area. Or, you can
just drag the menu to any convenient location, such as to a second monitor. BricsCAD remembers
the location.
56
The Prompt Menu Flags option is a bonus that forces the prompt menu to display hidden option
names. These bonus options are shown in italic text, such as TanTanRad in the figure below.

Left: Toggling hidden prompt menu items; right: Hidden items, such as TanTanRad, as displayed in italics
Additional Command Options (BricsCAD only)

You may have noticed that BricsCAD’s Circle command contains more prompts than does Auto-
CAD’s. It is not uncommon for BricsCAD to offer drafters additional useful commands, options, and
variables that aren’t available in AutoCAD.
The following table compares the Circle command’s initial prompt from both programs. Notice that
BricsCAD has more options, and that its wording of options is clearer.
AutoCAD Option Wording BricsCAD Option Wording Notes

Specify center point of circle Center of circle Default option for both CAD programs
2P 2Point
3P 3Point
Ttr (tan tan radius) TanTanRad
... Arc Converts arcs into circles (not in AutoCAD)
... Multiple Draws multiple circles (not in AutoCAD)
AutoCAD employs separate commands to compensate for the missing options. To convert arcs into
circles, for example, it needs the Join command (also in BricsCAD). To draw more than one circle
during the command, it needs to use the Multiple modifier (also in BricsCAD).
THE QUAD (BRICSCAD ONLY)

The Quad incorporates drawing, editing, and information commands in a single cursor.
Quad cursor at work in BricsCAD

This multifunction cursor takes its cue from the “heads-up” style of computer interface design,
placing in the drawing area many useful commands, many of them context-sensitive. It is unique
to BricsCAD; AutoCAD does not have this interface.
The Quad normally is not visible; most of the time you see the usual tri-color cross hair cursor. You
access the Quad differently for drawing and for editing, as described next.
Drawing with the Quad

When you right-click an empty part of the drawing, BricsCAD displays the Quad with icons for car-
rying out drawing and inquiry functions.
Pausing the cursor over an icon to determines its purpose
Pause the cursor over an icon to learn its purpose
If the Quad does not appear when you right-click, then turn it on by clicking QUAD on status bar or pressing the
F12 function key.
At bottom of the Quad is a blue bar with three words: Model, Drawing, and General. Move the cur-
sor into one of them, such as Draw. When you do, the Quad expands to display commands related
to drawing. Click an icon to start the associated command.
Expanding the Draw section to display icons related to drawing
Displaying Properties with the Quad

When you move the cursor over an entity, the Quad appears, reporting the properties of the entity.
Quad displaying properties of the highlighted entity

This is the equivalent in AutoCAD of the rollover tooltip, and in fact is also named the “Rollover
Tooltip”; in BricsCAD, however, the rollover is part of the Quad.
You can customize the properties being displayed through the Customize command’s Properties
tab.
If the rollover properties are not displayed by the Quad, then click the RT (rollover tooltips) button on the status
bar.
Editing with the Quad

With the Quad still hovering over the entity, move the cursor into the properties area. Notice that
the Quad expands to display editing commands.
Quad displaying context-sensitive editing commands
Again, there is that blue band for groups of commands, such as Model and Draw. Some groups are
for common operations, while others are specific to the entity. Click a button to execute the related
command.
BricsCAD’s Quad cursor expanding further to expose a group
BricsCAD comes with several sets of predefined Quad cursors setups, such as for 2D drafting and
3D modeling. You customize the Quad through the Customize command’s Quad and Workspace
tabs. See chapter 4.

Differences Between Options & Settings
You are no doubt familiar with the Options dialog box in AutoCAD. It accesses many system vari-
ables — althrough not all of them, oddly enough. In BricsCAD, the equivalent dialog box is known as
Settings. It accesses all 954 variables. (Appendix B provides you with the complete list in BricsCAD,
along with a comparison with AutoCAD’s system variables.)
Providing users access to hundreds of system settings is a serious programming problem: how do
you make it easy for end users? In the case of AutoCAD, the Options dialog box is segregated into
many tabs and over thirty auxiliary dialog boxes! Finding something is a chore.
AutoCAD’s Options dialog box segregating system variables into tabs, groups, dialog boxes
In contrast, Bricsys designed a single dialog box that provides access to all variables through an
interactive search box. You type the first few characters of a name or description, and BricsCAD
jumps to the first instance — in real time. Click arrow keys to move to the next instance of the
search text. Colors in the search box alert you when the text does not exist (red), or when you’ve
reached the end of the instances (green).

Left: BricsCAD’s Settings dialog box in Category mode; right: ...and in Alphabetic mode

In BricsCAD, variables can be sorted by category or alphabetical order. Tht two modes are illus-
trated above: the Categorical and Alphabetical toolbar buttons change the sort order.
TOURING THE SETTINGS DIALOG BOX

This Settings dialog box is important to be able to use BricsCAD effectively. This dialog box is de-
signed quite differently from AutoCAD’s, so allow me to give you a tour of it.
To access the Settings dialog box, use one of these methods:
ÐÐ Enter the Settings command

ÐÐ Type the Options alias used by AutoCAD
ÐÐ From the Settings menu, choose Settings
ÐÐ In the ribbon’s Home tab, look for the Settings panel, and then choose Settings
Atop the dialog box is the toolbar, which is one you that access BricsCAD’s variables. these buttons
control the sort order, export settings to a file, jump to major sections, and search settings by name.
Toolbar atop the Settings dialog box
From left to right
ÐÐ Click one of the first two buttons to change the sort order between Categorical and
Alphabetical .
ÐÐ Select the Export button to save setting names and values to a CSV file, which can be opened in a
spreadsheet.
ÐÐ Pick one of the next three buttons to directly access the Drawing , Dimensioning , and Program
Options sections of the dialog box.
ÐÐ In the Search field , enter text like the name or description of a variable.
ÐÐ Click the arrow buttons and to jump to the next instance of the text.
Using Real-time Search

I use the Search field a lot, because it’s the fastest way to get to a variable and change its setting. As
you enter the first few letters, BricsCAD immediately jumps to the first name that matches them.
You then click the up and down arrows to move back and forward through the matching
candidates. (AutoCAD does not have a search function in its multi-tabbed Options dialog box.)

The color of the search field changes to report the status of the search term you entered:
BricsCAD using colors to alert you to the search status
Snow white — two or more names match the search phrase

Lime green — one (or the last) name matches the search phrase
Tangerine orange — no name matches the search phrase
Clicking the Find , button lets you narrow the search through the Find Setting dialog box. I,
however, find it’s best to leave all the Find Where options turned on.
Dialog box for narrowing the search field
Opening and Closing Nodes

Another way to find a variable is to go manually through the list, by categories or by name. To keep
the list short, BricsCAD employs nodes. (AutoCAD’s CUI dialog box uses a similar system of nodes.)
Click a box to open a node, to show a sections. Click the box to close the section.
Opening and closing nodes to see and hide sections
Accessing and Understanding Values

When you change a value, BricsCAD turns it boldface. This is alerts you that a change has taken place.
Boldfaced values have been changed since the dialog box was opened
62
BricsCAD lets you see all variables in the Settings dialog box, but there are some that you cannot
change. They are “read-only” and are shown by gray text. Read-only variables report on the status
of the system; AutoCAD also has them, but does not expose them in its Options dialog box.
Gray text indicated read-only settings
The preview area at the bottom of the Settings dialog box describes the variables. It uses font styles
to indicate the type of variable:
BricsCAD explaining the meaning of variables
ÐÐ UPPERCASE text indicates a system variable; usually found in AutoCAD

ÐÐ Mixed Case text indicates a preference variable; probably found in AutoCAD
ÐÐ icon indicates unique settings to BricsCAD; not found in AutoCAD
Exporting Settings
To export the settings and their current values, click the Export button. This action saves the
data in text file formatted in CSV format (comma-separated value). Such files can be imported into
LibreOffice Calc or other spreadsheet programs. (AutoCAD does not offer this feature.)
BricsCAD settings exported to a spreadsheet
BricsCAD has the same SetVar command as AutoCAD for accessing variables. BricsCAD and AutoCAD both let
you enter names of system and preference variables directly at the command prompt.

Variations in Palettes
Both CAD systems offer palettes, such as Properties and Tools. BricsCAD uses the word “panel” in
place of palette. Here is a comparison of the panel-palettes provided by the two progams:
AutoCAD Palette BricsCAD Panel Notes

Advanced Render Settings Drawing Explorer In BricsCAD: render settings edited by the Drawing Explorer
... BIM Composition panel AutoCAD: BIM models are not supported
Command Command bar
dbConnect ... BricsCAD: database linkages are not supported
DesignCenter Content Browser panel In BricsCAD: also handled through Drawing Explorer
External References Drawing Explorer In BricsCAD: references are in the Drawing Explorer
Layer Layers panel In both: also handled by the Layers dialog box
Lights Drawing Explorer In BricsCAD: lights are edited by the Drawing Explorer
Markup Set Manager ... BricscAD: Markups not supported
Materials Browser Render Materials panel
Materials Editor Drawing Explorer In BricsCAD: materials are edited in the Drawing Explorer
Navigation ... BricsCAD: no navigation panel
Parametrics Mechanical Browser panel
Properties Properties panel
QuickCalc ... BricsCAD: no quick calc panel
Ribbon Ribbon panel
Sheet Set Manager Sheet Sets panel
... Structure panel AutoCAD: no drawing structure browser
Tool Palettes Tool Palettes panel
Visual Styles Drawing Explorer In BricsCAD: visual styles are edited by the Drawing Explorer
(Note that BricsCAD’s Drawing Explorer is not a panel or palette, but a dialog box).
In the following sections, we look at some panels that are similar in both CAD systems — Proper-
ties, Layers, Sheet Sets, and Mechanical Browser panels. Then I show you a couple that are unique
to BricsCAD: Content Browser and Structure.
PROPERTIES PANELS
The two CAD packages share a similar-looking Properties palette, except that BricsCAD calls its the
Properties “panel.” To turn on the Properties panel in BricsCAD, enter the Properties command.
The panel also appears automatically when you double-click entities in drawings.
It operates just like the Properties palette in AutoCAD, but with this important difference: BricsCAD
employs the Properties panel for all editing functions and changes to properties in those areas where
AutoCAD tends to display command-specific dialog boxes or bring up contextual tabs on the ribbon.
For example, when you click on a hatch pattern in BricsCAD, the Properties panel displays all the
options you expect to find in AutoCAD with its Hatch Edit dialog box and contextual ribbon.

ACCESSING AND MOVING BRICSCAD PANELS
You can open and close BricsCAD panels with commands, but the easiest way to access them is by right-clicking any other user
interface element, such as the ribbon or a toolbar. Choose a name from the shortcut menu:
OVERLAPPING PANELS
BricsCAD has nine panels, and so when many of them are open, they take up a lot of screen real estate. One solution is to park them
on a second monitor. Another solution is to overlap them, as follows:
1. Drag a panel over top another one.
2. Notice the blue trapezoids that appear.
Each refers to a location:

ÐÐ Top and bottom trapezoids — panel is parked to the top (or bottom) of existing ones
ÐÐ Side trapezoids— panel is parked at the side of the existing one(s)
ÐÐ Center trapezoid — panel is turned into a tab, as illustrated below
3. Move the panel into one of the trapezoids.

AutoCAD stacks multiple palettes to the side of the screen.

As in AutoCAD, BricsCAD assigns double-click actions to entities, which then display the Properties
panel with the parameters appropriate to the entity. (See chapter 4 more on this.)

Left: Properties panel in BricsCAD; right: Properties palette in AutoCAD
LAYERS PANELS
AutoCAD and BricsCAD report layer names, their status, and properties in a Layers dialog box, a
panel, and in droplists on toolbars and the ribbon. Use the LayerPanelOpen and LayerPanelClose
commands to open and close the Layers panel in BricsCAD.
Above: Layers panel in BricsCAD; below: Layer Properties Manager palette in AutoCAD
66
The toolbar of the Layers panel in BricsCAD performs the following functions.
Left to right:
ÐÐ Make a new layer

ÐÐ Remove the selected layer
ÐÐ Purge unused layers
ÐÐ Open the Layer Settings dialog box:
ÐÐ Search for a layer name; use wildcards, like :? and *

ÐÐ Open the Layer States node in the Drawing Explorer
ÐÐ Select a layer state from the droplist
ÐÐ Open the Layer node in the Drawing Explorer
ÐÐ Select a layer filter from the droplist
SHEET SETS
BricsCAD supports sheet sets, although the number of functions is fewer than in AutoCAD. The fig-
ures below show an AutoCAD sample sheet set opened in BricsCAD, and the equivalent in AutoCAD.

Left: BricsCAD’s sheetset manager; right: AutoCAD’s sheetset manager

BricsCAD’s Sheet Set user interface looks like AutoCAD’s, a single palette. Both CAD programs use
right-click menus and a toolbar to create, edit, and publish sheet sets.
To create and control sheet sets in BricsCAD, enter the SheetSet command, click the Sheets tab,
and then choose from among the buttons on the toolbar:

Left: Sheet set toolbar in BricsCAD; right: Sheet set toolbar in AutoCAD
From left to right in BricsCAD, the buttons perform the following functions:
ÐÐ Create a new sheetset using a wizard (NewSheetSet command)

ÐÐ Open a DST file, which defines an existing sheetset (OpenSheetSet command)
ÐÐ Import from XML
ÐÐ Export to XML
ÐÐ Print the selected drawing (Plot command)
ÐÐ Publish the sheetset (Publish command)
ÐÐ Bundle the sheetset for transmittal by email (eTransmit command)
ÐÐ Create a sheetset selection set
ÐÐ Create custom properties
ÐÐ View categories
ÐÐ Sheet set options (Options command)
Missing from BricsCAD are archives.
The shortcut menus shown below illustrate the differences in capabilities.

Left: Sheetset shortcut menu in BricsCAD; right: Sheetset shortcut menu in AutoCAD
BricsCAD uses the same DST format as AutoCAD’s sheet sets, and so you can reuse ones you created
in AutoCAD. In addition, BricsCAD imports and exports sheet set files in XML format, and prints
sheet sets with the Publish command.

MECHANICAL BROWSER VS PARAMETRICS MANAGER
Both CAD systems provides parametrics constraints, but here BricsCAD outdoes AutoCAD. This
table illustrates the differences:
Feature BricsCAD AutoCAD

2D geometric constraints 12 12
2D dimensional constraints 8 6
3D geometric constraints 7 ...
3D dimensional constraints 4 ...
Formulas in constraints Yes Yes
Formulas in arrays Yes ...
Assemblies from parts Yes ...
The Mechanical Browser in BricsCAD shows the sophistication of its 3D parametric modeling ca-
pabilities. (Three-D constraints are not available in AutoCAD.)

Left: BricsCAD’s Mechanical Browser handles constraints, parameters, and assembly parts;
right: AutoCAD’s Parametrics Manager with constraint formulas only
Constraints that are added to models in BrisCAD are not, however, recognized by AutoCAD. Brics-
CAD, however, reads constraints from AutoCAD drawings due to the ODA Teigha library. AutoCAD
uses the constraint engine from Siemens PLM Software; BricsCAD uses the constraint engine it
developed itself.

Parts Library (BricsCAD Only)
To assist with 3D modeling, BricsCAD includes a library of parametric parts. Choose a part from
the tree in the Standard Parts panel, and then drag the part into the drawing, where additional
prompts appear in the command bar to insert and rotate the part.
Parts library in BricsCAD
CONTENT BROWSER PANEL (BRICSCAD ONLY)

The Content Browser panel shows a tree view of drawings, model views, blocks, and dimension
styles found in folders. Use the ContentBrowserOpen and ContentBrowserClose commands to
open and close the panel.
Double-click a file name to open the drawing in a new window. Single-click a file name to shows
model space views, which can be dragged into the current drawing. Dragging model views from
the Content Browser activates the Placeview command automatically. Bricsys plans to add more
drawing content in future releases, such as blocks and dimension styles.
Click the Add Folder button to select folders on your computer, on networked computers, and
cloud storage services, such as Dropbox.
70
Content Browser showing drawings in user-specified folders
STRUCTURE PANEL (BRICSCAD ONLY)

The Structure panel displays a structured tree view of the drawing’s content. When entities are
selected in the structure tree, they are highlighted, zoomed, and selected in the drawing — and
vice versa. The panel operates in model space only.
Structure panel showing the structure of the drawing

The format of the Structure panel can be customized through the Configure dialog box, and then
saved and loaded through .cst configuration files. Bricsys provides three .cst files in the C:\Users\
userid\AppData\Roaming\Bricsys\BricsCAD\V18x64\en_US\Support folder: BIM, Bim for Contain-
ers, Mechanical, Mechanical for Containers, and Default.

Configuring the Content Browser panel
Use the Content Browser to access drawings content outside of BricsCAD; use the Structure panel to access
content in drawings inside of BricsCAD.
Status Bar & Other UI Differences

Here I provide you with overviews of other user interface elements: the status bar, working sets
(BricsCAD only), selection sets, DesignCenter vs Drawing Explorer, and Autodesk 360 vs 24/7.
DIFFERENCES IN STATUS BARS

The status bar in BricsCAD reports the status of the drawing, just like AutoCAD does. The two CAD
programs do have a few differences, however. BricsCAD uses text for its buttons, while AutoCAD
shows users icons, which might be confusing to decipher.
Above: Status bar in AutoCAD; below: ...and status bar in BricsCAD
72
This is the list of similarities and differences of the contents of the two status bars:
Status Bar Function AutoCAD

BricsCAD Notes
Diesel prompts Yes Yes Through the ModeMacro command
Command prompts ... Yes When command bar is turned off
Cursor coordinates Yes Yes
Current layer name ... Yes
Current color ... Yes
Current linetype ... Yes
Current text style ... Yes
Current dimension style
... Yes
Workspaces Yes Yes
Snap toggle Yes SNAP
Grid toggle Yes GRID
Ortho toggle Yes ORTHO
Polar toggle Yes POLAR
Object snap toggle OSnap ESNAP
Object tracking OTrack STRACK
Lineweight toggle Yes LWT
Model / Tile Yes TILE
Annotation scale Yes 1:1
AutoScale Yes AutoScale
Tablet ... TABLET
Dynamic UCS Yes DUCS
Dynamic input toggle Yes DYN
Quad cursor toggle ... QUAD
Rollover Tooltips Yes RT
Tips widget ... TIPS
LockUI Yes LockUI
GIS Coordinate System (Yes) Yes AutoCAD displays geo coordinates in Coordinates field
Additional status items with AutoCAD not found in BricsCAD:

Annotation visibility Yes ...
Infer Constraints Yes ... BricsCAD has design intent
Isometric Drafting Yes ... BricsCAD has isometric mode
Transparency Yes ... BricsCAD sets transparency through Properties panel
Selection Cycling Yes ... BricsCAD cycles through selections with Tips toolbar
Selection Filtering Yes ... BricsCAD has a selection cycling toolbar
Gizmo Yes ... BricsCAD has a Manipulator gizmo
Units Yes (Yes) BricsCAD settings is in Coordinates shortcut menu
Quick Properties Yes ... BricsCAD does not have Quick Properties
Graphics Performance Yes ... BricsCAD uses variables to set graphics performance
Clean Screen Yes ... In BricsCAD: use Ctrl+0

As in AutoCAD, you right-click a toggle on the BricsCAD status bar to access options. BricsCAD,
however, goes one step further: to change a text or dimension style, just right-click the current name,
and then choose a different one from the shortcut menu. (AutoCAD does not offer this function.)
Accessing dimensions styles from the status bar in BricsCAD
All coordinate options are accessed from a single status bar button, while AutoCAD requires two
buttons for the same job.

Left: Accessing units formats from the status bar in BricsCAD; right: AutoCAD requiring two status bar buttons
Right-clicking the at the right end of the status bar produces a menu in BricsCAD and AutoCAD.
It controls the items seen on the status bar. The BricsCAD status bar does double duty: when the
command bar is turned off, the program’s prompts appear on the status bar. (AutoCAD does not
provide this function.)
Status bar in BricsCAD displaying command prompts
WORKING SETS (BRICSCAD ONLY)

A working set groups drawings by name. With it, you load two or more drawings simultaneously
into BricsCAD. The Workset command is very useful, because Bricsys has implemented threaded
file opening, This uses the computer’s multi-core CPU to loads multiple drawings at the same item.
(AutoCAD cannot load several multiple drawings at the same time with the Open command; a
workaround is to use sheet sets.)
74
After BricsCAD opens, you access worksets through the Workset command.
Dialog box for loading and saving working sets
When you close BricsCAD, it saves the names of all open drawing files automatically as a tempo-
rary working set under the generic name of “Last Session.” This means you can you easily open all
previous drawings the next time you start BricsCAD with Last Session.
TIPS WIDGET (BRICSCAD ONLY)

“Tips” are like interactive toolbars. (AutoCAD has nothing like this.) They pop up at the appropri-
ate time to report command and selection set options that might otherwise be unknown to you.
For example, the following Tips widget appears during the Polysolid command. It lets you pick the
side on which the solid should be placed: you can change the justification between left, centered,
and right.
Tips widget showing options for the Polysolid command
Tips widgets show several icons in a row. The Ctrl icon reminds you to press the Ctrl key during
the command to change the option.
The display is toggled through the TIPS button on the status bar. Pause the cursor over the Tip to
get a brief description of the purpose. Click the x to dismiss the Tip.

DIFFERENCES IN VIEW CUBES
AutoCAD has the navigation cube for quickly changing 3D viewpoints; in BricsCAD, it is known as
the LookFrom widget. Its purpose is to show instantly standard and isometric viewpoints.
Passing the cursor over the widget’s small triangles displays previews of a rudimentary chair; click-
ing the triangle changes the 3D viewpoint. Hold down the Ctrl key for the bottom views.

Left: LookFrom control in BricsCAD; right: ViewCube control in AutoCAD
There are two ways to change the way the LookFrom control operates. One is to enter the LookFrom
command, from which you can turn it off (and on) or access its settings:
: lookfrom
LookFrom [ON/OFF/Settings] <ON>:
You probably would turn it off for 2D drafting.
The Settings option opens the Settings dialog box at the LookFrom section. Here you adjust the
properties of the widget, such as its translucency and the number of isometric viewpoints it dis-
plays (Direction Mode).
LookFrom properties in the Settings dialog box
76
The other method to adjust the LookFrom settings is to right-click the control, and then choose an
option from the shortcut menu.
Context menu for the LookFrom control
There are two ways to rotate the 3D viewpoint, Isometric Mode and Twist Mode:
ÐÐ Isometric mode works like the Viewpoint and View commands

ÐÐ Twist mode works like the RtRotF (3DOrbit) command
The green dot indicates the cursor position, kind of like a laser pointer:

Left: LookFrom widget in isometric mode; right: ...and in Twist mode
When in Twist mode, click the center of the LookFrom control to return the view to its home view.
new in V18. Press the Home key to return the 3D viewpoint to the “home” view, of then plan view.
DIFFERENCES IN SELECTION SETS

You assemble complex selection sets in BricsCAD through entity location (pick, Window, Crossing,
and so on) and/or properties (color, linetype, and so on), as in AutoCAD. Many actions are the same
between the two CAD programs, such as pressing Ctrl+A to select all objects in drawings. BricsCAD
makes sub-entity selection of 3D objects (faces, edges, and vertices), like AutoCAD.
BricsCAD uses colors to report to the user whether the current selection set is a crossing, window,
or other, like AutoCAD. Unlike AutoCAD, however, BricsCAD also displays representative icons; see
below. (The closest AutoCAD has to the icons are cursor badges to show the command in effect.)
BricsCAD uses colors and icons to report the style of a windowed selection:
Left: Making a windowed selection; right: Making a crossing selection.

BricsCAD’s Select command displays the names of options when you enter ‘?’. AutoCAD’s Select
command does not, except by a workaround (enter the name of a non-valid option). Here is the
BricsCAD version of the command:
: select
Select entities to include in set: ?
Select entities: ALL/Add/+/Remove/-/Previous/Last/Window/Crossing/Outside/WPolygon/CPoly-
gon/OPolygon/WCircle/CCircle/OCircle/Box/POint/Fence/AUto/Multiple/Single/PROperties/Dialog/
Undo/Group:
The Dialog option displays the Settings dialog box for making changes to how entities are selected.
AutoCAD has a lasso selection mode and off-screen selection, not found in BricsCAD. On the other
hand, BricsCAD has many selection modes not found in AutoCAD:
BricsCAD selecting all objects inside a circular selection window
ÐÐ Outside window (O) — selects all entities fully outside of a rectangular window
ÐÐ Outside polygon (OP) — selects all entities fully outside of an irregular polygon
ÐÐ Window circle (WC) — selects all entities fully within a circle
ÐÐ Crossing circle (CC) — selects all entities within and crossing a circle; see figure below
ÐÐ Outside circle (OC)— selects all entities fully outside of a circle
3D SELECTION
Both CAD systems offers sub-selection of 3D entities, such as faces and edges. Only BricsCAD,
however, offers a visual version through the Tips toolbar, which appears automatically as soon as
begin selecting:
Selecting whole entity, faces or edges
78
VARIATIONS IN DESIGNCENTER & DRAWING EXPLORER
BricsCAD’s Drawing Explorer is best compared with AutoCAD’s DesignCenter, but Explorer reports
more information and provides greater control over drawing elements.
Drawing Explorer centralizes in BricsCAD what in AutoCAD amounts to as many separate dialog
boxes. Facilities such as layer management, UCS control, and control of external references are
in one location. (Autodesk appears to be copying BricsCAD by amalgamating similar commands,
such as Attach.)
Drawing Explorer handles all named entities as listed in the table below.
AutoCAD BricsCAD
DesignCenter Drawing Explorer Alternate Commands
Blocks Blocks
... 24/7 (in Folders tab) In AutoCAD: SaveToCloud command (Autodesk 360)
... Coordinate Systems In AutoCAD: UcsMan command
... Dependencies In AutoCAD: eTransmit command
DetailViewStyles View Detail Styles
Dimstyles Dimension Styles
Xrefs External References
... Images In AutoCAD: ExternalReferences command
Layers Layers
... Layer States In AutoCAD: LayerStates command
... Lights In AutoCAD: LightList command
Linetypes Linetypes
... Materials In AutoCAD: MatBrowserOpen command
Layouts Page Setups
... Multiline Styles In AutoCAD: MlStyle command
Multileaderstyles Multileader Styles
... PDF Underlays In AutoCAD: PDFAttach command
... Render Presets In AutoCAD: RenderPresets command
... Section Planes In AutoCAD: SectionPlaneSettings command
SectionViewStyles View Section Styles
Tablestyles Table Styles
Textstyles Text Styles
... Views In AutoCAD: View command
VisualStyles Visual Styles

To access BricsCAD’s Drawing Explorer, enter the Explorer command. Also, BricsCAD displays
Drawing Explorer automatically when you enter a related command, such as Layer or Xref.
Above: AutoCAD’s Design Center

Below: BricsCAD’s Drawing Explorer with layer preview
BricsCAD includes settings for modifying these named entities, something lacking in AutoCAD’s
DesignCenter. For example, the Linetypes node lets you load additional linetypes:

... and the Dimension Styles node lets you modify the styles:
BricsCAD creating, modifying, and applying dimensions styles
Unified Interface
Drawing Explorer is more than a DesignCenter because it centrally gathers commands for inserting
and controlling named entities. This is the same philosophy that drives Bricsys to make the Settings
dialog box access all system variables, instead of just some of them.
By one count, the unified interface of BricsCAD’s Drawing Explorer replaces the equivalent of 23
AutoCAD commands and related dialog boxes and palettes.
GIZMO VS MANIPULATOR
(new to V18) Editing in 3D is tricky business, and so both CAD programs provide a widget to more
easily perform a few common editing operations on 3D parts. In AutoCAD, it is called the gizmo;
in BricsCAD, the Manipulator.
The AutoCAD version suffers from two limitations. Whereas AutoCAD needs three gizmos to move,
rotate, and scale, BricsCAD combines all these actions (and more!) into one. Whereas the AutocAD
version works only in a visual style (so not in 2D wireframe), the BricsCAD one always works.

Left: Single Manipulator widget in BricsCAD; right: three gizmos in AutoCAD

The Manipulate command prompts you to select an entity, to which it attaches the manipulator
widget. The widget rotates, moves, mirrors, and scales entities along the x, y, or z axes or xy, xz, or zy
planes. Entity editing is performed by dragging the widget’s arrowheads or bars, or else by entering
values for precise control via dynamic dimensions. This command works on 2D and 3D entities.
ÐÐ Mirror by dragging a blue arrowhead; this is the default action for arrowheads; to change it to scaling,
right-click the widget and then choose the Arrowhead Acts As setting
Accessing the shortcut menu
ÐÐ Scale (resize) by dragging a blue arrowhead

ÐÐ Move the selected entity by dragging one of the gold bars
ÐÐ Copy by holding down the Ctrl key while dragging a bar
ÐÐ Rotate by dragging one of the yellow arcs
You relocate the widget by dragging the white ball (found nearest to the origin), or else twist the
widget by dragging one of the three while balls adjacent to each arrowhead.
3D MODELING
See Chapter 6 for the differences between AutoCAD and BricsCAD in the area of 3D modeling.
BRICSYS 24/7 VS AUTODESK 360

24/7 is the online collaboration and cloud storage from Bricsys. The equivalent in AutoCAD is Au-
todesk 360. Commands inside BricsCAD let you open and save files from and to the cloud.
Within 24/7, you create collaboration areas,which are helpful for project management. 24/7 pro-
vides the following services:
ÐÐ Project collaboration through project-specific email, forums, and data repositories

Version control through check-in/checkout
Calendar and address book for each project
Document management with sharing, viewing, and markups
Document viewing of 70+ file formats
ÐÐ Project administration for assigning rights, folders, and so on
Access control assigned to managers, contractors, customers, supplies, and so on
Live data created from forms and data (optional add-on)
Graphical workflows created through a drag-and-drop editor

To sign up for the 30-day free version of 24/7, go to https://www.bricsys.com/247.
Accessing 24/7 for the first time
Using 24/7
To log into 24/7 from BricsCAD, enter the 24/7Open command.

Left: Logging into 24/7 from BricsCAD; right: Logging into 360 from AutoCAD
Commands in BricsCAD let you upload and download files:
CloudOpen opens files stored online

CloudDownload downloads files from online to your computer
CloudUpload uploads the current file to your online account, along with all dependent files, such as xrefs
and image files, and optionally uploads fonts
CloudProject switches to the Web browser, and then opens your 24/7 account online
CloudWeb also switches to the Web browser, and then opens the 24/7 home page
CloudLogoff logs out of your 24/7 account

Checking dependent files for drawing being uploaded to 24/7
With the connection made between your computer and 24/7, your files are made available through
the Folders tab of Drawing Explorer. (This place is an alternative location for logging into 24/7.)
Accessing your folders on 24/7
———
THIS CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTED the differences in the user interface of BricsCAD and AutoCAD.
Many of them are identical or similar, but some elements in BricsCAD are unique The next chapter
examines how both programs display and edit entities in drawing files.

CHAPTER THREE
Compatibility of
Drawing Elements
BRICSCAD READS AND WRITES AUTOCAD DRAWINGS VERY WELL, BUT NOT PERFECTLY IN
just a few cases perfectly. This chapter details how well BricsCAD does at reading entities, proper-
ties, and styles created by AutoCAD.
For mixed-CAD offices or BricsCAD design firms working in a DWG world, it is crucial that the two
CAD systems exchange drawings accurately. Use this chapter to assist you in pinpointing problem
areas, should any occur.
The two CAD programs handle a large range of DWG and DXF versions, but BricsCAD does better
than AutoCAD with older ones. It go back to files created in 1987. Use the Open and SaveAs com-
mands to access DWG and DXF files in the following versions:
Format BricsCAD
AutoCAD
Oldest DWG format Release 12 (from 1993) Release 14 (from 1997)
Oldest DXF format Release 9 (1987) Release 12 (1993)
Newest DWG/DXF format Releases 2018 Releases 2018
In summary, BricsCAD V18 reads and writes all the same DWG and DXF files as AutoCAD does, but
goes further back in time. This is useful when working with archived drawings from projects initi-
ated in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Autodesk changed the DWG file format with AutoCAD 2018. The current DWG version is R22.0.
Entity Types
This chapter graphically illustrates the accuracy of BricsCAD’s ability to read, display, and edit enti-
ties found in DWG 2018 files. For the complete list, see the boxed text on the facing page.
There is more DWG to just displaying AutoCAD drawings accurately. BricsCAD must display entities
that come in a variety of modes, such as different styles of points and kinds of 3D surfaces. It must
be able to draw and edit them in a variety of ways — such as mtext and tables. And it must handle
properties and tables correctly, as described next.
Properties
The look of entities is controlled by properties, and so this chapter reports on the accuracy of
BricsCAD’s ability to read, display, and write the following properties found in DWG 20187 files:
ÐÐ Properties: annotative scaling, colors (BYLAYER, BYBLOCK, ACI colors, and True Colors), elevations, hy-
perlinks, linetypes and linetype scales, lineweights, materials, plot styles, thicknesses, and transparencies
ÐÐ Layers: status, name, on/off, freeze/thaw, lock/unlock, color, linetype, lineweight, transparency, plot
style, plot, new viewport (VP), freeze new VP, VP freeze current VP, VP color, VP linetype, VP lineweight,
VP transparency, and VP plot style description
Styles or Tables
Styles specify properties to specific entities by a single name. In the DWG/DXF definition, styles
are called “tables,” even though they have nothing to do with table entities. This chapter describes
how well BricsCAD handles the following styles:
ÐÐ Detail view styles and section view styles

ÐÐ Dimension styles
ÐÐ Multiline leader styles
ÐÐ Mtext and text styles
ÐÐ Multiline styles
ÐÐ Plot styles
ÐÐ Section styles
ÐÐ Table styles
ÐÐ Visual styles

CHECKLIST OF DWG 2018 ENTITIES
The following checklist shows you the names all entities supported by DWG 2018. Those entities with black boxes are specific to
dynamic blocks.
3 Compatibility of Drawing Elements 87

DWG 2018 Compatibility
With each release of BricsCAD, Bricsys adds supports more entities and properties created by Au-
toCAD. While BricsCAD displays all entities in drawings created by AutoCAD, it does not, however,
necessarily create or edit all of them. This chapter provides details on the entities and properties
that work fully and those that don’t.
HOW WE TEST ENTITY COMPATIBILITY

To test BricsCAD’s compatibility with AutoCAD’s entities, we employed the following procedure:
1. Draw entities in AutoCAD, and then saved them to a DWG file.

2. Open the DWG file in BricsCAD V18.
3. Examine each entity for the following characteristics:
ÐÐ Translation — did the entity appear in BricsCAD?
ÐÐ Visual accuracy — does the entity look the same in BricsCAD as in AutoCAD?
ÐÐ Editability — can BricsCAD edit the entity; if so, how?
ÐÐ Constructability — does BricsCAD have a command for creating the entity?
4. We made a screen grab of each entity in AutoCAD and then following translation in BricsCAD. The before and
after images are included in this chapter illustrate similarities and differences.
5. We made a record the limitations we found.
The results of these tests are presented on the following pages.
Decoding the Legend

In this chapter, we mark how well BricsCAD supports each AutoCAD entity by means of this legend:
Entity Name read / create / edit
The words in the legend have the following meaning.
read — BricsCAD reads the entity from DWG files, and displays it correctly
create — BricsCAD can create the entity
edit — BricsCAD can edit the entity
There are a few AutoCAD entities that BricsCAD does not handle 100% correctly. BricsCAD can
read and display dynamic blocks, but it cannot create or edit them. In these cases, the chapter tags
these kinds of entities with a version of the read-edit legend that looks like this:
Dynamic Blocks AutoCAD BricsCAD * read / — / —

*)
The footnote details the limitation

The dashes ( — ) in “read / — / —” mean that BricsCAD cannot edit or create dynamic blocks, and so
the words “create” and “edit” are missing from the legend. The asterisk ( * ) provides additional infor-
mation in the footnote on how BricsCAD handles the entity.
Summary of Problem Entities
Even though BricsCAD V18 does a very good job handling DWG files, there are some entities cre-
ated by AutoCAD that are a difficulty. Here is our summary of the entities with which BricsCAD
has problems.
3D Meshes
BricsCAD opens and displays 3D mesh objects created by AutoCAD’s commands like Mesh and
MeshSmooth, but it cannot create or manipulate them directly. They can be edited only with basic
commands (such as Move, Copy, and Delete), and their basic properties can be modified, such as
color and linetype.
Note that these are “true” point-based 3D mesh objects introduced to AutoCAD 2010, and not “old”
meshes made from polyfaces. BricsCAD creates polyface meshes with commands like Ai_Box.
Constraints
BricsCAD has its own constraints engine, and so does not display dimensional constraints in draw-
ings created by AutoCAD and its D-Cubed constraint engine. Geometric constraints from imported
DWG files are, however, displayed.
Dimensions
(new to V18) Centerlines and center marks are displayed and edited by BricsCAD, but it cannot
create them.
Inspection Dimensions. BricsCAD displays inspection dimensions made by AutoCAD’s DimInspect

command, but cannot edit or create them.
Jogged Dimensions. BricsCAD displays and edits jogged dimensions made by AutoCAD’s DimJogged
command, but cannot create them. BricsCAD supports the DimJogAng variable.
Quick Dimensioning. Bricsys initially added the QDim command to BricsCAD V15, but then pulled
it after a patent licensing firm launched law suits; the quick dimensioning capabilities were alleg-
edly patented by Adra Systems. Autodesk has since changed the function of the old Dim command
to act like the one-click dimensioning in the Quad cursor of Bricsys.

Dynamic Blocks
BricsCAD displays and edits dynamic blocks made in AutoCAD’s Block Editor, but cannot create
them. It changes the look of dynamic blocks through custom grips and the Properties palette.
BricsCAD editing dynamic blocks through grips
Bricsys suggests that dynamic blocks can be simulated through the use of 2D constraints (as in
AutoCAD) and 3D constraints (not possible in AutoCAD), but BricsCAD has no mechanism to change
the visibility of components of dynamic blocks, an important function available in AutoCAD.
Geographic Location
BricsCAD specifies geographic locations with its GeographicLocation command, but does not display,
create, or edit the marker glyphs that mark locations placed in AutoCAD.
Model Documentation
BricsCAD supports model documentation created by AutoCAD’s ViewBase command. The bounding
boxes are displayed with a preview image of each view, but each view is also filled with a message
stating a missing object enabler is needed; BricsCAD does not, however, support AutoCAD’s model
documentation object enabler.
Message that appears when a DWG containing AutoCAD’s model documentation is opened in BricsCAD

BricsCAD has its own form of model documentation called “view generation.” It operates much
like AutoCAD’s, creates 2D plans and isometric views of 3D models, with sections and detail views
and styles.
Multilines
BricsCAD reads and creates multilines and multiline styles with AutoCAD’s MLine and MlStyle com-
mands. BricsCAD, however, lacks the MlEdit command, and so intersections (vertices) cannot be fully
edited. Some aspects of multilines can be edited with grips and through the Properties bar’s option.
The BricsCAD version of the MlStyle command opens the Drawing Explorer. BricsCAD uses the
same format for .mln multiline style files as AutoCAD, and so you can use the Drawing Explorer’s
Load from MLN File button to copy these files from AutoCAD.
Proxy Objects
BricsCAD displays proxy objects made by AutoCAD. In some cases it can edit them, because BricsCAD
supports object enablers for AutoCAD Architecture, Mechanical Desktop, and (new to v18) Civil 3D.
For all other proxy objects, BricsCAD edits their basic properties, such as color, linetype, and so on
through the Properties panel.
Surfaces
BricsCAD recognizes all surfaces created by AutoCAD, including NURBS and swept surfaces.
Surfaces created in AutoCAD and displayed by BricsCAD

Tables
BricsCAD can read, edit, and write tables, but does not quite have all the table and cell format op-
tions found in AutoCAD. For instance, it cannot place text at an angle in cells, and it cannot give
cells double lines.
For the complete list of BricsCAD’s table style abilities, see the “Compatibility of Styles” section
near the end of this chapter.
Underlays
BricsCAD does not load or display DGN and DWF underlays. It does, however, attach PDF and ras-
ter image underlays, as well as externally-referenced drawing (xrefs) files. BricsCAD cannot edit
imported PDF files.
Viewports
BricsCAD creates, clips, and (new to V18) inverts rectangular and polygonal viewports.
Visual Styles
BricsCAD reads, edits, and creates visual styles, but cannot apply all of the properties that AutoCAD
can. For instance, the properties of Intersection Edges are not yet implemented.
On the plus side, BricsCAD provides a longer list of default visual styles than does AutoCAD. See the
complete list in the “Compatibility between Styles” section near the end of this chapter.
MISCELLANEOUS COMPATIBILITY ISSUES

There are aspects of CAD programs that are unaffected by DWG compatibility, yet are important
to the end user . For example, I find the ribbon layout in AutoCAD overwhelming (in the negative
sense), and the default white text on black background difficult to read.
Other non-DWG issues include the following items:
ÐÐ Overall user experience, and the layout of workspaces

ÐÐ Spelling of command names and variables
ÐÐ Additional commands and variables, or missing ones
ÐÐ Extra palettes, options, right-click options, and other UI elements, or missing ones
ÐÐ Manner in which grips operate
ÐÐ Methods of customization and programming
ÐÐ

HISTORY OF BRICSCAD’S DWG SUPPORT
Here are some of the important features added with recent releases.
BRICSCAD V11
ÐÐ Arc length dimensions
ÐÐ Modification of dynamic blocks through Properties bar
ÐÐ Fields
ÐÐ Partial support for geographic locations
ÐÐ Lights
ÐÐ PDF underlays
ÐÐ Subdivision surfaces
BRICSCAD V12
ÐÐ Dimensional and geometric constraints
ÐÐ Live sections
ÐÐ Tables
BRICSCAD V13
ÐÐ Multilines
ÐÐ Sheet sets
ÐÐ Tool palettes
BRICSCAD V14
ÐÐ Annotative property for text entities, dimensions, and so on
ÐÐ Layer filters
ÐÐ Multiline leaders and styles
ÐÐ Section line entities
ÐÐ 2D and 3D helix entities
ÐÐ 3D solids made as swept entities and as sheet metal parts
BRICSCAD V15
ÐÐ Editing of dynamic blocks and hatch patterns through grips
ÐÐ Polysolid entities
ÐÐ Formulae in tables
BRICSCAD V16
ÐÐ 3D solid lofts, 3D surface creation, editing, and deformations
ÐÐ Associative arrays
ÐÐ Detail styles and sections styles
ÐÐ Geomap images
ÐÐ Transparency property for entities and layers
BRICSCAD V17
ÐÐ AniPath for creating movies of 3D models
ÐÐ SplinEdit for editing splines
ÐÐ Extrude, Loft, Sweep, and Revolve create 3D surfaces from open objects
ÐÐ XEdges creates lines and arcs from the edges of 3D solids
BRICSCAD V18
ÐÐ Navigate and cleanscreen
ÐÐ Drawing compare of 2D and 3D drawings
ÐÐ Manipulate gizmo
ÐÐ Content Browser

DWG 2018 Entity Support
To read, view, edit, and write DWG files, BricsCAD uses the Teigha library from Open Design Al-
liance. As ODA adds support for entities, Bricsys adds them to BricsCAD. BricsCAD V18 supports
DWG AC1028 (v22.0), which includes entities generated by 2018 and earlier; Autodesk added no
new entities to AutoCAD 2018.
Entities are listed in alphabetical order under the following sections.
ÐÐ 2D Entities
ÐÐ Text Entities
ÐÐ Dimension Entities
ÐÐ Geometric and Dimensional Constraints
ÐÐ Complex 2D Entities
ÐÐ 3D Entities
Equivalent entities are illustrated from AutoCAD and BricsCAD, with entity grips shown.
2D ENTITIES
BricsCAD accurately displays the following 2D entities created in AutoCAD:
Arcs AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Arc
Associative Arrays
AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit
Array Path

Array Polar

Array Rectangular
Associative Hatches
Hatch
Circles AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Circle
Ellipses AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Ellipse
Elliptical Arc
Lines AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Line
Points AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

PdMode 95


Polylines AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit
Polyline
Rays * AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Ray
(*) Rays shown are cut off in this book, as real rays are infinitely long in one direction
Solids (2D) AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Solid
Splines AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Spline
Traces AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Tracewid 50
Xlines* AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Xline

(*) Xlines shown are cut off in this book, as real xlines are infinitely long in both directions

TEXT ENTITIES
BricsCAD accurately displays the following text entities created in AutoCAD. The exceptions is some
formatting of mtext and tables, as detailed later in this chapter.
Attribute Definitions
Attribute Definition
Attribute References
Attribute Reference
MText AutoCAD BricsCAD

read / partial create* / edit
Mtext

*) BricsCAD does not create all aspects of mtext; see “Compatibility of Styles” later in the chapter.
Text AutoCAD BricsCAD

read / create / edit
Text
Tolerances
AutoCAD BricsCAD
Tolerance

DIMENSION ENTITIES
BricsCAD supports all aspects of AutoCAD’s dimension entities, except that it cannot create or edit
inspection and jogged dimensions.
Aligned AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Aligned Dimension
Angular AutoCAD BricsCAD

Angular Dimension
Arc Length AutoCAD BricsCAD read / —* / —*

Arc Length Dimension

*) BricsCAD displays arc length dimensions, but does not create or edit them.
Centermark
AutoCAD BricsCAD
read / —* / Edit
Centermark

Centerline

*) BricsCAD displays and edits centermarks and centerlines, but does not create them.

Diameter AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit
Diametric Dimension
DimBreak AutoCAD BricsCAD

Broken Dimension Line
DimInspect
AutoCAD BricsCAD
read / —* / —*
Inspection Dimension

*) BricsCAD displays inspection dimensions, but does not create or edit them.
DimJogged
AutoCAD BricsCAD
read / —* / edit
Jogged Dimension

*) BricsCAD displays and edits jogged dimensions, but does not create them.
Leaders AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Leader
Multileaders
AutoCAD BricsCAD
Multiline Leader

Ordinate AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit
Ordinate
Radius AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Radial Dimension
Rotated AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Rotated Dimension
Three-Point Angular
3-point Angular Dimension
GEOMETRIC AND DIMENSIONAL CONSTRAINTS

BricsCAD has more constraints than AutoCAD; its constraints, however, are not compatible with
AutoCAD.
Dimensional Constraints
Aligned Dimensional Constraint

Angular Dimensional Constraint

Diameter Dimensional Constraint

Horizontal Dimensional Constraint
Radius Dimensional Constraint
Vertical Dimensional Constraint
Geometric Constraints
Geometric constraint

COMPLEX 2D ENTITIES
BricsCAD creates all the same complex 2D entities as AutoCAD, with the exception of dynamic
blocks; it does not insert DWF files as underlays.
Block References
Insert

Dynamic *

*) BricsCAD displays and edits dynamic blocks, but does not create them.
MInsert
Lights AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Light
Multilines AutoCAD BricsCAD

Mline
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OLE Frames
Ole
Regions AutoCAD BricsCAD

Region
Shapes AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Shape
Underlays AutoCAD BricsCAD

partial read* / create / edit
DWF Underlay

*) BricsCAD does not display DWF underlays.
PDF Underlay

*) Bricsys does not support multi-page PDF files.
Viewports AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Viewport

3D ENTITIES
BricsCAD accurately displays the following 3D entities created in AutoCAD:
3D Faces AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

3D face
3D Polylines
3D polyline
Helixes AutoCAD BricsCAD

Helix
Polyface Meshes
Polyface Mesh
Polygon Meshes AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Polygon Mesh

Sections AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit
Section Line

Section Object
3D Solids AutoCAD BricsCAD read / create / edit

Box

Cone

Cylinder
Extrusion

Loft

Pyramid

Revolve

Sphere
Sweep

Torus

Wedge
Subdivisions AutoCAD BricsCAD read / —* / —*

Mesh

*) BricsCAD recognizes mesh objects created by AutoCAD, but cannot create or manipulate 3D meshes. The objects
can be edited using basic commands (such as Move, Copy, and Delete), and their basic properties, such as color and
linetype, can be modified. (Note that these are the “true” 3D mesh objects introduced to AutoCAD, and
not the “old” meshes made from polyfaces like Ai_Box and Ai_Sphere.)
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Surfaces AutoCAD BricsCAD
Extrusion

Loft
NURBS

Planar

Revolve
Sweep

Compatibility Between Properties
BricsCAD supports most entity properties found AutoCAD, including the all-important BYLAYER
and BYBLOCK settings.
AutoCAD Property BricsCAD Property

Notes
Annotative Annotative
Color Color BricsCAD supports ACI colors and True Colors, but not color books
Elevation Elevation
Hyperlink Hyperlink
Layer Layer BricsCAD supports all layer names and properties
Linetype Linetype BricsCAD supports all AutoCAD linetypes, and reads .lin files
Linetype scale Linetype Scale
Lineweight Lineweight BricsCAD supports all lineweight styles
Material Material BricsCAD has its own materials library
Plot Style Plot Style BricsCAD supports AutoCAD plot styles, reads .ctb and .stb files
Shadow display ... BricsCAD does not support the shadow property
Thickness Thickness
Transparency Transparency
LAYER PROPERTY COMPATIBILITY

BricsCAD supports all of the basic properties of AutoCAD’s layering system. For instance, DWG
files can contain an unlimited number of layers, with names up to 255 characters long, including
special characters.
BricsCAD supports layer states and filters, like AutoCAD; on the other hand, BricsCAD supports the
Material property in directly layers, whereas AutoCAD does only indirectly.
AutoCAD Command BricsCAD Command Comment

Layer LayerPanelOpen Opens the Layer panel (palette)
LayerCLose LayerPanelClose Closes the Layer panel
ClassicLayer Layer Opens the Layer dialog box
LayerState LayerState
LayerP LayerP
The figures below illustrate the differences between the layer properties in both CAD system:

Above: Layer properties in AutoCAD (paper space)
Below: Layer properties in BricsCAD (paper space)

The differences in layer properties are listed concisely by the following table:
AutoCAD BricsCAD
Layer Property Equivalent Property Notes
Status Current BricsCAD supports two statuses: current or not current
Name Layer Name BricsCAD supports all AutoCAD forms of layer names
On On/Off
Freeze Freeze
Lock Locked
Color Color BricsCAD supports all AutoCAD colors, except ColorBooks
Linetype Linetype BricsCAD supports all AutoCAD linetypes, and the .lin file
Lineweight Lineweight
Plot Style Plot Style BricsCAD supports AutoCAD plot styles formats, .ctb and .stb files
Plot Plot
New VP Freeze New VP
VP Freeze VP Freeze
VP Color VP Color
VP Linetype VP Linetype
VP Lineweight VP Lineweight
VP Transparency VP Transparency
VP Plot Style VP Plot Style
Description Description
... Material BricsCAD assigns materials to 3D objects though layers
BricsCAD defines and controls layer states through its ubiquitous Drawing Explorer.
Left: Layer States Manager dialog boxes in AutoCAD

Right: Layer States in BricsCAD’s Drawing Explorer

Compatibility Between Styles
BricsCAD supports most of the styles found AutoCAD.
AutoCAD Style BricsCAD Style Notes

Detail view styles Detail view styles
Dimension styles Dimension styles
Leader, QLeader DimLeader, QLeader
Multiline styles Multiline styles BricsCAD supports all aspects of multilines, except editing intersections
Multileader styles Multileader styles
Plot styles Plot styles
Section view styles Section view styles
Section styles Section Planes
Table styles Table styles BricsCAD supports most aspects of table styles, and annotative scaling
Text styles Text styles BricsCAD supports most aspects of text styles, and annotative scaling
Visual styles Visual styles BricsCAD supports most aspects of visual styles
The following sections describe style compatibility in greater detail.
View Detail and Section Styles

Detail and section view styles are part of AutoCAD’s model documentation function. In BricsCAD,
this documentation is called drawing views (formerly known as “generative drafting”).
Model documentation and drawing views are the CAD system’s ability to make traditional 2D views
— front, right, top, isometric, and so on — from 3D models automatically. In AutoCAD, they can
be sourced from AutoCAD or Inventor. Both CAD systems work with models imported from other
MCAD systems such as Solidworks and Pro/Engineer.
AutoCAD Commands BricsCAD Commands

ViewDetailStyle ViewDetailStyle
ViewSectionStyle ViewSectionStyle
The ViewDetailStyle and ViewSectionStyle commands are new to BricsCAD, and so it does not sup-
port as many style aspects as does AutoCAD.
Here are the dialog boxes displayed by the ViewDetailStyle command:
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Left: AutoCAD’s tabbed Modify Detail View Style dialog box; right: BricsCAD’s tabbed Modify Detail View Style dialog box
Dialog boxes from AutoCAD and BricsCAD for the ViewSectionStyle command:

Left: AutoCAD’s tabbed Modify Section View Style dialog box; right: BricsCAD’s tabbed Modify Section View Style dialog box
Dimension Styles
BricsCAD supports all properties of AutoCAD’s dimension styles and variables, with the exception
of text direction.
AutoCAD Command BricsCAD Command

DimStyle DimStyle

In BricsCAD, the DimStyle command brings up the Drawing Explorer:

Left: AutoCAD’s DimStyle tabbed dialog box; right: BricsCAD’s Drawing Explorer for dimensions styles
Leader and QLeader Styles

BricsCAD supports styles for leaders (drawn by the DimLeader or QLeader commands) through the
DimStyle command, just like AutoCAD. V14 added support for multiline leaders; see the later section.
AutoCAD Commands BricsCAD Commands

Leader, DimStyle DimLeader, DimStyle
QLeader, QLeader Setting QLeader, QLeader Setting
Unlike most other styles, the options for QLeader in BricsCAD are accessed through a dialog box
via the QLeader command’s Settings option.

Left: AutoCAD’s QLeader command’s Settings dialog box; right: BricsCAD’s QLeader command’s options.
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BricsCAD supports all the QLeader options found in AutoCAD.
AutoCAD QLeader Option Equivalent BricsCAD Option

Annotation options
Annotation Type Type
MText Options Multi-line Text
Annotation Reuse Reuse

Leader Line & Arrow options
Leader Line Leader
Number of Points Maximum Number of Points
Arrowhead Arrowhead
Angle Constraints Angle Constraints

Attachment options
Text on left side Text on left side
Text on right side Text on right side
Underline bottom line Underline bottom line
MText and Text Styles

BricsCAD supports all of AutoCAD’s text style options. BricsCAD uses an icon for annotative text
styles that looks somewhat different from AutoCAD’s:
Left: Annotation icon used by AutoCAD; right: As employed by BricsCAD

Style Style
MText MText
Left: AutoCAD’s Style dialog box; right: BricsCAD’s Drawing Explorer for text styles.

The MText toolbars for both CAD systems are shown below.
Above: AutoCAD’s mtext editing ribbon; below: BricsCAD’s mtext editing toolbar
BricsCAD supports most of AutoCAD’s mtext options, including mtext’s ability to override styles.
AutoCAD Mtext Function BricsCAD Mtext Function

Style Style
Font Font
Annotative Annotative
Height Height
Boldface Boldface
Italicized Italicized
Underline Underline
Overline Overline
Undo Undo
Redo Redo
Fractions Fractions
Color Color
Ruler Toggle Ruler Toggle

Dynamic or Static Columns Dynamic or Static Columns
Column Properties Column Properties
Text Justification Text Justification
Paragraph Properties ...
Paragraph Justification Paragraph Justification
Line Spacing Line Spacing
Bullets and Numbering Bullets and Numbering
Field Text Field Text
Case Conversion Case Conversion
Special Characters Special Characters
Obliquing Angle Obliquing Angle
Tracking Tracking
Width Factor Width Factor

Import Text (Use PasteSpec command)

Find and Replace (Use the Find command)
AutoCAPS ...
Character Set ...
Combine Paragraphs ...
Remove Formatting ...
Background Mask Background Mask
Editor Settings (Use Settings command)
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Multiline Styles
BricsCAD creates multilines through the MLine command and specifies their styles through the
MlStyle command, which brings up the Drawing Explorer.

MlStyle MlStyle
BricsCAD supports all properties found in AutoCAD’s multiline styles.

Left: AutoCAD’s multiline style editor; right BricsCAD’s multiline style editor in Drawing Explorer
Multileader Styles
BricsCAD creates leaders with multiple lines through the MLeader command and specifies their
styles through the MleaderStyle command, which brings up the Drawing Explorer.

MleaderStyle MleaderStyle
BricsCAD supports all properties found in AutoCAD’s multileader style dialog box, except that it
lacks the callout blocks included with AutoCAD.

Left: AutoCAD’s multileader style editor; right BricsCAD’s multileader style editor in Drawing Explorer

Plot Styles
BricsCAD supports both types of AutoCAD plot styles, color and table-based. They are created and
edited with the same commands as in AutoCAD.

PlotStyle PlotStyle
StylesManager StylesManager
PlotterManager PlotterManager
PageSetup PageSetup
The properties supported for plot styles are identical in both CAD systems — color-based styles
stored in .ctb files; table-based styles stored in .stb files.

Left: Plot style properties in AutoCAD... ; right: ...and in BricsCAD.
Section Styles
BricsCAD supports all the same section style properties as in AutoCAD. This includes 2D, 3D, and
live sections of 3D models. Section properties are created and edited with the same commands as
in AutoCAD.

SectionPlaneSettings SectionPlaneSettings
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Section styles are created and modified in BricsCAD by the Drawing Explorer:

Left: Section Settings palette in AutoCAD; right: Section Planes settings in BricsCAD’s Drawing Explorer
Table Styles
BricsCAD creates and edit table styles with the TableStyle command, as in AutoCAD. Unlike AutoCAD,
BricsCAD’s TableStyle command calls up the Table Style section of the ubiquitous Drawing Explorer.

TableStyle TableStyle
Like AutoCAD, BricsCAD formats cells separately as “titles,” “headers,” and “data.” BricsCAD does
not support all of the table properties handled by AutoCAD, as detailed by the table below.
AutoCAD Table Property Equivalent BricsCAD Table Property

General (Data) properties
Table Direction Table Direction
Fill Color Background Color
Alignment Align
Text Format (see Text Properties)
Cell Margins Cell Margins
Merge Cells Merge Cells
Text properties
Style Style
Height Height
Color Color
Angle ...

Borders properties
Lineweight Lineweight
Linetype ...
Color Color
Double Line ...
Double Line Spacing ...
Apply to Borders Cell Frame
(new in V18) BricsCAD inserts blocks into cells with the TInsert command.

Left: AutoCAD’s table properties edited in Modify Table Styles dialog box; right: BricsCAD’s table properties edited in the Drawing Explorer
Visual Styles
BricsCAD has all the same named visual styles as AutoCAD, plus a few extras.

VsCurrent ShadeMode
VisualStyles VisualStyles
-VisualStyles -VisualStyles
BricsCAD includes the following visual styles.
AutoCAD Visual Style Name BricsCAD Visual Style Name

2dwireframe 2dWireframe
Wireframe Wireframe (formerly 3D Wireframe)
Hidden Hidden (formerly 3D Hidden)
Realistic Realistic
Conceptual Conceptual
... Modeling
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Shaded Shaded (formerly Gouraud)
shaded with Edges Shaded with Edges
shades of Gray Shades of Gray
SKetchy Sketchy
X-ray X-Ray
Custom visual styles cannot be exported or imported from or to both CAD packages. BricsCAD’s
VisualStyles command opens Drawing Explorer for creating and editing visual styles:

Left: Visual Styles Manager in AutoCAD.
Right: Drawing Explorer for editing visual styles in BricsCAD.
BricsCAD supports most of AutoCAD’s visual style properties, and has some that are missing from
AutoCAD.
AutoCAD Visual Style Property Equivalent BricsCAD Property

Face Settings properties
Face Style Face Style
Lighting Quality Lighting Quality
Color Color
Monochrome Color Monochrome Color
Material Display Material Display
Opacity properties
... On/Off
... Opacity
... Transparency Depth
Lighting properties
Highlight Intensity ...
Shadow Display Shadow Display

Environmental Settings properties
Backgrounds Backgrounds
Edge Settings properties

Show Show
Color Color
... Width
... Crease Angle
Occluded Edges properties

Show Show
Color Color
Linetype Linetype
Silhouette Edges properties

Show Show
Width Width
Intersection Edges properties (not yet implemented)

Show ...
Color ...
Linetype ...
Edge Modifiers properties (not yet implemented)

Extension Lines ...
JItter ...
Crease Angle ...
Halo Gap% ...
————
This chapter showed how well BricsCAD reads, creates, and edits nearly the same entities as Auto-
CAD. Compatibility is important enough for Bricsys to improve the capabilities of BricsCAD with
each release.
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CHAPTER FOUR
Customizing and
Programming BricsCAD
FOR END USERS WISHING TO CUSTOMIZE BRICSCAD OR AUTOCAD, MOST OF THE ACTIVITY
takes place inside a pair dialog boxes that are accessed by these commands:
Program Settings Customization

BricsCAD Settings command (alias: options) Customize command (alias: cui)
AutoCAD Options command Cui command
The Settings command in BricsCAD (Options in AutoCAD) configures the way the CAD program
looks and operates
The Customize (Cui in AutoCAD) command changes the actions of user interface elements, such
as menus, ribbon, and mouse buttons.
Further, you can write add-ons through the use of built-in languages, such as LISP and VBA or
through external programming links like BRX (ARx in AutoCAD) and .Net.
This chapter provides you with an overview of customizing and programming BricsCAD. Its em-
phasis is on the way that BricsCAD does things differently from AutoCAD; there is, after all, no need
to learn what’s the same! Additional information is available from these sources:
ÐÐ For complete details on the topic of customization, refer to the Customizing BricsCAD ebook, available
for free from https://www.bricsys.com/en-intl/documentation/
ÐÐ For detailed information on programming BricsCAD, check out the online developer reference available
free at https://www.bricsys.com/bricscad/help/en_US/V18/DevRef
CUSTOMIZATION CAPABILITIES
This table illustrates the similarity in customization capabilities between AutoCAD and BricsCAD. Customization methods discussed
in this chapter are shown in boldface.
Area of Customization AutoCAD Command Equivalent Command in BricsCAD

Aliases ...1 Customize | Aliases
Command bar Options | Display Settings | Command Line
Cursor Options | Display Settings | Display
Double-click actions Cui | Double-click Actions Customize | Mouse
Dynamic input Options | Drafting Settings | Dynamic Input
File paths Options | Files Settings | Files
Fonts Style Style
Grips Options | Selection Settings | Grips
Hatch patterns ...1 ...1
Keyboard shortcuts Cui | Keyboard Shortcuts Customize | Keyboard
Linetypes ...1 Explorer 1
Menu bar Cui | Menus Customize | Menu
Mouse buttons Cui | Mouse Buttons Customize | Mouse
Plot styles PlotStyle PlotStyle
Quad Cursor ...2 Customize | Quad
Quick Access toolbar Cui | Quick Access Toolbars ...3
Quick Properties palettes Cui | Quick Properties ...3
Ribbon Cui | Ribbon Customize | Ribbon
Rollover tooltips Cui |Rollover Tooltips ...3
Scripts Script 1, ActRecord Script 1
Selection previews Options | Selection Settings | Selection Preview
Shell commands ...1 Customize | Shell Commands
Shortcut/Context menus Cui | Shortcut Menus Customize | Menus
Status bar Right-click, Diesel Right-click, Diesel
System Variables SetVar, Options SetVar, Settings
Tablet Cui | Legacy | Tablet Customize | Tablet
Tool palettes ToolPalettes, Customize ToolPalettes
Toolbars Cui | Toolbars Customize | Toolbars
UCS icon USCicon Settings | User Coordinate System
User profiles Options | Profiles ProfileManager
Workspaces Cui | Workspaces Customize | Workspaces
3D Mouse Through mouse driver Through mouse driver
Notes:
1
File must be edited outside of AutoCAD or BricsCAD with a text editor, such as Notepad
2
Not available in AutoCAD
3
Not available in BricsCAD
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AutoCAD Options vs BricsCAD Settings
BricsCAD provides a set of extensive options for controlling your drafting environment, Just like
AutoCAD — everything from modifying the look of the user interface to specifying names of project
folders. Most settings are stored in system variables that have the same names as in AutoCAD, as
well as in data files, many of which are compatible with AutoCAD.
For information and tutorials on moving customization files from AutoCAD to BricsCAD, see chapter 5.
SYSTEM VARIABLES AND PREFERENCES

AutoCAD’s primary interface for changing settings is a dialog box displayed by the Options com-
mand. It provides access to many — but not all — system variables. In BricsCAD, the equivalent
dialog box is called up by the Settings command. See Chapter 2 for more on how to use this im-
portant dialog box.

Left: AutoCAD’s Display tab in the Options dialog box; right: BricsCAD’s Files node in the Settings dialog box
BricsCAD supports most of AutoCAD's system variables; in addition, it has an further set of vari-
ables that it calls “preferences.” Preferences operate just like system variables. Bricsys gave them
the different name to indicate they are unique to BricsCAD. (See Appendix B for the complete list
of sysvars and preferences.)
Both CAD programs allow you to enter the names of sysvars and preferences directly at the com-
mand prompt. The old SetVar command is available also. In addition, BricsCAD exports all the
names and settings to a CSV file through an option in the Settings dialog box. (AutoCAD does not
do this; instead, use the Logfileon command to record the output from the SetVar * command.)
4 Customizing and Programming BricsCAD 123

FILE PATHS
BricsCAD and AutoCAD drawings use many support files, such as fonts, profiles, and external ref-
erences. Both CAD programs let you specify alternative paths to these folders, which means that
BricsCAD can AutoCAD’s support files.
For more information on this capability, see “Common Operations through File Paths” in Chapter 5.
AutoCAD Cui vs BricsCAD Customize

The BricsCAD Customize command is equivalent to AutoCAD’s Cui command. (“Cui” is available as
an alias in BricsCAD.) The command displays the Customize dialog box that centralizes customiza-
tion of many BricsCAD user interface elements.

Left: Customize dialog box in BricsCAD; right: ...and for AutoCAD
I find BricsCAD easier to customize than AutoCAD. The tabs in the dialog box perform the follow-
ing functions:
ÐÐ Menus tab customizes the menu bar, sub-menus, and context menus (shortcut menus)
ÐÐ Toolbars tab customizes toolbars and buttons
ÐÐ Ribbon tab customizes tabs and panels
ÐÐ Keyboard tab customizes keyboard shortcuts
ÐÐ Mouse tab customizes mouse buttons and double-click actions
ÐÐ Tablet tab customizes the tablet overlay menus and stylus buttons
ÐÐ Quad tab customizes Quad cursor
ÐÐ Properties tab customizes the Quick Properties displayed by the Quad
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ÐÐ Workspaces tab customizes UI elements shown by workspaces
ÐÐ Aliases tab customizes command aliases
ÐÐ Shell Commands tab customizes the shell commands
The process for customizing each element is almost identical in almost all cases. This means that
when you learn how to customize one element, such as a menu, then you know how to do any other
customization, such as context menus or toolbars.
The way in which BricsCAD approaches customization is, however, different from that of AutoCAD.
So in this chapter I show you how, using as my BricsCAD example the customization of a menu.
UNDERSTANDING BRICSCAD’S CUSTOMIZATION TREE

To access the Customize dialog box, use one of the following methods:
ÐÐ Enter the Customize command

ÐÐ Cui alias
ÐÐ From the Tools menu, choose Customize
ÐÐ Right-click any toolbar or ribbon, and then select Customize
When you look at the Customize dialog box, one of the first things that stands out is the • gray dot
that prefixes some menu items. Dots indicate container items, which are menu items that contain
other items. For example, the File menu contains the following file-related entries:
Large gray dots indicating container items
The Main Menus node defines the structure of the currently-loaded menu. Names like File, Edit,
and View match the names on BricsCAD’s menu bar. Some editions of BricsCAD may have names
that are different from what is shown here.
Names on the menu bar matching the list in the Customize dialog box, one for one
Here are examples of containers:
• BRICSCAD container holds the names of all menu groups. These groups are things like “Main Menus” (the
menu items seen on the menu bar) and “Context Menus,” which are the shortcut menus that appear when
you right-click entities.

• Main Menus container holds items that appear on the menu bar, such as “File” and “Edit.”
• File container is for the first menu appearing on the menu bar and holds items like “New” and “Open.”
• Edit container is for the second menu on the menu bar.
The row of five dashes “-----” indicates the position of a separator bar — the gray lines that you can
use to separate groups of menu items.
When you see the and buttons (nodes), these hold other containers or even submenus. Click
a node to expand sections; click the node to close themn.
How BricsCAD Customizes Menus

The menu bar and its menus are customized in BricsCAD through the Customize dialog box’s Menu
tab. This is where you add, edit, and remove items to and from menus.
Most of your actions will be performed through shortcut menus, like the one shown below. To do so,
move the cursor into the Customize dialog box, right-click an existing menu item, and then choose
an option from the shortcut menu that appears.
Right-clicking is how things get done in the Customize dialog box
Tutorial: How to Add a Command to a Menu

In this tutorial, you add the CloseAll command to the File menu. (The CloseAll command closes all
open drawings.) It is to be located after the Close item.
To add the command to the File menu, follow these steps:
1. Open the Customize dialog box: enter the Customize command.

2. When the dialog box appears, click the Menus tab.
Accessing the Menu tab in the Customize dialog box
3. To open a container, click a button. For this tutorial, click the next to the File container.
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This reveals the items in the File dropdown menu, as illustrated at left below; the equivalent menu is shown
on the right.
Customize dialog box File menu

Left: File menu container displayed by Customize dialog box; right: Menu items under the File dropdown menu
4. Move the cursor over the ----- (separator) item located below Close. You choose this spot, because Brics-
CAD places new menu items above the current one.
5. Right-click (press the right mouse button). Notice the shortcut menu that appears. It holds the commands
for adding and removing menu items.
Inserting an item above the selected one
6. From the shortcut menu, choose Insert Item. This action adds a new menu item above the currently-selected
one, the separator line ------.

7. Notice that BricsCAD opens the Add Menu Item dialog box, which lists all commands available in BricsCAD.
From this list, you can select existing commands with Select Available Tool — or create macros with Create
New Tool.
a. Choose the Select Available Tool option to access all of BricsCAD’s built-in commands. (The other op-
tion, Create New Tool, is for creating macros — two or more commands strung together.)
Dialog box for creating new menu items
b. Under Available Tools, scroll down to the File item. The fast way to get there is to click any item in the
list (such as “2D Constraints”), and then tap the F key on the keyboard.
Getting to the File item
c. Open the File node. Choose Close All.
Choosing Close All in the File node
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Notice that in the upper half of the dialog box BricsCAD fills in most of the parameters, such as Title,
Help, and so on.
Choosing “Close All” from the list of a available commands
c. Click OK. Notice that the “Close All” command is added to the list of menu items under Close.
Close All command added to File menu
8. To ensure the new command actually works, test your work always, like this:
a. Close the Customize dialog box by clicking OK.
b. Choose the File menu. Notice that the “Close All” item has been added.
Testing the Close All command
c. Click Close All. Does it work correctly? It should prompt you to save all open drawings that have changed
since being loaded.

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH BRICSCAD MENUS
From my experience in customizing BricsCAD, here are answers to questions users have.
Q: Which commands can be add to menus, toolbars, and so on?

All commands can be added. To see a list of all the commands in BricsCAD, peruse the list found
the Customize dialog box.
To find a specific command, use the Search field. Happily, BricsCAD does not make the same error as
AutoCAD, which searches only for menu names, not command names; you have to know that before
you can search. For example, if you search AutoCAD’s CUI for the “ObjectScale” command name, you
won’t find it; you have to search for “Add Object Scale,” because that is the command’s menu name.
AutoCAD unable to find commands by name in CUI
The good news in BricsCAD is that your search for the ObjectScale command name is fruitful, for
BricsCAD finds it.
BricsCAD finding commands by name
130
Q: What’s the difference between “Insert” and “Append”?
Sometimes a shortcut menu shows the verb Append, other times it shows Insert instead. The
words seem similar, but have different actions; here’s how:
ÐÐ Append Item adds the new item at the end of the menu container
ÐÐ Insert Item adds the new item before the currently-selected item
The difference does not matter much, because if an item ends up in the “wrong” location, you can
just drag it to the correct position.
Q: What do I do when I mangle a customization?

Click the Revert to Defaults button found at the bottom of the Customize dialog box in BricsCAD. Be
careful, though, because it removes all customizations you made to BricsCAD in this dialog box —
except for the ones in the partial CUI files. So, this is why you always should work with partial CUIs!
The nuclear option
CREATING A NEW MENU ITEM IN BRICSCAD

You add new “commands” through macros, which BricsCAD calls “tools.” In this tutorial, you learn
how to create a tool in BricsCAD. It will consist of two commands: the first command saves the
current drawing and then the second one opens the Print dialog box.
I’ve named the macro “Save’n Print,” and it looks like this:
^C^C_qsave;_plot
Notice that the format of this macro is exactly the same as how it would be written in AutoCAD.
Custom commands (a.k.a. “macros”) are constructed from other commands, LISP routines, metacha-
racters, and Diesel instructions — just as in AutoCAD.
You will use BricsCAD’s Insert Tool to add this command.
The correct way is to add commands is to first create a new partial menu for them. The reason you do this is be-
cause of the Revert to Defaults button, which you see at the bottom of the Customize dialog box. Should a user
(or you, even) click this button, then all customizations are lost! Except, of course, those added to partial menus.
The following tutorial shows you how construct macros for partial menus in BricsCAD.

Step 1: How to Create Partial Menus in BricsCAD
First, create the new partial menu, as follows:
1. In the Customize dialog box, click File, and then choose Create New Partial Cui File.
Creating a new partial CUI file
2. Notice the Create a Customization File dialog box. In the File Name field, enter a name that is brief but de-
scriptive. For this tutorial, enter “my tutorial.”
File Name my tutorial
Naming the new partial menu file
3. Click Save. In the Customize dialog box, notice that “My Tutorial” is added as a node under the Files tab. The
“My Tutorial” partial menu is also added to the Toolbar, Ribbon, and other tabs so that it can be used every-
where.
My Tutorial added to menus
132
4. Under My Tutorial, right-click Main Menus, and then choose “Append Main Menu.”
Adding a new main menu item
5. The Add Main Menu dialog box opens. Give the new menu its name, like “Tutorial,” and then click OK.
Naming the new menu item
After you clock OK to close the dialog box, the new Tutorial menu item appears.
Tutorial menu item added to the tree
6. To see this item on the menu bar, close the Customization dialog box by clicking OK. Notice that “Tutorial”
appears after the Help item and is empty.
The menu bar showing the new Tutorial item
The partial menu is ready for the next step: adding custom commands.

Step 2: Adding Custom Commands to BricsCAD
To create a new custom command in BricsCAD, return to the Customize dialog box, and then follow
these steps:
1. Look at the right-hand side of the Customize dialog box. In the Available Tools pane, navigate to the “My
Tutorial” partial menu.
Working in the Available Tools pane
2. In partial menus, new commands are collected into “toolboxes.” A toolbox is a collection of similar com-
mands, such as ones related to editing or to file management.
To add a toolbox, right-click “My Tutorial,” and then from the shortcut menu, choose Append Toolbox.
Adding a new toolbox to a new partial menu
3. In the Add Toolbox dialog box, enter “Plotting,” and then click OK. (A tool is a command.)
Naming the new toolbox
134
4. The toolbox is created. Go ahead and create the new tool. Right-click and choose Append Tool.
Adding a tool to the toolbox
5. The Add Tool dialog box appears. Here you define the new tool. Enter the macro in the Command field, as
shown below.
Fields for defining parameters of new tool
You can use the table below as a guide.
Parameter Text that You Enter Notes

Toolbox File Adds the new command to the File category of available tools
Title Save’n Print Specifies the name that appears in the File menu
Help Saves the drawing, and then Specifies the help text that appears on the status bar
starts the Print command.
Command ^C^C_qsave;_print Specifies the macro that cancels the current command, saves
the drawing, and then starts the Print command
Image (leave blank) Specifies the icon, although none is required for menus
6. Click OK to exit the Add Menu Item dialog box. Notice that the new tool is added to the Tutorial menu (in the
left pane of the Customize dialog box), as well as to the list of Available Tools (in the right pane).
New command appears in both panes
In addition, its parameters are shown in the Menu Item pane at the bottom of the dialog box. Here, you can
edit the parameters, just as you can with regular commands.

7. Click OK to exit the Customize dialog box.
8. Test the new item by selecting Save’n Print from the Tutorial menu.
About BricsCAD’s Macro Metacharacters

Menu items execute macros, which can contain metacharacters. BricsCAD and AutoCAD use many
of the same metacharacters. I’ve listed some of the most common ones here so that you can see
they are indeed identical:
Metacharacter Meaning
^C Cancels the current command.
’ Executes the command transparently.
_ Internationalizes the command.
; Executes Enter.
\ Pauses the macro.
About BricsCAD’s Menu Design Conventions

BricsCAD and AutoCAD use many of the same conventions for designing menus. Two of them are
summarized below:
& (ampersand) designates shortcut keystrokes for accessing menu items with the Alt key
... (ellipsis) indicates the menu item will display a dialog box
About Diesel and DCL in BricsCAD

AutoCAD and BricsCAD employ the same Diesel expressions in menu macros and LISP routines,
and the same DCL (dialog control language) code for constructing dialog boxes.
CUSTOMIZING CONTEXT MENUS

BricsCAD calls shortcut menus “context menus,” because the menus change their content depend-
ing on the context. Context menus are found in the Menus tab, below the Main Menus section.

Left: Defining the Entity Snap shortcut menu in the Customize dialog box of BricsCAD.; right: BricsCAD’s Entity Snap context
menu.

As with menus, the list of items in each context container matches that of the shortcut menu. For
instance, when you right-click, BricsCAD displays the Entity Snap context menu.
To customize a context menu, you have same options as you have with menus:

Left: Pane for customizing a context menu item in BricsCAD; right: Shortcut menu for adding elements to context menus in
BricsCAD.
CUSTOMIZING TOOLBARS
Toolbars are customized in BricsCAD using the Toolbar tab of the Customize dialog box.
The process for customizing toolbars is identical to that of customizing menus, with two exceptions:
ÐÐ Submenus of toolbars are called “fly outs.”

ÐÐ Toolbars can contain “controls,” which menus cannot; control is another name for droplist.
Inserting controls or droplists into a toolbar
You can specify parameters for each toolbar and for each button. As in AutoCAD, BricsCAD can
specify the initial location and visibility of toolbars. To do so, (a) select a toolbar name, such as
Standard, and then (b) edit the settings in the pane, as shown below:
Parameters for positioning toolbars
The parameters for setting the initial position of toolbars are as follows:
Parameter Options
Position Floating, Top, Left, Bottom, Right
Visible Show, Hide

To edit individual buttons, select a name, and then edit the properties:
Parameters for toolbar buttons
Similar properties are available for flyouts.
In AutoCAD and BricsCAD, the visibility of toolbars is controlled by the current workspace; all of AutoCAD’s
toolbars are turned off by default.
CUSTOMIZING RIBBON TABS AND PANELS

The ribbon’s tab and panel elements are customized in BricsCAD with the Ribbon and Workspace
tabs of the Customize dialog box.
The design of tabs and panels in BricsCAD is identical to those of Word, AutoCAD, and so on:
ÐÐ The ribbon is segregated into one or more “tabs”

ÐÐ Tabs contain one or more “panels”
ÐÐ Panels contain one or more command elements, such as buttons and droplists
Customizing the ribbon takes place in three areas:
Ribbon. The look of the ribbon is specified by the Workspace tab, where all that happens is the
names of tabs to be shown by the named workspace are listed. The figure below shows the names
of tabs to be displayed the “2D Drafting” workspace.
Above: List of tabs to be displayed by the ribbon...

Below: ...and the names of tabs on display in the ribbon
138
Tabs. Just as a ribbon is just a list of tab names, a tab is just a list of panel names. These are custom-
ized by the Ribbon Tabs section of the Ribbon tab.
Above: List of panels to be displayed by the Home 2D tab...

Below: ...and the names of panels on display in the tab
Use the right-click shortcut menu to insert and remove panels. To change the order in which panels
appear in the tab, just drag them up and down the list.
Panels. The hard work takes place in designing the panels, as a ribbon can have big and little but-
tons with and without text labels, buttons strung horizontally or stacked vertically, droplists, and
so on. They are customized by the Ribbon Panels section of the Ribbon tab:

Left: List of commands to be displayed by the File 2D panel... right: ...and the buttons in the panel
I won’t go into the details here; they are best left to our Customizing BricsCAD book.

CUSTOMIZING KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS
Keyboard shortcuts are customized in BricsCAD by the Keyboard tab, as shown in the screen grab
below. BricsCAD has many of the same shortcuts as does AutoCAD; see Appendix D for a useful
cross-reference of all keystroke shortcuts used by both programs.
Customizing shortcut keystrokes
To add and remove shortcuts (or edit their assigned actions), right-click an existing one and then
choose an option from the context menu:
Adding and removing keyboard shortcuts
Adding (inserting) shortcuts follows the same steps as adding menu items. You can enter the fol-
lowing kinds of shortcuts in the Key field, highlighted in the figure below:
ÐÐ CTRL keys
ÐÐ SHIFT+CTRL keys
ÐÐ Function keys
ÐÐ SHIFT, CTRL, ALT, CTRL+ALT, SHIFT+ALT, SHIFT+ALT, and SHIFT+ALT+CTRL function keys
BricsCAD does not, unfortunately, warn you if a key combination is already in use.

CUSTOMIZING MOUSE BUTTONS & DOUBLE-CLICKS
The actions of mouse buttons are customized in BricsCAD by the Mouse tab, as are double-click
actions, as shown by the figure below:
Customizing mouse button actions
To have the click of a mouse button display a menu to the user, you employ the same
macro construction as in AutoCAD. See the code highlighted in the figure below:
Editing actions for mouse buttons
Double-Click Actions
Double-click actions in BricsCAD are also customized with the Mouse tab. Double-click
actions are customized in BricsCAD in the Mouse tab of the Customize dialog box. Go
down to the Double-click actions section, and then edit the Command field.
In general, double-clicking an entity causes the Properties pane to appear, but this can
be changed; indeed, Bricsys has assigned a number of other commands to the double-
clicking of specific entities. Double-clicking a hatch pattern, for example, executes the
HatchEdit command.
The lists of double-clickable entities is nearly identical for BricsCAD and AutoCAD. Now,
some AutoCAD entities are not native to BricsCAD. As in AutoCAD, you can add and remove
double-click actions to and from BricsCAD. To do so, right-click an existing action and
then choose an option from the context menu. Inserting a double-click action takes the
same steps as adding a menu item; see “Creating a New Menu Item” earlier in this chapter.

CUSTOMIZING TABLET BUTTONS AND MENUS
Tablet overlay menus and digitizer buttons are customized in BricsCAD through the Tablet tab, as
illustrated below. Entries under Digitizer Buttons and Tablet Menus initially look empty because no
tablet menu is loaded with the Default profile. To add tablet support to BricsCAD, download CUI files
and drawings for tablet buttons and overlays from www.bricsys.com/bricscad/tools/Tablet.zip .
Tablet items appear after the partial CUI file for tablets is loaded in BricsCAD
The tablet overlay drawing provided by Bricsys is illustrated below:
Tablet drawing provided by Bricsys containing the same commands as AutoCAD
142
After downloading, load the tablet.cui or tablet(acadLike).cui partial CUI files into BricsCAD with
the MenuLoad command (just like you would in AutoCAD). Once one of these partial CUI files are
loaded, then two sections in the Customize dialog box are filled with entries for tablet buttons and
menus: Digitizer Buttons and Tablet Menus.
CUSTOMIZING QUICK PROPERTIES

Quick Properties in AutoCAD are displayed by a tooltip when the cursor hovers over an entity. In
BricsCAD, they are displayed by the Quad.
Property information displayed by the Quad in BricsCAD
Just as in AutoCAD, you can specify (customize) the properties displayed for each and every entity
type in BricsCAD. This is done through the Properties tab of the Customize dialog box.
Selecting the properties to display for the 3D Solid entity

Select an entity in the left pane, and then choose which properties you want the Quad to display
form the list in the right pane.
If quick properties do not display in the Quad, click the RT button on the BricsCAD status bar.
CUSTOMIZING THE QUAD

BricsCAD uses the Quad tab to determine the look and functions of its unique Quad cursor.
Customizing the Quad
BricsCAD has a unique metacharacter not found in AutoCAD. ^S selects the entity under the cursor for process-
ing by the Quad. This is a powerful reactor, useful for tasks like one-click dimensioning.

CUSTOMIZING WORKSPACES
Workspaces in AutoCAD and BricsCAD have the same effect on the user interface: they decide which
toolbars, palettes, menu items, and ribbon tabs appear when users switch to a different workspace.
Workspaces are customized in the Workspace tab of the Customize dialog box.
Customizing workspaces in BricsCAD
For instance, to decide which palettes (panels) should be displayed in the “2D Drafting” workspace,
open the Palettes node, and then turn panels names on or off. It’s that simple
Deciding which panels (palettes) to display

CUSTOMIZING ALIASES AND SHELL COMMANDS
Command aliases are customized in BricsCAD with the Aliases tab. BricsCAD has many of the same
aliases as does AutoCAD; see Appendix C of this ebook for the cross-reference.
In BricsCAD, you create and edit aliases inside the Customize dialog box. To do so, click the Add or
Edit button to see the Edit Alias dialog box, illustrated above. For defining aliases and shell com-
mands, BricsCAD uses the same format for aliases as does AutoCAD.
Editing an alias
Both CAD packages store the definition in a .pgp file but with different filenames:
BricsCAD aliases are stored in the default.pgp file.

AutoCAD aliases are in the acad.pgp file
When you copy an acad.pgp to a BricsCAD installation, rename the incoming file “default.pgp.”
Shell Commands
BricsCAD users the same format for shell commands as AutoCAD. They are customized in the Shell
Commands tab, as illustrated below:
Editing a shell command
146
CUSTOMIZING TOOLS PALETTES
Tool palettes can be customized, but the process in BricsCAD is different than in AutoCAD. Here is
the difference between the two CAD systems in how items are added to palettes:
BricsCAD — you drag commands from the Customize dialog box to the Tools palette, as described below
AutoCAD — you drag entities from the drawing into the Tools palette

Left: Palette from BricsCAD; right: customizing the actions of an icon
When it comes to palette groups, both CAD programs use a separate dialog box to create and change
them, as well as to export and import palette definition files. Despite the presence of the dialog box,
BricsCAD cannot, however, create groups, nor does it export palettes.
To access the palette group dialog box:
BricsCAD — right-click the Tools palette, and then choose Customize Palettes
AutoCAD — enter the Customize command, which is unrelated to CUI
Customizing groups of palettes
(Notice that BricsCAD has two dialog boxes named “Customize,” one for customizing the UI and the
other for palette groups!) Both programs store Tools palette definitions in external files in XML format:
ÐÐ AutoCAD stores palette definitions in ATP files, short for “AutoCAD tool palettes”
ÐÐ BricsCAD stores them in BTP files, short for “BricsCAD tool palettes.” Both are XML-format files.
Both CAD systems import palette definitions using XTP files, short for “Xml Tool Palette,” which allows BricsCAD
to read palettes from AutoCAD

Other Areas of Customization
Customizing BricsCAD doesn’t just occury in the Settings and Customize dialog boxes. Here is a
review of additional elements that can be modified, including fonts, linetypes, hatch patterns, and
plot styles.
FONTS
AutoCAD and BricsCAD use the same types of font files:
ÐÐ TrueType (.ttf) fonts

ÐÐ Compiled shape (.shx) fonts
This means BricsCAD can use all of the fonts displayed by any AutoCAD drawing.
TrueType Fonts
All TrueType TTF files are stored in a common folder accessed by all programs. AutoCAD and Brics-
CAD both access the same source, and so there is no need to copy .ttf files to some BricsCAD folder.
ÐÐ Windows stores TTF fonts in folder /windows/fonts

ÐÐ Linux stores TTF fonts in folder /usr/share/fonts/truetype
ÐÐ Mac stores TTF fonts in folder /System/Library/Fonts
LEGALITIES: ABOUT COPYING FILES
Autodesk permits the copying of support files, since the corporation understands that drawings are effectively disabled when DWG
files are sent to clients without these crucial files. Support files that are coded in ASCII contain the following notice from Autodesk:
Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software for any purpose and without fee is hereby granted, provided that the
above copyright notice appears in all copies and that both that copyright notice and the limited warranty and restricted rights notice
below appear in all supporting documentation.
When copying files, do so in whole so that you include the notices that Autodesk asks you to preserve.
TRUETYPE FONTS
There is one exception. Some TrueType fonts (.ttf files) are commercial products, and cannot be copied without payment to the
copyright holder. The good news, however, is that all TrueType fonts provided with Windows and AutoCAD may be copied freely. If a
drawing contains copyrighted TrueType fonts, you can often find ones that look similar but cost nothing.

SHX Fonts
AutoCAD keeps SHX fonts in the C:\program files\autodesk\autocad \fonts folder. To use them with
BricsCAD, you can copy the SHX files to the equivalent folder in Bricsys:
ÐÐ Windows stores SHX fonts in folder C:\Program Files (x86)\Bricsys\BricsCAD V18\Fonts

ÐÐ Linux stores SHX fonts in folder /opt/bricsys/bricscad/fonts
ÐÐ Mac stores SHX fonts in folder /Applications/BricsCAD V18.app/Contents/MacOS/Fonts
AutoCAD also installs TTF versions of its SHX fonts in \windows\fonts folder, because TrueType
fonts look much smoother and fill better than SHX fonts. If possible, you should use TrueType fonts
in your drawings, instead of SHX fonts. While Autodesk continues to provide SHX font files, it only
does so to provide compatibility with old drawings.
If necessary, use the default.fmp file to map SHX font names to TTF ones. See below.
PFB Fonts
AutoCAD also supports the rarely-used PostScript .pfb font format. The support is indirect: you have
to use its Compile command to convert PostScript fonts into SHX format. BricsCAD does not work
with PostScript fonts, but this does not matter as PFB files are actually as SHX fonts in AutoCAD
drawing files.
PostScript fonts are the default for Linux, but this does not matter, because neither CAD package
uses them directly.
Font Mapping
BricsCAD and AutoCAD support font mapping, something that becomes handy when a font is not
displayed in a drawing. This occur when DWG files are copied from one computer to another, but
the second computer doesn’t have all of the font files needed by the drawings.
Here are two ways to use font mapping:
ÐÐ Quick’n dirty method uses the FontAlt system variable to specify the name of a single font to use when
the correct one(s) cannot be found. Only one font is substituted for all missing fonts.
AutoCAD specifies arial.ttf, while BricsCAD uses simplex.shx.
ÐÐ Comprehensive method uses the FontMap system variable to specify the name of a .fmp file, which holds
a list of all font names that can be mapped to alternative. Here is where the file is located:
CAD System FontMap Default Folder

AutoCAD acad.fmp C:\Users\login\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD \R20.0\enu\Support

BricsCAD Windows default.fmp C:\Users\login\AppData\Roaming\Bricsys\BricsCAD\V18\en_US\Support
BricsCAD Mac default.fmp Users\login\Library\Preferences\Bricsys\BricsCAD\V18x64\en_US\Suppot
BricsCAD Linux default.fmp home/login/Bricsys/BricsCAD/BricsCAD/V18/en_US/Support

Both CAD systems use the same simple format for FMP files: replacement font names are separated
by a semi-colon, one per line. Here are the first few entries of the BricsCAD version of the file:
ic-comp;complex.shx
ic-complex;complex.shx
ic-gdt;gdt.shx
ic-ital;italic.shx
ic-italc;italicc.shx
Should you need to, copy the acad.fmp file from AutoCAD, rename it to default.fmp, and then paste
it into the folder used by Bricsys.
eTransmit
One way to ensure that Bricsys has all the fonts it needs is to use AutoCAD’s eTransmit command.
This command collects the DWG file, needed support files, all font files, and any attachments, and
then places them into a folder or a ZIP file.
There is just one problem: by default, the option to include font files is turned off — for legal reasons.
(See the boxed text, “Legalities: About Copying Files.”) To include fonts in AutoCAD, click the Trans-
mittal Setups button, choose Modify, and then turn on the Include Fonts option. See figure below.

Left: Including all fonts files in AutoCAD; right: including the font files in BricsCAD
In BricsCAD, have eTransmit list all font files by turning on the Select/Deselect All Font Files option.
If you want just a list of needed fonts and other support files, click AutoCAD’s View Report button,
and you get a list of required and missing files:
AutoCAD Drawing Standards File References:

MKMStd.dws
AutoCAD Font Map References:
acad.fmp
AutoCAD Compiled Shape References:
Fonts\txt.shx
Fonts\romand.shx
The following files could not be located:
@Arial Unicode MS.(shx,ttf)
Textures\Mats\
PlotCfgs\Sample Floor Plan_Base.stb

LINETYPES AND HATCH PATTERNS
BricsCAD and AutoCAD use the same definitions for linetypes, as well as for hatch patterns:
ÐÐ Simple linetypes defined by .lin files

ÐÐ Complex linetypes defined by .lin and .shx files
ÐÐ Hatch patterns defined by .pat files
This means that BricsCAD can use linetypes and hatch patterns that have been customized for
AutoCAD. AutoCAD stores LIN and PAT files in folders Windows stores the files in folder C:\
Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD \R20.0\enu\Support. BricsCAD stores LIN
and PAT files in the following folders:
ÐÐ Windows stores the files in folder C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Bricsys\BricsCAD\V18\en_US\Support

ÐÐ Linux stores the files in folder home/<login>/Bricsys/BricsCAD/BricsCAD/V18/en_US/Support
ÐÐ Mac stores the files in folder /Users/<login>/Library/Preferences/Bricsys/BricsCAD/V18x64/en_US/Support
Tutorial: How to Copy AutoCAD .lin and .pat Files to BricsCAD

If you wish to reuse linetypes and hatch patterns from AutoCAD, then follow these steps to copy
and rename them:
1. Copy the .lin, .shx, and .pat files from their AutoCAD support folder (see above for its location)...
2. ...to the BricsCAD support folder (see lists above for locations).
3. Once copied, however, you must to rename the files, because BricsCAD uses different file names for default
linetype and hatch pattern files. For example, the acad.lin linetype file needs to be renamed to default.lin.
Here is the entire list of file names:
AutoCAD BricsCAD
File Type Default Name Default Name Notes
Linetype definitions acad.lin default.lin
AutoCAD standard linetypes
acadiso.lin iso.lin ISO-standard linetypes
ltypeshp.shx ltypeshp.shx Shape files for complex linetypes

Hatch pattern definitions acad.pat default.pat
AutoCAD standard patterns
acadiso.pat iso.pat ISO-standard hatch patterns
As an alternative to copying and renaming files, you could instead import AutoCAD linetype files
into BricsCAD. The drawback is that this method works only on a per-drawing basis, yet could be
useful for populating DWT template files. It works like this:
1. In BricsCAD, enter the Linetype command to open the Drawing Explorer window at the Linetypes node.
2. Click the New button to display the Load Linetypes dialog box.
3. Click File to access other .lin files.
4. Use the Look In droplist to navigate to AutoCAD’s support folder, such as C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\
Autodesk\AutoCAD \R20.0\enu\Support. Remember to replace <login> with your Windows login name.

5. Choose the .lin file you wish to open, and then click Open. The linetypes from AutoCAD are added to the cur-
rent drawing.

Loading AutoCAD linetype files into the current BrisCAD drawing
Linetypes and hatch patterns are customized by BricsCAD and AutoCAD the same way, editing the
related .lin and .pat files with Notepad or another text editor.
To see custom hatch pattern files in BricsCAD, when their names differ from default.pat, set the hatch Type to
“Custom” in the Hatch Pattern Palette dialog box.
PLOT STYLES
BricsCAD and AutoCAD support both color-based and style-based plot styles that allow entities
to look different when plotted. Recall that CTB files are for the older color-based plot style tables,
while STB files are for the newer style-based plot style tables. The figures below show that the
style-based plot style tables of both CAD programs are identical:
This means BricsCAD can use STB and CTB files created by AutoCAD — after you rename them,
because the sole difference is the file name of the default files:
BricsCAD default plot style file is default.stb

AutoCAD default plot style name is acad.stb

To create or edit plot styles in BricsCAD, use the PlotStyle command. Or choose Plotstyle Manager
from the File menu.

Left: BricsCAD’s plot style table; right: AutoCAD’s plot style table
Plotter Manager
BricsCAD and AutoCAD both support PC3 plotter manager files, which allow us to customize plotter
options. This means that BricsCAD can use PC3 files created in AutoCAD.
The plotter configuration editors of both CAD programs are similar. To create and edit plotters in
BricsCAD, choose Plotter Manager from the File menu, or enter the PlotterManager command.
Supported Files
In addition to DWG drawing files, BricsCAD and AutoCAD employ many additional files. The follow-
ing tables cross-reference by extension supported files between the two CAD packages.
Drawing Files
.adt .adt Audit log files
.bak .bak Backup drawing files
.dwf .dwf Design Web format files
.dwfx ... XPS compatible version of DWF files
.dwg .dwg Drawing files
.dws ... CAD standards files
.dwt .dwt Drawing template files
.dxb ... Binary drawing interchange files for CAD/camera
.dxf .dxf Drawing interchange files, ASCII and binary
.sv$ .sv$ Autosaved drawing files

.xlg .xlg Xref log files
.$$$ ... Emergency backup files
.$ac ... Temporary files created by AutoCAD
.$a ... Temporary files
Support Files
.acb ... AutoCAD color book files
.acl ... Autocorrect list files
.arg .arg User profile files
.atc .btc AutoCAD / BricsCAD tool catalog files
.aws ... AutoCAD workspace files
.blk ... Block template files
.cfg .cfg Configuration files
.chm chm Compiled HTML format help files
.chx ... Standards check files
.cui .cui Customize User Interface files
.cuix ... Customization container files
.cus .cus Custom dictionary files
.dbq ... Database query files
.dbt ... Database template files
.dbx ... Database extension files
.dct .dic Dictionary files
.dsd ... Drawing set description files
.dst .dst Sheet set data files
.err ... Error log files
.fdc ... Field catalog files
.fmp .fmp Font mapping files
.hdi ... Heidi device interface files
... .hlp Windows-format help files
.htm, .html .htm, .html Hypertext markup language files
... .icm IntelliCAD menu files
.ies ... Illumination distribution data files
.ini ... Configuration (initialization) files
.lin .lin Linetype definition files
.log .log Log files created by the LogFileOn command
... .lwi Base material files
.mli ... Material library files for rendering
.mln .mln Multiline style files
.mnc ... Compiled menu files (deprecated as of AutoCAD 2006)
.mnd ... Uncompiled menu files containing macros (deprecated)
.mnl ... AutoLISP routines used by AutoCAD menus (deprecated)
.mnr ... Menu resource files
.mns .mns AutoCAD-generated menu source files (deprecated)
.mnu .mnu Menu source files (deprecated as of AutoCAD 2006)
.nfl ... Filter list files
.pat .pat Hatch pattern definition files
.ptw ... Publish to Web settings files
.pwt ... Publish to Web template files

.rml ... Redline markup files (obsolete)
.shp ... Shape and font definition files
.shx .shx Compiled shape and AutoCAD font files
.slg ... Status log files
.ttf .ttf Microsoft font files
.txt .txt Text message files
.udl ... Microsoft data link files
.xml ... Extended markup language files
.xmx ... External message files
.xpg ... XML-format tool palette group files
.xtp .xtp Tool palette exchange files
Plotting Support Files

.ctb .ctb Color-table based plot parameter files
.pc2 ... Plot configuration parameters files for AutoCAD 2000 (deprecated)
.pc3 .pc3 Plot configuration parameters files since AutoCAD 2000i
.pcp ... Plot configuration parameters files for AutoCAD R14 (deprecated)
.plt .plt Plot files
.pmp .pmp Plotter model configuration files
.pss ... Plot stamp settings files
.stb .stb Style-table based plot parameter files
Import-Export Files
.3ds ... 3D Studio files
.bmp .bmp Windows raster files (device-independent bitmap)
.cdf .cdf Comma delimited files
.dgn ... MicroStation V8 and V7 design files
.dxe ... Data extraction files created by DataExtraction command
.dxx ... DXF files created by AttExt command
... .ecw Enhanced Compression Wavelet files
... .emf Enhanced meta format files
.eps ... Encapsulated PostScript files
.fax ... Fax raster plot files
.fit ... FIT raster plot files
.gif .gif CompuServe image files
.jpg, .jpeg .jpg, .jpeg Joint photographic expert group files
... .jp2 JPEG 2000 files
.kml ... Google Earth files (keyhole markup language)
.kmx ... Compressed KML files
.pcx .pcx Raster format files
.pdf .pdf Portable document format files
.png .png Portable Network Graphics raster files
.sat .sat ACIS solid object files (short for “Save As Text”) files
.sdf .sdf Space-delimited files
.slb .slb Slide library files
.sld .sld Slide files
.stl ... Solid object stereo-lithography files
... .svg Scalable vector graphics
.tga .tga Raster format (Targa) files
.tif .tif Raster format (Tagged image file format) files

.txt .txt Space delimited files
.wmf .wmf Windows metaformat files
.xls ... Excel spreadsheet files
API and Programming Files
.actm ... Active macro source code files
.arx .tx AutoCAD / Teiga runtime extension files
... .brx Bricsys runtime extension files
.cpp .cpp ObjectARX source code files
.dce .dce Dialog error log files
.dcl .dcl Dialog control language descriptions of dialog boxes
... .drx Design runtime extension files
.dll .dll Dynamic link libraries
.dvb .dvb Visual Basic for Applications program files
.fas ... AutoLISP fast load programs files
.h .h ADS/SDS and ARX/BRX/TX function definition files
.lib .lib ARX BRX/TX function library files
.lsp .lsp AutoLISP/LISP program files
... .mcr Macro files
.pgp .pgp Program parameters files (external commands and aliases)
.rx ... Lists of ARX applications that load automatically
.scr .scr Script files
.unt .unt Unit definition files
... .vbi VBA project files prior to BricsCAD V8
.vlx ... Compiled Visual LISP files

BricsCAD V18 Automation Object Model
See https://bricsys.com/bricscad/help/ro_RO/CurVer/DevRef/source/COM_ComponentObjectModel_Diagram.htm

Programming Considerations
By supporting almost the same list of programming languages and APIs as does AutoCAD, Bricsys
makes it easy for you to transfer your AutoCAD add-ons to BricsCAD:
AutoCAD API
Equivalent in BricsCAD Notes
Action Recorder (*) Scripts, SCR AutoCAD’s Action Recorder scripts cannot be edited;
scripts recorded by BricsCAD can be edited.
ActiveX ActiveX In-place editing; not available in BricsCAD for Linux or Mac
ADS SDS ADS code ported from AutoCAD requires just a recompile using
BRX headers; ADS/SDS are deprecated by Autodesk and Bricsys.
ARX BRX or TX Ported ARX code requires just a recompile using new BRX headers;
when used with TX (ex-DRX), ported ARX code must be rewritten.
AutoLISP LISP Ported AutoLISP code runs as-is in BricsCAD; no changes needed,
includes support for Vl, Vlr, Vla, and Vlax functions and encryption.
COM COM Ported AutoCAD COM code runs as-is in BricsCAD;
not available in BricsCAD for Linux or Mac.
CUI CUI Ported AutoCAD CUI files made need adjsting for BricsCAD.
Diesel Diesel Ported Diesel code runs as-is in BricsCAD; no changes needed.
DCL DCL Ported DCL code runs as-is in BricsCAD; no changes needed.
CUI CUI Ported AutoCAD menu and toolbar macros work as-in in BricsCAD.
.Net Teigha.NET BricsCAD provides Teigha.NET and extra BRX-managed wrappers;
not available in BricsCAD for Linux, Mac, or Windows Standard version.
... TX Teigha eXtensions (formerly DRX) from Open Design Alliance;
not available in AutoCAD.
... VBA Current AutoCAD VBA code runs as-is in 32-bit BricsCAD for Windows;
not available in BricsCAD Linux, Mac, 64-bit Windows, or Windows Standard
VSTA ... VSTA is unavailable in BricsCAD.
In general, BricsCAD provides a nearly identical subset of function names. In the case of non-com-
piled code, such as LISP and DCL, you just drop it into the BricsCAD environment. You recompile
compiled code using headers provided by Bricsys. For writing C and C++ applications, BricsCAD
offers BRX, which is code-compatible with AutoCAD’s ARX. BricsCAD supports SDS, which is com-
patible with AutoCAD’s ADS, although this API is deprecated by Autodesk and Bricsys.
You can reuse .lsp AutoLISP routines, and .dcl dialog control language files with no modification;
in Windows only, .dvb projects (VBA macros). Detailed information is freely available from the
Bricsys online developer reference at http://www.bricsys.com/bricscad/help/en_US/V18/DevRef.

ABOUT BRX
BRX is 100% code compatible with ARX, AutoCAD’s C++ interface. This means that you need only
maintain one set of source code for both CAD platforms. They are not, however, binary compatible
so modules compiled with ARX cannot be loaded directly into BricsCAD — and visa versa. First,
recompile the source code, as follows:
BricsCAD compiles code and link with BRX to run on BricsCAD; The necessary *.h, *.c, and *.tlb files are
included in the BRX SDK
AutoCAD compiles code with ARX to run on AutoCAD
The BRX API was developed by Bricsys, and so is available for BricsCAD exclusively. The API is
supported on BricsCAD V8 (or higher) Pro and Platinum only, not on BricsCAD Classic or releases
prior to V8. The higher the BricsCAD version, the more BRX functions are supported. BRX offers
the following functions in common with ARX.
This list is not exhaustive:
ÐÐ Common basic functionality, such as AcRx, AcAp, AcCm, AcDb, AcEd, AcGe, AcGi, AcGs, and AcUt
ÐÐ Multiple document interface using AcApDocument, AcApDocumentIterator, AcApDocManager, and so on
ÐÐ Reactors like AcApDocManagerReactor, AcDbDatabaseReactor, and AcEditorReactor
ÐÐ Custom objects derived from AcDbObject, AcDbEntity, and so on
ÐÐ Transactions using AcDbTransactionManager, AcTransactionManager, and so on
ÐÐ Input point processing with AcEdInputPointManager and AcEdInputPointMonitor
ÐÐ MFC-based user interface extensions, such as AcUi and AdUi-based categories
ÐÐ COM interfaces callable from C++
ÐÐ Undocumented ARX functions, such as acdbSetDbmod, acedPostCommand, acedEvaluateLisp, ads_
queueexpr, getCurrentPlotStyleName, and GetListOfPlotStyles
ÐÐ Load on demand for commands registered through the AcadAppInfo interface
ÐÐ Property palette inteface, OPM
ÐÐ B-modeler code compatible with A-modeler
ÐÐ Hidden Line and Brep APIs
ÐÐ Managed wrapper classes for .NET API
ABOUT TX
The TX SDK produces TX modules files with the .tx extension, which are DLLs that are loaded at
runtime by BricsCAD. BricsCAD is based on the Teigha libraries from Open Design Alliance, and so
TX modules compiled with the TX SDK (Teigha eXtension software development kit) can be loaded
to run in BricsCAD.
Prior to V12, the modules where named .drx. These cannot be loaded into V12 or later; you must
recompile the source code using the latest TX SDK. TX classes, methods, and functions seem similar
to those in ARX.

There are, however, a number of differences:
ÐÐ TX SDK enforces smart pointers in client code.

ÐÐ Constructing and destructing objects are different from ARX.
ÐÐ Control flow of error handling is different in ARX and TX applications, because error handling is based on
exceptions thrown by the Teigha libraries, for the most part, and these need to be caught by the client code.
ÐÐ TX SDK contains a subset of ARX, and so functions such as AcEdJig, AcApDocument, AcApDocManager,
AcEdInputPointMonitor, and AcUi are missing.
ÐÐ Some basic operations are done differently from ARX, such as retrieving the active database instance or
opening entities.
ÐÐ There are some minor differences in the class hierarchy of objects.
For more on how to use TX with BricsCAD, refer to the online documentation at
http://www.bricsys.com/bricscad/help/en_US/V18/DevRef/source/TX_01.htm.
ABOUT .NET (WINDOWS ONLY)

The BricsCAD .NET API exposes the CAD system’s functionality, and allows you to build managed
code that runs under the .NET Common Language Runtime CLR. .NET is not available on Linux,
Mac, or Classic versions of BricsCAD. With BricsCAD V15, the supported .NET runtime is version
4.0. See https://www.microsoft.com/net.
To set up a project with Visual Studio, create a class library using the class library wizard under your
preferred .NET language. There are two DLLs that need to be referenced: BrxMgd.dll and TD_Mgd.
dll. The optional TD_MgdBrp.dll handles the Brep APIs. These DLLs are located in the BricsCAD
installation folder.
When referencing these DLLs, it is important to set the Copy Local property to False. All other DLLs such as ref-
erenced COM DLLs or satellite DLLs, can have their Copy Local property to true, or as needed by your project.
Samples projects are found in the \Bricsys\BricsCAD\API\dotNet folder.
PORTING AUTOLISP TO LISP

Most AutoLISP routines work directly in BricsCAD. Its LISP engine supports VL and VLA functions,
and LISP reactors (except in the Linux and versions), as well as encrypted LISP; it does not support
compiling to FAS (compiled LISP) files. You may experience the following issues:
ÐÐ BricsCAD’s command line input can vary slightly from AutoCAD’s. The solution is to verify the content of
all (command) functions, or avoid using (command) altogether.
ÐÐ BricsCAD does not implement a few AutoLISP functions. The solution is to rewrite the code, or to adapt
external libraries.
DOSLib works with BricsCAD Pro and Platinum. It is a free library of LISP-callable functions not
found in regular LISP. See https://wiki.mcneel.com/doslib/home.
160
Porting DCL to BricsCAD
DCL routines work directly in BricsCAD for designing dialog boxes.
In addition, OpenDCL is fully supported and available for BricsCAD; see http://opendcl.com/
wordpress.
Porting Diesel to BricsCAD

Diesel routines work directly in BricsCAD for macros and the status bar.
PORTING VBA TO BRICSCAD (WINDOWS ONLY)

AutoCAD and BricsCAD for Windows both use .dvb files for VBA projects. BricsCAD Pro and Platinum
deliver VBA v7.1., and works both the 32- and 64-bit versions. VBA is not available in BricsCAD
for Linux or Mac.
PORTING ADS TO SDS

Since ADS/SDS were developed nearly 20 years ago, Bricsys considers SDS deprecated, meaning
developers should no longer use it. However, for backwards compatibility, Bricsys supports the
old SDS interface.
(ADS is short for AutoCAD Development System, the first API for AutoCAD to use external librar-
ies. SDS is short for SoftDesk Development System, a workalike first developed by SoftDesk for its
IntelliCADD project.)
ADS code requires only a recompile using the BRX headers. To run an IntelliCAD-style SDS module
on BricsCAD, the code must be adapted as described at http://www.bricsys.com/bricscad/help/
en_US/V18/DevRef/source/SDS_01.htm.
PORTING COM TO BRICSCAD (WINDOWS ONLY)

COM (Common Object Model) is available in Pro versions of BricsCAD, and is accessed through
programming languages like VB, VBA, VB.NET, C, and C++.
Though BricsCAD’s object model is quite similar to AutoCAD’s, it is not identical. Nevertheless, most
VBx code written for AutoCAD should work directly under BricsCAD. When you find a required
element missing from the object model, the BricsCAD developer support team is open to creating
the functions you require.
BricsCAD does not support VSTA (Visual Studio Tools for Applications).

LOADING APPLICATIONS INTO BRICSCAD
BricsCAD and AutoCAD use the AppLoad command to load applications into each CAD program.

Left: AutoCAD’s application loader; right: BricsCAD’s application loader
Units
BricsCAD and AutoCAD share the same units conversion file, which is used by functions in LISP,
SDS, and so on.
BricsCAD calls its file default.unt, while AutoCAD’s file name is acad.unt.
THIRD-PARTY DEVELOPER SUPPORT

Bricsys notes that “There is day to day support for application developers who need assistance
porting applications to BricsCAD, or simply require technical information about the porting pro-
cess and the possibilities. The Bricsys development team has an extended section with dedicated
developers for the different development environments (LISP, COM, ADS, ARX, .NET).”
When third-party developers request an addition to the API, it becomes a new feature in BricsCAD
that end-users can employ. Bricsys does not charge third-party developers, unlike Autodesk. There is
no fee to join, no annual membership, no charge for support, and no royalties on shipping products.
Visit https://www.bricsys.com/en-intl/applications/developers/ for more information.
162
CHAPTER FIVE
Operating Dual-CAD
Design Offices
SOME FIRMS OPERATE AUTOCAD OR BRICSCAD EXCLUSIVELY, BUT THERE ARE OTHERS THAT
run BricsCAD and a mix of other CAD systems. This chapter explores the realities of running a dual-
CAD shop, and explains how to solve issues that arise. The reality is that it can be done.
We examine the benefits and drawbacks to running the Linux operating system as a cost-saving
alternative to Windows and MacOS.
Why Use More Than One CAD System?
It’s become common for design firms to license more than one brand of CAD package. Examples
include AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, DraftSight and Solidworks, and AutoCAD and BricsCAD.
The CAD manager, however, faces more work in running CAD systems that are different. The dif-
ferences lie in variations in capabilities, disparities in licensing policies, varying levels of hardware
needs, and areas of incompatibility.
So why would a design firm cause itself apparently-unnecessary grief by taking on these problems?
Dual-CAD firms tell me that they nevertheless adopt a second CAD package for these reasons:
ÐÐ Cost savings
ÐÐ Compatibility
ÐÐ Capability
If I were a clever motivational speaker, I would call these “The Three Cs to Success.”
LOWER TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP

For some firms, it is too expensive to pay $1,470 every year for every legal installation of AutoCAD.
To save money, they run a majority of their seats on a lower-cost package, such as AutoCAD LT or
BricsCAD.
Startup Costs. For instance, a 100-seat design firm split its workstations 10/90 between AutoCAD
and the lower-cost software, saving the firm over $70,000 in initial licensing costs. The table below
illustrates the dramatic savings that are possible right off the bat.
STARTUP COSTS
Number of Seats Licensing Cost Initial Savings

Pure AutoCAD $ 0
100 of AutoCAD $147,000 1
Mix of AutoCAD and BricsCAD $64,800
10 of AutoCAD $ 14,700
90 of BricsCAD Pro 2 $ 67,500
Pure BricsCAD $72,000
100 of BricsCAD Pro $ 75,000
1
First year subscription cost of AutoCAD
2
Permanent license cost for BricsCAD Pro. I chose Pro rather than Platinum for this cost comparison, because the additional
functions provided by Platinum are not found in AutoCAD, such as 3D constraints and assemblies.
The actual cost to license one hundred seats would be lower than shown by the table, because just
about all CAD vendors offers customers better pricing on bulk purchases. Prices are accurate at 11
December, 2017. Note that CAD vendors tend to increase their prices annually.

Upgrade Costs. Following the initial licensing cost, design firms can choose to spend on additional
charges typically associated with software use:
ÐÐ Upgrade fees
ÐÐ Annual maintenance or support fees, which usually includes upgrades at no added cost
Autodesk as of January 31, 2016 eliminated AutoCAD upgrades and perpetual licenses. In this re-
gard, BricsCAD also has the purchasing advantage over AutoCAD. BricsCAD allows you to upgrade
your perpetual license of BricsCAD at any time in the future for US$220/license.
Subscriptions. The third alternative is to purchase subscriptions instead of perpetual licences. At

Payments are made upfront to Autodesk for a month-long use of the CAD software, or else upfront
for one year, two years, or three years. This corresponds to being billed monthly, annually, biannu-
ally, or triennially. Bricsys offers only annual subscriptions.
The table shows the cost for subscribing to 100 licenses on one-year plans, the only length com mon
to both CAD programs. Autodesk offers only subscription pricing. To be on subscription, Bricsys
requires all seats at a single site be on subscription.
ANNUAL COSTS
Number of Seats 3-Year Subscription Price 1 3-Year Cost Savings

Pure AutoCAD
100 of AutoCAD $441,000 $ 0
Mix of AutoCAD and BricsCAD
10 of AutoCAD $ 44,100
90 of BricsCAD $ 59,400 $ 337,500
Pure BricsCAD
100 of BricsCAD $ 66,000 $ 375,000
1
Prices in US$ as reported by each vendor’s Web site on 8 December 2017
The advantages and disadvantages to paying by subscription are as follows:
ÐÐ Pro: The upfront financial cost is 1/3 less than that of a perpetual license
ÐÐ Con: A subscription becomes more expensive than a pure perpetual license after 3 years
ÐÐ Pro: Being a subscription cost, the amount is 100% deductible from income taxes annually
ÐÐ Con: In some jurisdictions, permanent licenses are fully depreciated in just two years
ÐÐ Pro: Firms can reduce their cost by reducing their license count when the work load lessens during
recessions
ÐÐ Pro: Firms can rent software monthly for the workload jumps
ÐÐ Con: Firms may be pressured by CAD vendors to not reduce their license count under the threat of
higher fees (as occurred during the 2008 recession)
ÐÐ Con: Subscription-paid software stops working after 15 to 30 days, should the firm be unable to afford
the next payment
5 Operating Dual-CAD Design Offices 165

ÐÐ Pro: Subscriptions often include additional benefits, such as free upgrades, better support, and extra
software at no cost
ÐÐ Con: Subscription prices and benefits fluctuate as CAD vendors alternate between wanting more rev-
enue (prices go up in the long term) and wanting more new customers (subscription prices go “on sale”
or benefits increase in the short term)
Hardware. I did not include the benefit of using older and slower hardware with BricsCAD, as this
cannot be easily quantified financially; there are too many variations in workstation features and
pricing. BricsCAD does not, however, need the more expensive computers and graphics boards that
AutoCAD requires to run well.
Nevertheless, the advantage goes to BricsCAD, as initial hardware costs are lower and subsequent
hardware upgrades are rarer.
In the end, a 100-seat site is looking at saving $1,000,000 over eight years.
Country-Biased Pricing
Both Autodesk and Bricsys charge different prices for different countries. You can learn the current
price schedule for your country by visiting these online shops:
ÐÐ Autodesk: http://www.autodesk.com/store
ÐÐ Bricsys: https://www.bricsys.com/estore/
Choosing an international location from the online store at Bricsys.com
The pricing situation is acute for firms in developing countries, where starting architects make as
little as $300 a month. In my opinion, I find it disturbing when software companies charge more in
these high-growth, low-income countries, thereby placing software tools out of reach of potential
customers. Ironically, software companies complain about the high rate of piracy in developing
countries — they fail to see the connection.
166
Choosing an international location from the online store at Autodesk.com
A non-democratic pricing model puts ethical design firms in a bind. They cannot afford a full house
of expensive CAD software licenses, yet they need to show large clients that they are running a clean
shop with no pirated software. There is, fortunately, a solution.
Solutions to High License Fees

For firms that cannot afford Western prices, the solution is to license lower-cost products, specifi-
cally AutoCAD LT, BricsCAD, and the like. Indeed, BricsCAD Classic provides design firms with a
CAD package that is half the price and much more capable than AutoCAD LT.
To save customers money in the early design stage, Bricsys provides BricsCAD Shape for free. This
is a 3D-only modeler that accepts materials, inserts blocks, and is 100% compatible with BricsCAD.
The company sees it as a replacement to SketchUp.
Another way to save money is to run the free Linux operating system on computers, instead of the
pricier Windows. While MacOS is free, it runs only on Apple-branded computers, which tend to be
the most expensive ones. Also, Apple halfheartedly makes hardware for professionals. The catch
to offices employing Linux is that the CAD vendor must have a version of the software that runs on
Linux. Autodesk does not; Bricsys does.
Linux is doubly cost-effective, because it runs well on older, less powerful computers. Newer re-
leases of Windows typically require new hardware, if only because the updated operating system
no longer supports older device drivers or software.
In summary, BricsCAD is triply cost-effective:
ÐÐ BricsCAD Platinum is priced 4x less than AutoCAD, and 1.5x less than AutoCAD LT
ÐÐ BricsCAD runs on Linux, which is free
ÐÐ BricsCAD and Linux have lower hardware demands than AutoCAD and Windows, and so run effectively
on older computers

MAXIMIZING COMPATIBILITY
Like all responsible capitalist corporations, design firms look to reduce their expenses, and so
prefer the lowest-cost system that produces the highest profits with the fewest expenses — mea-
surable and unmeasurable. Above, I listed some of the measurable expenses above; let’s look at
the unmeasurable ones.
The #1 unmeasurable expense comes from the difficulty in using a software system. In the case of
CAD, this can mean difficulty of the user interface, links to external programs, and absolute com-
patibility with the industry standard, AutoCAD. For this last reason, design shops employ at least
a few seats of AutoCAD.
Autodesk tries to make sure that AutoCAD stays ahead of the competition, whether through tech-
nology or through marketing. For example in marketing, when in the mid-1990s the 10x cheaper
IntelliCAD began threatening sales of the more expensive AutoCAD, Autodesk launched a campaign
that effectively warned customers away from the upstart. (In the campaign, Autodesk claimed that
AutoCAD LT was the only low-priced CAD package that was 100% DWG-compatible with AutoCAD.
The problem with the claim at the time was that it was not entirely accurate, for AutoCAD LT in
those days could not deal with all the entities created by AutoCAD.)
For many years, Autodesk put huge resources into leap-frogging AutoCAD ahead of the competition,
making the “100% Pure DWG” situation true. In recent years, however, Autodesk slowed its pace
as of AutoCAD 2014 onwards. The flagship software gains only a few new functions each year. The
file format remains unchanged for as long as five years at a time.
Nevertheless, most design firms have at least one license of AutoCAD on the chance that drawings
from clients might not reproduce correctly in IntelliCAD or BricsCAD. This is no different from
firms saving money by standardizing on the free Libre Office package, yet maintaining a license of
Microsoft Office to ensure compatibility with files created by the de facto standard in office software.
Open Design Alliance. The industry counterweight to Autodesk is the Open Design Alliance. The
ODA was established in the late 1990s to document Autodesk’s DWG format, which has been kept
proprietary. (As a result of the formation of the ODA, Autodesk relented and documented DWG
through its own API, RealDWG.)
168
Today, the ODA organization has 1,200 members and provides APIs that allow members’ software
to read and write AutoCAD DWG, DXF, and other popular file formats, such as MicroStation DGN,
Adobe PDF, and Revit RVT. The organization also provides other resources, such as an equivalent
to the ARx programming interface, ADT and MDT object enablers, and licensing of add-on software
like ACIS and C3D solid modeling kernels. http://www.opendesign.com
ODA and its contract programmers do the hard work by figuring out what’s inside DWG. This means
that BricsCAD and other firms can concentrate on adding features to their CAD systems. The bad
news is that the content of the DWG file changes every year as Autodesk adds more capabilities and
object types. ODA’s programmers usually figure out the new content in under six months, which is
why new releases of BricsCAD come out each year in October or November.
CAPABILITY
Autodesk for a few years added really big features to AutoCAD, such as 3D mesh modeling, 3D sur-
faces, point cloud processing, and a new rendering engine. The bad news is that these huge addi-
tions kept workalikes from replicating these complex functions in their entirety. On their own, they
don’t have the programming resources; banded together under ODA, however, they make progress.
The good news for workalikes is that there is often no need to replicate AutoCAD completely. It
turns out that 3D point clouds and the like are of little interest to heads-down drafters. If a design
firm needs the capability, there are many third-party stand-alone products that do as good a job
as AutoCAD in this area — or better.
The majority of AutoCAD and BricsCAD users produce 2D drawings. A Solidworks product manager
once proclaimed at a users conference that “2D will go on and on, probably for 50 years.” At any
user conference, the biggest cheers are reserved for new functions that save time in 2D drafting, like
automatic balloon placement. Even in hard-core 3D CAD environments, such as Catia, the numbers
indicate that more than 50% of drawings are produced in 2D. (Catia from Dassault Systemes is
high-end 3D modeling software used by aircraft and automotive firms, among others.)
Nevertheless, 3D cannot be ignored, and workalikes traditionally have been weak in that: Intelli-
CAD and other workalikes achieve today what AutoCAD did more than a decade ago. The primary
exception is BricsCAD, which is taking big strides in beefing up its 3D offerings.
ÐÐ With V11, Bricsys added a higher-priced Platinum Edition that offered 3D history-based parametric mod-
eling, known as X-Solids. It included a parametric parts library, called X-Hardware.
ÐÐ With V12, Bricsys added 3D direct modeling and 2D constraints to all editions, with 3D constraints added
to the Platinum Edition.
ÐÐ With V13, Bricsys added assembly modeling for linking two or more 3D models using constraints, kine-
matic analysis for checking motion and interference between parts, and bills of materials.

ÐÐ With Communicator, Bricsys added import and export for popular MCAD formats such as Solidworks,
Inventor, and IGES
ÐÐ With V14, Bricsys added sheet metal design and assemblies.
ÐÐ With V15, Bricsys greatly expanded sheet metal design, began on BIM (building information modeling for
architects), and added a link to CAM.
ÐÐ With V16, Bricsys added 3D surfacing, beefed up the capabilities of BIM and generative drafting, added
3D lofting, and began importing MCAD assemblies.
ÐÐ With V17, Bricsys added 3D compare of modified 3D models, IFC certification, and real-world material
specifications.
ÐÐ With V18, Bricsys added more BIM functions, expanded capabilities to sheet metal design, added the
Manipulator widget for interactive 3D editing, and introduced the free BricsCAD Shapes software.
Bricsys Shape for preliminary 3D modeling
BricsCAD Platinum with its add-ons is on its way to becoming something like an AutoCAD-compatible
version of Inventor or Revit, but for thousands less, at under $2,500.
170
Running BricsCAD & AutoCAD in One Office
To run more than one CAD system in your office successfully, it is crucial that you understand the
differences between them. Differences exist, because the abilities of AutoCAD and BricsCAD differ.
To implement a dual-OS office, this ebook is your primary reference. Read through this chapter,
and then refer to it in the future. Its advice is based on offices that actually implemented BricsCAD
and AtoCAD.
Then, you should establish an in-house workflow to assign drafting tasks appropriate to each CAD
system. I describe this in the following section.
When you find a feature missing, then you will need to find a workaround. For instance, in the case
when BricsCAD cannot handle certain entities, you can xref drawings from other CAD systems into
BricsCAD. BricsCAD can display nearly anything that AutoCAD can draw, but does not create or
edit every entity type.
In summary, BricsCAD has the following capabilities vis a vis AutoCAD:
Activity BricsCAD can...

View ...display nearly all AutoCAD entity types, even if it cannot edit or create them
Edit ...edit most AutoCAD entities, although sometimes only through the Properties pane
Create ...create many AutoCAD entities, but fewer than it can edit
See chapter 3, “Drawing File Compatibility,” for the nitty gritty details on each DWG object.
DIVIDING WORKFLOWS BETWEEN AUTOCAD &

BRICSCAD
You probably are well acquainted with the workflow in your office, the route by which drawings flow
through the office — typically from the general to the specific. For instance, one of my consulting
clients has the following workflow:
1. Receive DWG drawing files from architects

2. Review the dimensions on received drawings for dimensional accuracy
3. Create overall elevation views of the building’s faces; make plan views of each floor
4. Draw up assembly drawings for fabricators
5. Make detail drawings of every item, then generate bills of materials
6. Plot drawings on B- or C-size paper
7. Send completed paper drawing sets to clients and fabrication shops for manufacture

As much as possible, the work is done in BricsCAD, because it operates on the majority of worksta-
tions. The only work handled by AutoCAD are design functions BricsCAD is unable to complete.
This particular design firm took the time to list the CAD functions they employed in their office,
and then created two lists: (a) features that work in both BricsCAD and AutoCAD and (b) those
that work only in AutoCAD.
Here is an example of one of the lists they created. In this list, the firm noted the usefulness of fea-
tures to their workflow. These lists are not exhaustive, but specific to the needs of this particular
design firm.
First, features common to both CAD systems:
Features that Work in BricsCAD and AutoCAD Level of Usefulness

Template DWT files Very useful for speeding up initial drawing creation
Field text Very useful for automating text
Data extraction and spreadsheets Very useful
Hyperlink command Very useful for linking to other drawings
Geometric and dimensional constraints Very useful; using dimensional constraints for sizing objects
Sheet sets Very useful for organizing groups of drawings
Mleaders, editing, styles Very useful for joining multiple leaders into one; and for lining
up leaders neatly
DimBreak Very useful for editing dimensions
Overkill Useful for cleaning up drawings
LISP / AutoLISP Useful for automating some routine drafting
CUI / Customization Useful in some aspects, such as combining commands
Explorer / DesignCenter, Tool Palettes Probably useful for sharing and accessing content
Drawing Views Probably useful for generating 2D plans from 3D;
firm had not yet deployed this function
Annotative scaling Not useful
Rendering Not useful
And here is the usefulness of functions found only in AutoCAD (not BricsCAD):
Features Specific to AutoCAD Level of Usefulness

DimSpace, DimJogLine Very useful for editing dimensions
LayTrans command Useful for bulk editing layer names of incoming drawings
Dynamic blocks Useful for creating complex linetypes
Measure and Divide Useful for placing QDim dimensions; BricsCAD lacks QDim
QDim Useful when used with Measure; not in BricsCAD
Check Standards commands, DWS files Too limited in scope to be useful
Active Recorder Not useful
Point cloud processing Not useful
3D mesh and surface modeling Not useful
Your designation of useful and useless functions may differ. Concentrate on dealing with functions
that are useful in the workflow; useless and limited functions can be ignored. With each release,
the lists must be updated as new functions are added to both CAD systems.
172
STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION
While your firm may have several employees who are keen to implement more efficient drafting
methods with BricsCAD and AutoCAD, it pays to place one strategic employee in charge of CAD
management and training for everyone.
Here is the plan that one design firm arrived at:
ÐÐ Decide on the split between the Classic, Pro, and Platinum versions of BricsCAD
ÐÐ Upgrade all Linux, MacOS, Windows licenses of BricsCAD to the latest version
ÐÐ Determine a split of drafting tasks between AutoCAD and BricsCAD, recognizing the limits of BricsCAD
ÐÐ Automate 2D drafting processes as much as possible
ÐÐ As necessary, introduce a few seats of other CAD systems for handling specific 3D constructions and
automated drafting of which AutoCAD and BricsCAD might not capable
ÐÐ Create a steering group to ensure the new techniques are disseminated throughout the firm; ensure
progress is made
ÐÐ Consider hiring local trainers for specific topics; create a CAD programmer position
ÐÐ Review the implementation in a year’s time
COMMON OPERATIONS THROUGH FILE PATHS

BricsCAD and AutoCAD drawings employ many support files. Examples include linetype definitions,
font files, and external references. , The good news is that most of them are the same on both CAD
programs, and so the two can share the same support files,. This reduces management complexity.
The only catch is that Autodesk starts the names of many support files with acad, while Bricsys
start with default; these files can be renamed.
To keep track of files logically, CAD vendors store support files in specific folders. Both CAD pro-
grams let you specify paths to these folders.
BricsCAD specifies paths in the Settings dialog box: see the Program Options section
AutoCAD specifies paths in the Options dialog box: see the Files tab
In older, simpler times, all support files were stored in a folder named \Support. But as Microsoft
made Windows more complex, it required software makers to scatter support files into many fold-
ers for those cases when Windows computers are used by more than one user.
Local files are stored on the computer you use; these are files specific to each user and each program, such as
DWG drawing files and local customization files.
LocalLow files are stored like Local files, but with a lower integrity level; used by Web browsers when Win-
dows protected mode is on. BricsCAD and AutoCAD do not use LocalLow folders.
Common files are stored on the computer you use; these are files, such as font files and printer drivers, that
are common to many programs. CAD programs make use of these files.
Temporary files are stored “anywhere,” locally or on the network; these files are created by CAD programs
for the duration of the editing session, such as automatic backup files.

Roaming files are stored on any computer; these files are specific to you, such as customized linetype and
hatch pattern files, and so are accessible from any networked computer. See Roamable Profiles later in this
chapter.
Network files are stored on the network and are accessible to everyone, such as blocks and template files.
In Windows, support folders are usually found in a hidden folder named “AppData” under C:\
users\<login>\. “<login>” is the name by which you log into Windows. My login name is rhg, and
so all of my Local, and Roaming folders are found under C:\users\rhg\AppData.

Left: Local and Roaming support folders in Windows
Right: Support folders in Linux
To maintain compatibility with Windows, BricsCAD for Linux uses similar folder names and struc-
tures, although without the Local and Roaming folders. All support folders are found in this path:
/home/<login>/Bricsys/BricsCAD/V18
BricsCAD provides users with the following commands to make it easier to handle support files:
SupportFolder opens the C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Bricsys\BricsCAD\V18x64\en_US\Support folder.
TemplateFolder opens the C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Local\Bricsys\BricsCAD\V18x64\en_US\Templates folder.
WhoHas display ownership information for a selected drawing file.
Tutorial: How to Add AutoCAD Support Folders to BricsCAD

If AutoCAD is installed on the same computer as BricsCAD, then you can point BricsCAD’s support
paths to AutoCAD’s folders. This allows you to use common standards for both programs, such as
hatch patterns, linetypes, and fonts in common.
174
To direct BricsCAD to use support files from AutoCAD, open the Settings dialog box, and then ac-
cess the Program Options.
1. Start BricsCAD, and then enter the Settings command.

2. In the Search field, enter “support file”.

Searching for the phrase “support file”
Notice that the Settings dialog box jumps to the Support File Search Path item.

The support file search path entry in the Settings dialog box
3. Click the Browse button to open the Folders List dialog box.

Adding folders to BricsCAD’s search path
4. In the Folders List dialog box, click Add Folder.

5. To look for the folders you want to add, click Browse.
6. In the Choose a Folder dialog box, navigate to the AutoCAD folder you wish to add, and then click OK.

Selecting a folder to add to the search path
Notice that the folder is added to the list. BricsCAD highlights the folder to indicate it is newly added.

New folder added to the search path
7. Repeat the process to add the locations of other support folders, such as these:
ÐÐ DWT drawing template files at C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2018 - English\
R22.0\enu\Template
ÐÐ Most other support files at C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2018 - English\
R22.0\enu\Support
8. When done, click OK.
You can do the same process in AutoCAD: use its CUI dialog box’s Files tab to point AutoCAD to BricsCAD sup-
port folders.
USER PROFILES
BricsCAD and AutoCAD both support user profiles that store each user’s customization settings.
After changing settings with the BricsCAD Settings and AutoCAD Options commands, you save the
settings in a .arg user profile file. The idea here is that the CAD manager makes multiple profiles to
customize each CAD program for different users and for specific projects.
Profiles are made differently in each CAD package:
BricsCAD creates user profiles through an external application, UserProfileManager.exe

AutoCAD creates user profiles through the Profiles tab of the Options dialog box
To access BricsCAD’s UserProfileManager program:
ÐÐ In Windows 7, click Start button, and then choose All Programs | Bricsys | BricsCAD V18 | User Profile
Manager
ÐÐ In Windows 8 and 10, press Windows+Q and then enter “user profile manager” in the Search field
ÐÐ Or access it from inside BricsCAD by entering the ProfileManger command

User Profile Manager is a stand-alone program with BricsCAD

ÐÐ To save the current user interface configuration, click Create and then give the profile a name.
ÐÐ To switch to another profile, choose it from the list, and then click Set Current.
ÐÐ To read an .arg file from AutoCAD, click Import.
Launching BricsCAD with a User Profile

To launch BricsCAD with a specific user profile, add the /p switch to the desktop shortcut’s prop-
erties:
1. To access the properties, right-click the BricsCAD shortcut icon on the desktop, and then choose Properties
from the shortcut menu.
2. Edit the Target field to look like this (changes shown in blue):
“C:\Program Files\Bricsys\BricsCAD V18\bricscad.exe” /P <UserProfileName>
For example, replace <UserProfileName> with the .arg file’s name, such as myprofile.arg:
“C:\Program Files\Bricsys\BricsCAD V18\bricscad.exe” /P myprofile.arg
3. Click the OK button to close the dialog box.
Now when the icon is clicked, it starts BriscAD with the specified profile.

Tutorial: How to Import AutoCAD Profiles into to BricsCAD
Both programs use the same format for .arg files, and so you can import AutoCAD-generated profiles
into BricsCAD. Follow these steps to export and import them.
Firstly, export the .arg file from AutoCAD, as follows:
1. In AutoCAD, enter the Options command, and then click on the Profiles tab. (See figure above.)

Exporting a user profile from AutoCAD
2. Choose a profile from the list, and then click Export.

3. Select the folder into which profile file should be saved. If you wish, change the file name.
4. Click Save.
5. Click OK to exit the dialog box.
Secondly, import the .arg file to BricsCAD:
1. In BricsCAD, from the Tools menu, choose User Profile Manager.

2. In the User Profile Manager, click Import.
3. Choose the .arg file exported from AutoCAD, and then click Open.
4. To apply the profile, click Set Current.
5. Click OK to exit the program.
ROAMING PROFILES
BricsCAD and AutoCAD both support roaming profiles, which let you “roam” about and use the CAD
program on any computer connected to the office network. Your profile is identified automatically
by the login name you entered when you accessed the computer. The benefit is that BricsCAD and
AutoCAD are customized automatically with your settings.

Not all CAD files are roamable; some remain local, such as DWT template files. This is why roaming
and non-roaming (local) files are kept in separate folders. It is up to the software maker to decide
which are which.
AutoCAD Support Folders

AutoCAD’s nonroamable (local) files are in C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\AutoCAD
\R22.0\enu and consist of the following files:
ÐÐ Template files (DWT, DST, DGN)

ÐÐ Web Services
AutoCAD’s roamable files are in C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD \R22.0\
enu and consist of the following files:
ÐÐ Data links
ÐÐ Language packs
ÐÐ Migration
ÐÐ Plot styles (CTB, STB), plotter parameters (PMP), and plotter configurations (PC3)
ÐÐ Support files (CUIX, FMP, LIN, MLN, MNL, PAT, PGP, PSF, UNT, and so on)
BricsCAD Support Folders

BricsCAD’s nonroamable (local) files consist of the following ones:
ÐÐ Template files (DWT)

The files are found by following these OS-specific paths:
Windows C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Local\Bricsys\BricsCAD\V18x64\en_US
Mac /users/<login>/Library/Prreferences/Bricssys/BricsCADV18x64/en_US/
Linux home/<login>/Bricsys/BricsCAD/V18x64/en_US/
BricsCAD’s roamable files consist of the following ones:
ÐÐ Plot styles (CTB, STB), and plotter configurations (PC3)

ÐÐ Support files (CUI, FMP, LIN, PAT, PGP, PSF, UNT, and TXT)
Bricsys files are found by following these OS-specific paths:
Windows C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Bricsys\BricsCAD\V18x64\en_US
Mac /users/<login>/Library/Prreferences/Bricssys/BricsCADV18x64/en_US/
Linux home/<login>/Bricsys/BricsCAD/V18x64/en_US/
You can change in BricsCAD the path to local and roamable folders with system variables LocalRootPrefix and
RoamableRootPrefix. This is useful when the content of the folders is stored on a central server.

Tutorial: Importing Menus Files from AutoCAD
If you have menus that you customized in AutoCAD, then you can probably use them in BricsCAD.
Follow these steps to import menu files from AutoCAD:
1. Use the Customize command to open the Customize dialog box.

2. At the right end of Main Customization File field, click the button.
3. In the Select Main CUI File dialog box, click the Files of Type droplist.

Selecting a menu file type to import
Notice the list of file types:

ÐÐ CUIX — compressed CUI files that also store resources, like icon files; in use by AutoCAD since release
2012 and by BricsCAD since V14
ÐÐ CUI — standard menu files used by AutoCAD since release 2007 and by BricsCAD since V8
ÐÐ MNU or MNS — legacy menu and support files used by AutoCAD and by AutoCAD LT prior to release 2007
ÐÐ ICM — IntelliCAD menu files used by BricsCAD prior to V8 and by IntelliCAD-based systems
4. Choose a file type, select a file name, and then click OK. Notice that the menu structure changes to match the
newly-imported file.
Careful! Although BricsCAD imports AutoCAD menu files effortlessly, menu actions sometimes do not work,
because AutoCAD macros can contain macro code or metacharacters not supported by BricsCAD.
Tutorial: Making Hidden Folders Visible in Windows

Local and roaming folders can be difficult to find, because they are, unfortunately, typically hid-
den by Windows and MacOS. (They are not hidden in Linux.) Because I access them frequently, I
unhide the folders.
If you find yourself accessing these folders often, create shortcuts on your computer’s desktop. Here’s how:
hold down the Ctrl+Alt key while dragging the folder name from Explorer onto the desktop.
Here is how I do this in Windows:
1. First, make all hidden folders visible by following these steps:

a. In Windows, open File Explorer, and then choose Options:
Windows 7: from the Tools menu, choose Folder Options.
Windows 8.x and 10: choose the View tab, and then from the Show/Hide panel, click Options.
b. In the dialog box, choose the View tab,

c. Under Advanced Settings, turn on Show Hidden Files and Folders.
Accessing the option to reveal hidden folders
2. Now that hidden folders are visible, follow these steps in Explorer:
a. Go to the C:\users\<login>\appdata folder.
b. Right-click the folder, and then choose Properties.
c. Uncheck Hidden, and then click OK to close the dialog box.
You can now see the Local and Roaming folders.
Tutorial: Making Hidden Folders Visible in MacOS

The Library folder is where BricsCAD stores its support files on Mac computers. Here is how to
reveal the folder in MacOS:
1. Open Finder, and then navigate to your user folder. In my case, it is “ralphg.”
2. From the View menu, choose View Options.
3. In the dialog box, notice that the Show Library Folder option is turned off. Click it to turn it on.
Unhiding hidden folders in MacOS
4. Close the dialog box. Notice that the Library folder is now visible.

Tutorial: Loading AutoCAD’s PGP File into BricsCAD
The PGP file holds alias abbreviations for command names. If you have customized aliases in Au-
toCAD, then you can use them in BricsCAD.
Here is how to load the PGP file from AutoCAD into BricsCAD:
1. Use Windows Explorer to copy the acad.pgp file from this folder:
C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD \R22.0\enu\Support
2. Rename it default.pgp.
3. Place the renamed file in the appropriate BricsCAD folder:
ÐÐ Windows C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Bricsys\BricsCAD\V18x64\en_US\Support
ÐÐ MacOS /Users/<login>/Library/Preferences/Bricsys/BricsCAD/V18x64/en_US/Support
ÐÐ Linux home/<login>/Bricsys/BricsCAD/V18x64/en_US/support
(Remember to replace <login> with your Windows login name.)
It turns out that in BricsCAD you cannot simply use the Customize dialog box’s Program Parameter
File field, because it does not allow you to enter a different path.
To transfer files from a Windows computer to a MacOS or Linux computer, use a USB thumbdrive or a file trans-
fer service like Dropbox.
Tutorial: How to Export AutoCAD Palettes to BricsCAD

If you have customized the content of AutoCAD’s Tools Palette, then you can use them in BricsCAD,
because they use the same .xtp file format for exporting and importing palettes. XTP is short for
“xml tool palettes,” and is a file format based on XML, a self-documenting version of HTML that is
often used in data exchange situations.
To import palette files from AutoCAD to BricsCAD, follow these steps:
1. Start AutoCAD, and then enter the Customize command.

2. In the Customize dialog box, right-click the palette you want to export. From the shortcut menu, choose
Export.
Choosing palettes to export from AutoCAD

3. In the Export Palettes dialog box, choose the folder in which to place the exported XTP file, and then click
Save. (I tend to use the Desktop, because it is easy to find later!)
4. Switch to BricsCAD.
5. Right-click the Tools Palette bar, and then choose Customize Palettes.
Accessing the Customize dialog box in BricsCAD
6. In the Customize dialog box, right-click any palette, and then choose Import from the shortcut menu.

Importing .xtp files into BricsCAD
7. In the Import Palettes dialog box, choose the XTP file you exported from AutoCAD, and then click Open.
Notice that it is added to the list of Palettes.
8. Click Close. Notice that the Tool Palettes bar now has a new tab named after the palette you imported. The
icons will probably consist of ?, because the icon files are unavailable.

Icons missing from imported AutoCAD tools palette
9. Click an icon; notice that the command (probably) works!

The Dual OS Office
To further save money, some firms switch some of their workstations from Windows to Linux.
One firm told me that replacing Windows with the free Linux operating system saves them 10%
of their annual IT budget.
AutoCAD is not available for Linux, but BricsCAD is. Bricsys is working hard to ensure that nearly
all of the features in the Windows version operate properly in the Linux version.
Autodesk has a version of AutoCAD for MacOS computers, but it has only about 85% of the com-
mands found in the Windows version. Bricsys now ships their MacOS version just after the Windows
version comes out.
Here are the comparison charts from each CAD vendor for the functions included with the various
operating systems:
AutoCAD Windows vs Mac: http://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/compare/compare-platforms

BricsCAD Windows and MacOS vs Linux: https://www.bricsys.com/en-intl/bricscad/compare/
SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF PORTING SOFTWARE TO

LINUX
Porting is the term used to describe the process of making a software program work correctly with
another operating system. The part of the CAD system that deals with geometric objects is not a
problem in porting. The problems lie behind the scenes, specifically in the areas of programming
interfaces and user interface elements.
Even for a large, wealthy firm like Autodesk, porting CAD programs to other operating systems is
a difficult undertaking, because most of today’s CAD software is intimately intertwined with the
Windows operating system. Microsoft deliberately made it easy for programmers to write software
for Windows, but then came the cost of making it excruciatingly difficult to tear away from Windows.
For instance, a programming team at Autodesk took 18 months to rewrite AutoCAD for MacOS,
and even then something like 30% of commands were left out of the initial release, as were most
programming interfaces for third-party programmers.
Admittedly, ten years ago, no CAD programmer would have dreamed of writing code for anything
other than Windows. Or perhaps for MacOS. (A few CAD firms, such as Graphisoft and Vectorworks,
began on the Macintosh computers more than twenty years ago, and since then developed their soft-
ware simultaneously for MacOS and Windows. This foresight means no pain for them today!) Now,
however, the plausible choices have quadrupled to include Android and iOS on portable devices, and
Linux and MacOS on desktop systems — in addition to Windows on desktop and portable devices.

User Interface
To fix the two problems, Bricsys undertook a significant programming project. First, they rewrote
the user interface using wxWidgets (http://www.wxwidgets.org). This interface allows BricsCAD
to look the same on Linux, MacOS, Windows, and mobile operating systems.
“How should a ported program look?” This serious question faces software companies: should a CAD
program look the same on all operating systems? If so, then current users feel comfortable switching.
This is the approach Bricsys took, and so the Linux version looks the same as the Windows version.
Or should the CAD program look like the host operating system? If so, then new users feel comfort-
able starting with it. This is the approach Autodesk took with AutoCAD for Mac, which looks like a
program written for MacOS, different from the Windows version.
APIs
A second project was even more difficult: mimicking the Windows programming interface, something
that no other CAD vendor attempted. (In the general computing world, there have been efforts like
those of Wine, VMware, and Win4Lin to help Windows programs run on Linux and MacOS.) Pro-
grammers at Bricsys had to write the code for Linux that Microsoft normally provides for Windows.
Note that this problem affects only the parts of programming languages that depend greatly on the
underlaying operating system, such as Visual LISP, .Net, and ARX or BRX. The OS problem does not
affect customization internal to the CAD system, such as menu and toolbar macros, LISP routines,
and scripts.
The end result ensures that add-ons written in Windows and Mac work in Linux . Here is a list of
the APIs that Bricsys ported to BricsCAD for Linux:
All LISP functions, excluding VL, VLA, VLAX, and VLR functions, because they depend on Windows-only COM
All DCL functions
All DIESEL functions
All TX functions
All BRX functions, excluding interfaces that are strongly tied to Windows, such as AcUi/AdUi and OPM cat-
egories
All SDS functions, excluding Windows-specific types
The RecScript command (script recorder) in BricsCAD produces .scr files that can be edited, which makes it more
useful than the Action Recorder in AutoCAD. Since the Action Recorder’s “scripts” cannot be edited, it is not
really an API.

BENEFITS OF LINUX
Running the Linux operating system on computers instead of Windows has several benefits. These
include the following items.
Linux is Free
Linux is free, as are subsequent upgrades. While Windows is included “free” with every new com-
puter (actually, you pay a hidden cost of about $20), upgrades are not free. Upgrading from older
versions of Windows can costs $40 to $200 per computer, depending on current offers available.
Microsoft and Apple provide their operating system upgrades free, Microsoft with Windows 10.
Desktop Linux is now similar enough to regular Windows that some users cannot tell the differ-
ence. This is particularly true for those users who don’t care about the UX (user experience), but
instead care primarily about getting the work done. Once inside BricsCAD, the Linux version looks
almost identical to the Windows version. Indeed, CAD operators at one design firm subsequently
asked the IT staff to install Linux on their home computers, after experiencing its benefits at work.
Linux is Hardware-Efficient
Linux runs more efficiently than Windows. This means it can run CAD software faster on older
hardware for more years than does Windows. Whereas Windows today can barely function on
computers with “just” 1GB RAM, Linux has no problem with small amounts of memory. The prob-
lem occurred, because Microsoft programmers were instructed by founder Bill Gates to assume
computers have infinite memory and CPU speeds, which they do not. As a result, Windows to this
day is written inefficiently.
In contrast, Linux is based on Unix, an operating system from the 1970s, which was written with
ultra-efficiency to run well on computers with very little memory and very slow CPUs. The ethos
of efficiency has carried successfully into our current decade.
Linux Is Malware-free
Linux has fewer irritants than Windows and Mac MacOS. It does not suffer from malware attacks,
such as viruses, since the number of Linux computers is too small for virus writers to bother with.
My favorite feature about Linux is that after updates are applied to Linux, I do not need to reboot
the computer as I do with Windows or MacOS; I keep right on working. Even though Apple based
MacOS on Unix, I am surprised that MacOS needs reboots following updates.
Here’s a funny thing I have noticed: it is easier to get used to MacOS when you are already familiar
with Linux, than coming directly from Windows.
186
Linux is Hardware-compatible
Linux runs on the same computers as Windows, unlike MacOS, which is locked to Apple hardware.
To try out Linux, you can install it on an existing Windows computer; to try out MacOS, you have
to buy all new hardware, and get used to different keyboard and trackpad interactions.
(A tip: If you have to get MacOS, save some money by buying the Mac mini with the maximum
amount of RAM available, and then hook up your own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. I find the
mini is more flexible than the MacBook.)
Linux Dual-boots
Linux has dual-booting built-in, unlike Windows. This means that one computer can run both Linux
or Windows, through not simultaneously. When the computer starts, a Linux utility called “grub”
lets you choose between running Linux or Windows. MacOS also includes a dual-boot facility, called
BootCamp for running Linux or Windows.
If instead you wish to run two (or more) at the same time (as I do), then you can use a free virtual
manager program, such as Oracle Virtual Box (http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/server-stor-
age/virtualbox/downloads/index.html#vbox). This program lets you run, say, Linux in a window
(or full screen) inside Windows or MacOS, and even copy and paste between them.
DRAWBACKS TO LINUX
Linux never conquered the desktop the way it took over in all other areas of computing, such as
Web servers, mainframe computers, smartphones, and embedded computing. Microsoft’s monopo-
listic practices for many years were effective in locking out competitors, such as Apple and Linux.
Linux is confusing, because it can feel different from Windows, it has hundreds of versions and
several graphical user interfaces from which to choose, and can sometimes have problems install-
ing software.
Because it is different, it does not always have all the same software that Windows users are used
to. Because there is so much choice in the number of versions of Linux, users can end up making
no choice. And when software won’t install, you won’t use it.
Lack of Identical Software

Much of the basic software you run on Windows is available on Linux, such as Libre Office, which
runs identically on Linux, MacOS, and Windows. If you use Microsoft Office on Windows, then you’ll
be running Libre Office on Linux. Other basics are also available in multi-OS versions, such as Web
browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Opera), music and video playback (VLC), and Skype.

Linux comes with a ton of utilities; after all, it was written
by geeks for themselves. For instance, the built-in screen
grab software is much more sophisticated than the one for
Windows or MacOS.
But it cannot run AutoCAD and other powerhouse software

found in Windows and MacOS, such as PhotoShop and InDe-
sign — except through a Windows emulator, such as Wine.
I find that emulators are not efficient (runs the software
slower), are not 100% compatible (some software and some
software functions don’t operate), and development is patchy.
I recommend using native software, and I would rather do with-

out than run software in an emulator or in a virtual machine.
In this case, BricsCAD for Linux becomes the obvious choice.
Which Linux?
There are many more versions of Linux than there are of Win-
dows. There is the source version written by Linius Torvald,
after whom Linux is named. Then there are primary distribu-
tions, with names like Debian, Ubuntu, Gentoo, Fedora, Red
Hat, Mandriva, and Slackware. See figure at left.
For every primary distribution, there are dozens of variants.

This page at Wikipedia lists the names of more than 100
distributions and variants: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
List_of_Linux_distributions.
So, it can be hard — no, confusing — to choose one. In one

way, it does not matter, since they all operate pretty much in
roughly the same way; indeed, they work similarly to Win-
dows and even more similarly to MacOS.
Because they are free, you can download a bunch of them

and try them out. Downloads are often available as LiveCD
format. You download the file (in .iso format), which you
burn to a CD, and then you can run Linux from the CD drive
and/or install onto a computer. In this case, I recommend
using a virtual machine (VmWare or Virtual Box) to install a
Linux distribution temporarily, unless you have a computer
whose hard drive you can wipe. (You can run Linux off a CD
or USB stick, but then it runs slowly, and you get a bad first

impression!) Here is a list of downloadable LiveCDs that contain Linux: https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/List_of_live_CDs.
As for me, I use Mint Linux. It is based on the most popular dialect of Linux, Ubuntu, and so it can
use .deb (Debian) installation files designed for Ubuntu. Better than just Ubuntu, however, Mint
includes all the extras that make starting out with Linux less painful, such as common applications,
drivers, and codecs. Download it free from https://www.linuxmint.com. For a version that runs in
VirtualBox, see http://www.osboxes.org/linux-mint.
Problematic Installers
The biggest headache for new and medium-term Linux users is installing software. Many times,
installing software goes without a hitch; other times, it does not work well and is a major pain. The
problem exists because Linux first expected users to install software through the command-line
interface; later, a GUI was added, and then different distributions came up with different ways of
making installs easier. When you have hundreds of versions of Linux, you’re bound to end up with
dozens of installers. Someone once said in another context that more choice leads to less stress,
but I disagree.
Major Linux vendors and software providers are fixing the problem in two ways: (a) through
Windows-like installers, which operate nearly automatically; and (b) through MacOS-like software
libraries built into the operating system.
Here is a list of the major distributions and the installer software they use:
Linux Distribution Package File Package Manager

Debian GNU/Linux .deb dpkg
Fedora Linux .rpm RPM
OpenSUSE Linux .rpm RPM
Others .tgz tar
If the variant you used is based on Debian, then you click the DEB file button. I use Mint Linux,
which is based on Ubuntu, which is based on Debian, and so I download .deb files.
Competing GUIs
If you have hundreds of dialects of Linux, then you are going to have several user interfaces. That’s
right: Linux offers easily replaceable graphical user interfaces. (This is also possible in Windows,
but few have any desire to change Microsoft’s design.)
There used to be a big split over which interface to use with Linux: KDE or Gnome. (I prefer Gnome.)
Today, there is also Unity, which is designed for the smaller screens of netbooks and portable devices.

———
This chapter provided you with practical advice on running a design firm with both AutoCAD and
BricsCAD, along with the pros and cons of replacing Windows with the Linux operating system.

CHAPTER SIX
Working in 3D
BRICSCAD PLATINUM IS PRICED LESS THAN AUTOCAD LT, YET IT PERFORMS ADVANCED 3D
modeling with functions not found even in full-priced AutoCAD. How is this possible? Here are
some reasons:
ÐÐ Autodesk has high operating expenses; it must generate an ever larger income for shareholders
ÐÐ Bricsys arranges its affairs to be a lean corporation
ÐÐ AutoCAD cannot compete against other, more profitable Autodesk software, like Inventor and Revit
ÐÐ BricsCAD does not have to compete against other Bricsys software
The result is that over time BricsCAD gains more functions even as Autodesk pulls back on develop-
ment of AutoCAD. As this chapter illustrates, BricsCAD has many 3D capabilities:
ÐÐ Direct modeling (press-pull)
ÐÐ Quad cursor*, manipulator (gizmo), Tips widget*, and 3D mouse
ÐÐ 3D geometric constraints* and 3D dimensional constraints*
ÐÐ Design intent*
ÐÐ Mechanical browser, materials, and hardware library*
ÐÐ Surface modeling
ÐÐ Assembly modeling*
ÐÐ Kinematic analysis*
ÐÐ Sections
ÐÐ Generative drafting (model documentation)
ÐÐ Bills of material (data extraction)
ÐÐ 3D compare*
* Functions missing from AutoCAD

Function shown in blue are new in BricsCAD V18
See Chapter 7 for information about the 3D add-ons modules for BIM, sheet metal, and Commu-
nicator translation.
3D FUNCTION COMPARISON
The table shows the BricsCAD edition in which 3D functions are found, and whether AutoCAD has similar functions.Those new since
the last edition of this book are shown by blue dots.
BricsCAD for Windows BricsCAD for Mac & Linux AutoCAD LT

Platinum Pro Classic Platinum Pro Classic
3D Compare • •
3D Geometric constraints • •
3D Surfaces • • • • • • •
3D Mesh modeling •
ACIS modeling and editing • • • • • (1)
ACIS viewing • • • • • • • •
Assembly modeling and editing • •
Assembly viewing • • • •
Automatic balloons • • • •
Bills of material • • •
Deformation modeling • • •
Design intent • •
Design tables • • • •
Direct modeling • • • • •
Generative drafting • • •
Hardware library • •
Kinematic analysis • •
Mechanical browser • •
Section planes • • • • •
Surface modeling and lofts • • •
BIM modeling Add-on Add-on

Import-export MCAD files Add-on Add-on Add-on •
Sheet metal design Add-on Add-on
Rendering • • • • •
Visual styles • • (1) • • (1) •
Walkthrough navigation • • • •
3D mouse • • • • •
Manipulator widget • • • • • •
Tips (Ctrl function) widget • • •
If you find that some commands don’t work, then there are two reasons possible: you are running
a lower edition of BricsCAD, such as Pro or Classic; only the Platinum edition has all commands de-
scribed in this chapter.
If with Platinum you still cannot access some commands, perhaps RunAsLevel is changed. Its purpose
is to simulate lower editions of BricsCAD. Enter runaslevel, then change the value to 2.
(1) Limited in function

BricsCAD’s Direct Modeling vs AutoCAD’s
PressPull
BricsCAD can open 3D models made in AutoCAD, and then edit them. BricsCAD stores everything
in a single .dwg file. BricsCAD uses the ACIS modeler licensed from Spatial; AutoCAD uses Shape-
Manager, an offshoot of ACIS. BricsCAD provides this set direct modeling commands.
Commands new to V18 are shown in blue.
BricsCAD Direct Editing Operations AutoCAD

dmChamfer chamfers edges Chamfer
Copy copies parts and sub-entities Copy
dmCopyFaces copies features (holes, ribs) to 3D solids ...
dmDeformCurve moves or rotates edges to target curves ...
dmDeformMove moves or rotates edges ...
dmDeformPoint transforms points lying on specified faces ...
dmDelete erases parts and sub-entities Erase
dmExtrude extrudes planar entities and sub-entities Extrude
dmFillet rounds edges Fillet
Loft creates lofts from curves Loft
dmPushpull pushes and pulls faces and closed contours PressPull
dmSimplify removes unnecessary edges and vertices, merges seams ...
dmStitch converts watertight region and surface entities to 3D solids ...
dmRevolve revolves planar entities and sub-entities ...
dmRigidSet3D turns components into a rigid set, like a group ...
dmTwist twists 3D objects along an axis ...
Boolean Operations
Subtract subtracts one ACIS solid from another Subtract
Union joins one ACIS solid with another Union
... Intersection
Modeling Assistance
dmAudit checks and fixes 3D models ...
3dCompare compares differences between two models ...
dmDistance3d measures between the nearest points on
boundaries, central points, or the axes of geometry on
cylinders, circles, and spheres ...
dmGroup creates new groups, edits, and dissolves groups Group
dmRepair checks, reports, and optionally fixes errors in 3D solids ...
dmSelect selects 3D subentities (edges, faces, protrusions, fillets) Select
dmSelectEdges places faces and solids in a selection set ...
dmThicken converts surface to 3D solids with specified thicknesses ...
Ucs locates the UCS icon on entities DUcs
dmUpdate updates 3D models to satisfy constraints ...
Help searches for help topics at the command line Help
6 Working in 3D 193

Kinematic Operations
dmMove moves parts and sub-entities ...
dmRotate rotates entities and sub-entities ...
WORKING WITH DIRECT MODELING

Direct 3D modeling is the kind of modeling with which AutoCAD users are most familiar. It has
been part of the venerable CAD program ever since solid modeling was introduced to Release 13
(1994). “Direct modeling” creates and edits 3D objects with no thought of their history. “History”
is a record of the order in which the parts are made and edited, and the commands with which the
3D models are constructed.
History-based modeling is the norm in MCAD packages like Inventor (from Autodesk) and Solid-
works (from Dassault Systemes). The granddaddy of them all is Pro/Engineer (from PTC) being
the first to popularize history-based parametric modeling in the late 1980s. While history-based
modeling has proven to be beneficial in keeping track of the designer’s intentions, the drawback is
that large models become unwieldy to edit and can even crash; large models become painfully slow
to edit — and, sometimes, even crash — as the history tree must be updated with every change.
As computers became faster, however, CAD firms were able to implement direct modeling in a more
powerful manner, and so it was re-popularized through a new breed of programs, like SpaceClaim
and IronCAD. Old software firms like Autodesk and PTC also released new direct modeling software,
with New Age names like Fusion and Creo, respectively.
Bricsys rides this wave made possible by new algorithms, and so direct modeling is available in Pro
and Platinum editions of BricsCAD, along with design intent and parametrics — everything, but the
history tree. Leaving out history was a deliberate design decision by the company. The CAD system
works with all solids, including those imported from other MCAD systems.
Accessing Direct Modeling Commands

ÐÐ Enter commands that start with ‘dm’.
ÐÐ In the Model menu, choose the Direct Modeling submenu
ÐÐ Open the Direct Modeling toolbar and then chose a command
ÐÐ In the ribbon’s Model tab, look for commands in the Direct Modeling panel.
The dmStitch command coverts regions to surface objects.

Direct Modeling Tutorial
To see how direct modeling works in BricsCAD, you’ll design a lid for a storage container. The lid is
75mm round and 16mm tall. The smaller stopper portion is 65mm round x 8mm tall, and has a fillet.
Finished 3D model of a lid
1. Start BricsCAD with a new 3D Modeling drawing with metric units.
Starting a new drawing in 3D modeling workspace with metric dimensions
(If you are already in BricsCAD, then switch to 3D Modeling workspace: right-click the workspace name on
the status bar, and then choose “3D Modeling” from the shortcut menu.)
2. Draw the base of the lid as a circle 75mm in diameter, as follows:

: circle
2Point/3Point/TanTanRad/Arc/Multiple/<Center of circle>: (Pick a point in the drawing)
Diameter/<Radius>: d
Diameter of circle: 75
Beginning with a circle
6 Working in 3D 195

3. Because you extrude objects a couple of times in this tutorial, I’ll show you two different ways to do it. For
the first extrusion, you use the official dmExtrude command. To extrude the circle into a cylinder that is 16m
tall, start the command like this:
: dmExtrude
Select entities/subentities to extrude or set [MOde]: (Select the circle)
Entities/subentities in set: 1
Select entities/subentities to extrude or set [MOde]: (Press Enter to continue)
Specify height of extrusion or set [Auto/Create/Subtract/Unite/Taper angle/set Direction/set
Limit] <Auto>: 16
Extruding the circle to 16mm tall
The next bit is to add a stopper to the top of the lid. This is done in two steps: first, you draw a circle on top
of the cylinder, and then you pull up the circle, creating the stopper in 3D. This time, you use the Quad cursor
to extrude.
4. First, draw the circle.
a. Start the Circle command, and then enter CENter entity snap mode. This ensures that the circle is lo-
cated at the precise center of the round face. You specify center entity snap with “cen”:
: circle
Select center of circle or [2 Point/3 Point/TangenT-tangent-Radius/turn Arc into circle/
Multiple circles]:cen
Snap to centerpoint of: (Move cursor, as described below)
b. Move the cursor to the top of the cylinder. Notice that it turns blue and that the grid jumps to the cyl-
inder’s top. This indicates that dynamic UCS is at work. (If BricsCAD doesn’t do this, then click the DUCS
button on the status bar to turn it on.) Dynamic UCS automatically relocates the 2D working plane in 3D
space.
BricsCAD finding the center of the top of the cylinder
196
c. Draw a circle 65mm in diameter.
Set Radius or [Diameter] <75>: 65
Circle drawn on top of cylinder
5. Move the cursor over the circle you just drew. Notice the Quad.
Quad appearing when cursor hovers over an entity
If the Quad does not appear, be sure to click the QUAD button on the status bar.
6. Move the cursor into the Quad. Notice that it expands to display a row of commands.
Moving the cursor into the Quad
7. Move the cursor over the icons until you find the command you need: Solid Extrude. Click the icon, and
then enter 8 for the height, and then press Enter.
Second cylinder sitting atop the first
6 Working in 3D 197

8. Round the edges with the dmFillet command, as follows:
: dmFillet
Select edges to create fillet: (Select the edge highlighted by blue in the figure below)
Select edges to create fillet: (Press Enter to continue)
Choosing the edge to fillet
9. Specify a fillet radius of 4.

Specify fillet radius: 4
Completed lid with filleted edge
10. To view the lid from a variety of angles dynamically, hold down the Shift key and then move the mouse while
holding down the center button (or roller wheel) — just as in AutoCAD.

Workspaces, 3D Viewing, Quad Cursor,
Manipulate, & 3D Mouse
BricsCAD provides many ways to view models in 3D. I describe some of them in this section.
SWITCHING WORKSPACES
To switch between 2D and 3D drafting environments, BricsCAD uses the same concept of “work-
spaces” as AutoCAD. BricsCAD comes with the following workspaces; the table compares equivalent
workspace names between BricsCAD and AutoCAD:
BricsCAD Workspace Names Equivalent AutoCAD Workspace Names

2D Drafting Drafting and Annotation
3D Modeling 3D Modeling
... 3D Basics
Mechanical ...
BIM ...
Sheet Metal ...
Accessing the Workspace Commands

ÐÐ Enter the WsCurrent command
ÐÐ Open the Workspaces toolbar and then chose a workspace
ÐÐ Right-click the current workspace name on the status bar, and then choose another one
6 Working in 3D 199

VIEW ROTATION & UCS FACE COMMANDS
Modeling in 3D is just like drawing in 2D: for the most part, we still have to work on a 2D plane.
The 2D plane often is the face of a 3D object. Because 3D objects typically have six or more faces,
it is important to move to the correct face quickly.
To enable this, BricsCAD has dynamic UCS, which, like AutoCAD, forces the UCS onto the selected
plane. To turn on this function, click the DUCS button on the status bar.
In addition, BricsCAD has view rotation commands to swivel our view around the 3D model. Some
of these are the same as in AutoCAD, but have different names, as the table below indicates:
BrisCAD AutoCAD Description

Navigate 3dWalk, 3dFly Walks or flies through 3D models
RtRot 3DOrbit Rotates the 3D view dynamically
RtRotCtr 3DCOrbit Rotates the 3D view about a user-defined center point
RtRotF 3DFOrbit Rotates the 3D view freely
RtRotX ... Rotates the 3D view about the screen’s x-axis
RtRotY ... Rotates the 3D view about the screen’s y-axis
RtRotZ ... Rotates the 3D view about the screen’s z-axis
Accessing the 3D Viewing Commands

ÐÐ Enter the commands listed in the table above
ÐÐ From the View menu, choose Real Time Motion
ÐÐ Open the View toolbar, and then click the Real Time flyout
ÐÐ In the ribbon's View tab, choose commands from the Navigate tab

BRICSCAD'S LOOKFROM VS. AUTOCAD'S VIEWCUBE
AutoCAD has a navigation cube for quickly changing 3D viewpoints; in BricsCAD, it is known as the
LookFrom widget. Moving the cursor into the widget’s circle in BricsCAD displays the preview of a
chair. The triangle indicates the 3D viewpoints available — standard and isometric.
Left: Lookfrom widget at rest; right: with cursor entering the circle
Click a triangle to change the viewpoint, such as Front or Top-Right. To access the bottom views,
hold down the Ctrl key while clicking triangles. The green dot indicates the cursor position, kind
of like a laser pointer.

Left: LookFrom control in BricsCAD; right: equivalent ViewCube control in AutoCAD
The easiest way to change how the LookFrom control operates is to right-click the control, and
then choose an option from the shortcut menu:
Context menu for the LookFrom control
The LookFrom control operates in two modes, isometric and twist. The difference is how they
rotate the 3D viewpoint:
ÐÐ Isometric mode is like using the Viewpoint or View commands

ÐÐ Twist mode is like using the RtRotF (3DOrbit in AutoCAD) command

Left: Isometric mode; right: Twist mode
6 Working in 3D 201

Press the Home key on the keyboard to return the view to its home view,usually the plan view.
See Chapter 2 “Comparing User Interfaces” for more about the LookFrom widget.
Accessing LookFrom Commands

ÐÐ Enter the LookFrom command
ÐÐ Press the Ctrl+Shift+L keyboard shortcut
ÐÐ From the View menu, choose LookFrom
ÐÐ Right-click the LookFrom widget, and then choose an option from the shortcut menu
VISUAL STYLES AND RENDERING

Three-D modeling means that objects can be rendered to look lifelike — or even artificial. BricsCAD
offers visual styles so that you can draw and edit in rendered mode.
Left to right: Wireframe, shades of gray, and rendered visual styles
You customize styles through the Drawing Explorer. AutoCAD has the same system of customizable
visual styles, but offers fewer presets styles. See chapter 3 for a comparison table of named visual
styles available in both CAD packages.
Parameters for visual styles

My preferred way of changing visual styles is with the Properties panel
Accessing Visual Styles Commands

ÐÐ Enter the VisualStyles command
ÐÐ From the View menu, choose Visual Styles
ÐÐ From the Tools menu, choose Drawing Explorer, and then Visual Styles
WORKING WITH THE QUAD CURSOR

All editions of BricsCAD provide the Quad cursor. (AutoCAD has nothing similar. )It provides intuitive
access to contextual commands. The Quad cursor changes its content, depending on the context.
Contexts that affect the Quad cursor include drawing/editing and the workspace:
1. When you first “hover” of an object (entity), the Quad appears and lists some of the properties of the object.
Hover means that the cursor is over an object, but the object is not picked with a click. You can change the
properties displayed by the Quad through the Customize command; see chapter 4.
Entity is not selected, so Quad shows some of its properties
TIPS If you do not see the Quad, then click the QUAD button on the status bar.

If you do not see properties in the Quad, click the RT button on the status bar; “RT” is short for rollover tooltips.
2. When no objects are selected, right-click to put the Quad cursor into drawing mode.
Drawing commands in the Quad when right-clicking an empty spot in the drawing
6 Working in 3D 203

3. Selecting an object put the cursor into editing mode. The content of the cursor changes, depending on which
on the entity and the current workspace.
Initial set of editing commands displayed the by Quad
4. To see more commands, move the cursor into one of the blue tabs, such as “Model” or “Modify.”
TIPS When you right-click an empty area of the drawing with QUAD turned off, BricsCAD repeats the last com-
mand.
The first icon displayed by the Quad is the command that was last used.
Accessing the Quad Command

ÐÐ Enter the QuadDisplay command
ÐÐ Click QUAD on the status bar
ÐÐ Drawing mode: right-click an empty part of the drawing
ÐÐ Editing mode: pause the cursor over an entity, with no command running
BRICSCAD’S MANIPULATOR VS AUTOCAD’S GIZMO

(new in V18) Editing in 3D is tricky business, and so both CAD programs provide dynamic UCSs
and a widget to more easily perform a few common editing operations on 3D parts. In AutoCAD, it
is called the gizmo; in BricsCAD, the manipulator.
When the manipulator is turned on (with the Manipulator variable set to 1 or 2), it attaches the
manipulator widget to the nearest entity. The widget rotates, moves, mirrors, and scales entities
along the x, y, or z axes or xy, xz, or zy planes. Entity editing is performed by dragging the arrow-
BRICSCAD COMMAND PREFIXES
Bricsys uses a number of prefixes to identify the purpose of related commands:

ÐÐ bim BIM (building information modeling) commands,such as bimClassify
ÐÐ bm BricsCAD Modeling commands, such as bmInsert
ÐÐ cloud Commands for accessing Bricsys 24/7, the online site
ÐÐ dm Direct Modeling commands, such as dmRepair
ÐÐ gc Geometric constraints commands, such as gcFixed
ÐÐ sm Sheet Metal commands, such as smLoft

heads or bars, or else by entering values for precise control via dynamic dimensions. The command
works on 2D and 3D entities.
The AutoCAD version suffers from two limitations. Whereas AutoCAD needs three gizmos to move,
rotate, and scale, BricsCAD combines all these actions (and more!) into one. Whereas the AutocAD
version works only in a visual style (and not in 2D wireframe mode), the BricsCAD one always works.

Left: Single Manipulator widget in BricsCAD; right: three gizmos in AutoCAD
Here is a comparison of functions performed by the widgets:
Function BricsCAD AutoCAD

Scale Yes* Yes (with scale gizmo)
Move Yes Yes (with move gizmo)
Rotate Yes Yes (with rotate gizmo)
Mirror Yes* ...
Copy Yes (hold down Ctl key) ...
* Function is determined with the shortcut menu’s Arrowhead Acts As option
See chapter 1 (“New Manipulator Widget”) and chapter 2 (“Gizmo vs Manipulator”) for details on
using the manipulator in BricsCAD.
TIPS BAR
The Tips bar is a BricsCAD user interface element that appears sometimes, such as during certain
drawing and editing operations and when selecting entities. It allows you to select command op-
tions without using the keyboard. (AutoCAD has nothing like this.)
For example, the bar illustrated on the left appears with the dmExtrude command. The four icons
are for the Auto, Create, Subtract, and Unite options. The Ctrl icon reminds you to tap the Ctrl
key to move through the options listed in the bar:

Left to right: Tips bars displayed for several commands
The second Tips bar, shown at right, appears when selecting entities: select entity, face, or edge.
Clicking the x dismisses the bar; it does not cancel the command.
Toggle the display of the Tips bar with the TIPS button on the status bar.
6 Working in 3D 205

WORKING WITH A 3D MOUSE
BricsCAD supports a 3D mouse when it is plugged in and the 3dconnexion driver is installed and
running. AutoCAD also supports 3D mice. While AutoCAD provides access to 3D mouse functions
inside the program, BricsCAD does not; its sole option is the Ctrl3DMouse variable, which toggles
use of the 3D mouse.
3Dconnexion control panel determines how BricsCAD reacts to the 3D mouse
External to BricsCAD, use the 3Dconnexion Properties dialog box to

set the movements of the mouse’s puck and actions of the its buttons.
To access this dialog box in Windows 7, click the Start button, and then
choose All Programs | 3Dconnexion | 3D Mouse Control Panel,
and then click Properties.
In Windows 8.x and 10, click the start button and then start typ-
ing “3dcon...” until the program appears in the search results.
206
3D Geometric & 3D Dimensional Constraints
Working with 3D constraints in BricsCAD is just like working with 2D constraints in AutoCAD. The
difference is that they also operate in the z-direction. (AutoCAD has no 3D constraints.) Expressions
and parameters can specify values and formulae for 3D dimensional constraints, just as AutoCAD
does for 2D constraints.
The 3D constraints are available in the Pro and Platinum editions of BricsCAD. The difference is
that while the Pro version can solve constraints, only the Platinum edition can apply them.
(new to V18) BricsCAD can apply parameters to arrays. (AutoCAD cannot do this.) To do so, use
the Properties panel: edit array properties, such as Rows and Rows Spacing, to replace them with
formulas. As a side note, arrays in BricsCAD are associative and 3D.
3D Dimensional Constraints
dmAngle3D applies 3D angle constraint
dmDistance3D applies 3D distance constraint
dmRadius3D applies 3D radial constraint
3D Geometric Constraints
dmCoincident3D applies 3D coincident constraint
dmConcentric3D applies 3D concentric constraint
dmConstraint3d is a super command that applies any kind of 3D constraint
dmFix3d applies 3D fix constraint
dmParallel3D applies 3D parallel constraint
dmPerpendicular3D applies 3D perpendicular constraint
dmTangent3D applies 3D tangency constraint
WORKING WITH 3D CONSTRAINTS

For a tutorial on using 3D constraints, see the Assembly Drawings section later in this chapter.
Accessing 3D Constraint Commands

ÐÐ From the Parametric menu, choose 3D Constraints
ÐÐ Open the 3D Constraints toolbar
ÐÐ In the ribbon’s Parametric tab, select commands from the 3D Constraints panel
6 Working in 3D 207

3D Design Intent
BricsCAD Platinum determines automatically what you were probably intending to design. This is
known as design intent. When design intent is turned on, BricsCAD recognizes parts of 3D entities
that ought to be edited together automatically. This is similar to the actions of another MCAD pro-
gram known as Solid Edge, where the function is named “Live Rules.” AutoCAD does not provide
design intent.
Consider an object with several holes of the same size. When design intent is running, it recognizes
that they all have the same diameter. When you change the diameter of one of the holes, BricsCAD
changes the diameters of the others automatically. This is why design intent is called “automatic
3D geometry constraints recognition.”
Unlike constraints, you cannot, unfortunately, apply design intent to specific areas of a model: design
intent is universal. You can choose, however, which aspects of design intent you want operating.
For instance, you can have BricsCAD recognize planes that are just parallel, coincident, or both. I
find it convenient to toggle settings through the Design Intent toolbar. (Click the big red X to switch
off design intent.)

Left: Design Intent toolbar; right: Design Intent settings on the ribbon
BricsCAD recognizes the following relationships:
ÐÐ Tangencies
ÐÐ Coincidences
ÐÐ Parallelism
ÐÐ Perpendicularity
ÐÐ Coaxiality
ÐÐ Equality
ÐÐ Radius
There is another limitation that is common to all CAD systems employing automatic feature recogni-
tion. The engine works only with 3D solids that it recognizes. For BricsCAD, this means the shapes
listed in the table below. Note that simple shapes can be part of a more complex body.
With each release, Bricsys adds more recognition functions. For instance, the BIM and Sheet Metal
add-ons have their own sets of design intent systems that recognize entities specific to the two
disciplines.
Design intent settings are toggled through the dmRecognize variable; see table below. Setting the
value negative turns off design intent, but retains the former value.

dmRecognize Description Used With These Entities
0 All off
1 Tangent surfaces Planes, cylinders, cones
2 Coincident planes Planes
4 Parallel planes Planes
8 Perpendicular planes Planes
16 Cylinders perpendicular to planes Cylinders, planes
32 Coaxial surfaces of cylinders and cones Cylinders, cones
64 Equal radius on cylinders (or holes) and spheres Cylinders, spheres
128 Vertices between four or more faces Faces
256 Edges between coincident faces Edges, faces
negative value All off, yet retains value of the previous setting
WORKING WITH DESIGN INTENT

Because Design Intent is not in AutoCAD, I’ll show how it works in BricsCAD. In this tutorial, you
draw a 3D shape and then use the dmPushPull command both without and with design intent
turned on.
1. Start BricsCAD in “3D Modeling” workspace.

2. Draw a 2D shape with the PLine command, similar to the one shown below. For this tutorial, the exact size
does not matter.
Closed polyline drawn with the PLine command
3. Turn the 2D shape into a 3D model by executing the Extrude command from the Quad cursor. To do so, fol-
low these steps:
a. Move the cursor over the polyline. Notice that the polyline turns blue to indicate it has been selected.
b. Move the arrow cursor into the Quad cursor; notice that it expands.
Exposing the Quad cursor over the polyline
6 Working in 3D 209

c. Click the dmExtrude button. It is not necessary to select the polyline, as the Quad recognizes it
automatically. This is a benefit to using the Quad cursor to execute commands.
Specify height of extrusion or [Direction/Path/Taper angle] <1>: 10
Polyline extruded into a 3D model with the Extrude command
4. Open the Design Intent toolbar:

a. Right-click any toolbar or ribbon, and then choose BRICSCAD | Design Intent.
b. Ensure design intent is turned off by clicking the red X button at the end of the toolbar.
Click the last button on the right to turn off all design intent modes
5. Now you will change the length of one arm with design intent turned off. From the Quad cursor, access the
dmPushPull command.
Choosing the dmPushPull command from the Quad cursor
6. Drag the face indicated by the figure below. Notice that the coincident face remains in place.
Dragging one face with the dmPushPull command
7. In the Design Intent toolbar, turn on Coincident Planes.
210
8. Repeat the dmPushPull command to see the effect of design intent on your editing operations. As you drag
one face, notice that the coincident face moves along.
Both planes move together when Coincident Planes is turned on
BricsCAD recognized that the other edge was in the same plane as the first one, and so moved it
simultaneously and automatically. Should you wish this to not occur, simply turn off design intent.
Accessing Design Intent Commands

ÐÐ Enter the dmRecognize variable
ÐÐ Enter the Settings command and then go to the Drawing | Drafting | Direct Modeling section
ÐÐ Open the Design Intent toolbar
ÐÐ In the ribbon’s Parametric tab, look for commands in the Design Intent panel.
6 Working in 3D 211

Mechanical Browser & Hardware Library
BricsCAD Platinum offers a set of panels (palette) to perform the duties listed below. The two that
interest us are the Mechanical Browser and the Standard Parts panels. The nearest AutoCAD has
to Mechanical Browser is the Parametric Manager palette for entering formulae.
Mechanical Browser panel
The MechanicalBrowserOpen command opens the Mechanical Browser. It keeps track of parts in
assemblies (not available in AutoCAD), lists the constraints that are attached to parts, and records
formulae for dimensional constraints. Formulas (expressions) can also be assigned to nested enti-
ties using the Mechanical Browser.
Right-click a node to access a shortcut menu that contains most of the commands available in the
browser.
Accessing the context menu for parts
212
The Mechanical Browser is useful for working with 3D models, assemblies, BIM designs, and sheet
metal projects. Its toolbar displays the model tree in different ways:
Mechanical Browser’s toolbar
Group by entity lists each entity in alphabetical order together with a set of constraints, if any
Group by type lists all constraints first, and then all entities in alphabetical order
Alphabetic sort the list in obverse and reverse alphabetical order
Accessing the Mechanical Browser

ÐÐ Enter the MechanicalBrowserOpen command
ÐÐ Right-click any toolbar or ribbon tab, and then choose Mechanical Browser from the shortcut menu
HARDWARE LIBRARY
The StandardPartsPanelOpen command accesses a library of 10,000 parametric mechanical parts
in a variety of international standards. “Parametric” means that you specify the size of a selected
part, and then BricsCAD generates it. AutoCAD does not include a parametric hardware library, but
provides access to them online through its Seek command.
Standard Parts panel
To pick a part from the library, choose a standard, such as ISO. Chose a part type, such as Angular
Contact Bearing, and then a specific model, such as BBRG-ANLR CONT-00. The properties of the
6 Working in 3D 213

part are its parameters, with which you specify the size of the part. (The properties available depend
on the part selected; not all properties can be modified.)
Viewing the preview and specifying the parameters (Properties)
To place the component, drag its name “BBRG-ANLR CONT-00” (not its preview image) into the
drawing, like a block.
Accessing the Standard Parts Panel

ÐÐ Enter the StandardPartsPanelOpen command
ÐÐ Right-click any toolbar or ribbon tab, and then choose Standard Parts from the shortcut menu
Tool Palettes
The Tool Palettes panel also accesses commonly-used parts for 3D modeling. The Form Features
tab contains 3D parametric parts useful for sheet metal design. To place the parts, drag them from
the panel into the drawing.
Tool Palettes with form features
214
Modeling and Deforming 3D Surfaces
BricsCAD performs surface modeling with direct modeling commands and 3D constraints. While
these commands were meant originally to work with 3D solids, they now also produce or edit
surfaces — depending on the context. AutoCAD also does surface modeling, although it lacks 3D
constraints supplied in BricsCAD.
The surfaces made by BricsCAD are true surfaces, meaning that can be deformed; they are not the
older mesh surfaces found in BricsCAD and AutoCAD since the 1980s (made commands such as
Ai_Box and PFace).
Creating and editing surfaces in BricsCAD works just like in AutoCAD. The vertices, edges, and faces
of surfaces are deformed with the same commands used to deform 3D solids.
Use the following commands to create and edit surfaces:
BricsCAD Surface Commands Meaning

Modeling Commands
dmDeformCurve Deforms by moving or rotating edges to a specified set of target curves
dmDeformMove Moves or rotates edges of surfaces
dmDeformPoint Transforms points lying on specified faces
dmDelete Removes holes (open loops) and faces from surfaces
Editing Commands
dmExtrude Extrudes curves, edges, planar entities, and faces into 3D surfaces
dmRevolve Revolves curves, edges, planar entities, and faces into 3D surfaces
dmStitch Stitches a set of surfaces into a single 3D surface
dmThicken Converts surfaces to 3D solids with a specified thickness
dmTwist Twists 3D surfaces
When extruding or rotating a 2D entity, BricsCAD converts them automatically depending on their type:
Open 2D entities become 3D surfaces
Closed 2D entities become 3D solids
To turn a 3D surface into a 3D solid, use the dmThicken command.
Accessing Surfacing Commands

ÐÐ Enter then commands listed above
ÐÐ No access to the commands through the menu bar or toolbars
ÐÐ From the ribbon’s Surfaces tab, choose a command
6 Working in 3D 215

3D Assembly Modeling
BricsCAD Platinum creates and edits assemblies. “Assemblies” are parts that stuck together using
3D constraints to create larger, more complex models. Indeed, assemblies are impossible without
3D constraints. This same thing happens in expensive programs Autodesk’s Inventor or Dassault’s
Solidworks software. (AutoCAD cannot do this, while the Pro edition of BricsCAD is limited to
displaying assemblies.)
An assembly is made from two or more parts that Bricsys calls “components.” Components can be
sourced from the following places:
ÐÐ Regular DWG files converted to components through the bmInsert command

ÐÐ Parts inserted from the Mechanical Browser’s Hardware tab with the bmHardware command
ÐÐ Parts drawn from scratch using BricsCAD’s 2D and 3D modeling commands, then converted to compo-
nents with the bmForm command
Assemblies can contain assemblies of components. Individual components can be hidden or shown.
A nice touch is that each component can have its own visual style, meaning some can be see-through
and some opaque.
Assembly Modeling Commands Meaning

bmDependencies Lists names of files containing component definitions in the assembly
bmDissolve Dissolves mechanical components inserted into drawings
bmExplode Separates assemblies into exploded views
bmExternalize Converts local components to external components
bmForm Forms a new mechanical component and inserts it into the drawing
bmHardware and -bmHardware Insert standard hardware parts as mechanical components
bmHide Hides mechanical components
bmInsert and -bmInsert Insert existing mechanical components into drawings
bmLocalize Converts external components to local components
bmMassProp Calculates mass properties of components; takes into account densities
bmMech Converts the current drawing into one suitable for assembly construction
bmNew Creates a new mechanical component as a new drawing
bmOpen Opens a part from an assembly for editing
bmOpenCopy Creates new drawing with a copy of selected components
bmRecover Recovers mechanical assemblies
bmReplace Replaces component inserts
bmShow Shows hidden mechanical components
bmUnmech Converts mechanical components into plain drawings
bmUpdate Updates the hierarchy of mechanical components
bmVStyle Specifies the visual style of individual components
bmXConvert Converts X-Hardware solids into mechanical components
Other Commands
bmBom Inserts a bill of materials (BOM) table into the drawing
dmBalloon Inserts associative balloons for part numbering
MechanicalBrowserOpen Opens and closes the Mechanical Browser panel
216
Accessing Assembly Commands
ÐÐ From the Assembly menu, choose a command
ÐÐ Open the Assembly and Assembly Visualization toolbars

ÐÐ In the ribbon’s Assembly tab, choose a command
WORKING WITH ASSEMBLIES

In this tutorial, you create a simple assembly of two parts: a pin and a piston. Step 3 is critical,
because it is where you turn the regular drawing into an assembly drawing.
1. Start BricsCAD in the Mechanical workspace.

2. Open the Mechanical Browser bar with the MechanicalBrowserOpen command.
3. To turn the plain DWG drawing into an assembly drawing, follow these steps:
a. In the Mechanical Browser, click the Name field (located near the bottom of the browser).
b. Edit the text so that “Drawing1” reads Piston Head.
Drawing renamed by the Mechanical Browser
c. Notice that BricsCAD changes the name of the drawing to match. Press Ctrl+S to save the drawing.
Drawing renamed in the title bar
6 Working in 3D 217

4. Yup, that’s all it takes to prepare the drawing for assemblies. The next step is to insert a pre-drawn compo-
nent into the drawing. Follow along:
a. Click the Assembly tab in the ribbon.
Assembly tab for inserting components
b. Click Insert Component. Notice the Insert Component dialog box.

Choosing a DWG file to insert as a component of an assembly
c. Navigate to the Samples folder to access mechanical drawings provided with BricsCAD:
C:\Program Files\Bricsys\BricsCAD V18\en_US\Samples\Mechanical\piston
d. Select the piston.dwg file and then click Open.

e. Place the piston at any convenient spot in the drawing; the exact location is immaterial.
Piston placed as a component in the assembly drawing
218
5. Repeat Insert Component to place pin.dwg as the other component. Insert it next to the piston.
Pin added to the assembly drawing
6. With the two parts in the drawing, you can attach them to one other. This is done by with 3D constraints.
Working in 3D takes pre-planning, and so let’s think through what is needed:
ÐÐ You want the pin to stay inside the piston head
ÐÐ The pin must be free to rotate inside, but it cannot slide out of the piston
To accomplish this goal, you need two 3D constraints:

Concentric constraint keeps the pin centered inside the hole of the piston (but allows the pin to slide
out of the piston)
Tangent constraint keeps the pin from leaving the piston
a. In the 3D Constraints panel of the Assemblies tab, Click Concentric:
3D Constraints panel for attaching components
: dmconcentric3d
b. Pick a curved face (a.k.a. subentities) from the piston:

Select a pair of subentities: (Pick the curved face of the pin, highlighted in blue on the
yellow part shown in the figure below)
c. ...and then pick a curved face on the pin:

Select a pair of subentities: (Pick the curved inside face of the piston, also highlighted
in but on the pink part)

Selecting curved surface to make components concentric
6 Working in 3D 219

Should you have difficulty picking the correct face with the cursor, press the Tab key to cycle through all pos-
sible surfaces under the cursor.
The command ends automatically after you pick the second subentity. Notice that the pin jumps over to
the opening of the piston. The pin is inside the piston; now you use the Tangent constraint to keep the
pin from sliding out of the piston.
Concentric constraint lines pin up with piston’s opening
d. To shove the pin inside the piston, making its ends flush with the piston walls, use the Tangent
constraint and pick the two subentities described here:
: dmTangent3d
Select a pair of subentities: (Pick one end of the pin; see blue outline in the figure below)

Left: Selecting an end of the pin as the first tangent surface; right: Selecting the outside of the piston as the second tangent
surface
Select a pair of subentities: (Pick the outside of the piston, shown outlined in blue in the
figure above)
The constraint snaps the pin inside the piston.
Pin snug inside the piston

6. Look the content of the Mechanical Browser bar. It lists the two components (Piston:1 and Pin:1) and the two
constraints used.
Mechanical Browser listing the components and constraints of this assembly
To remove a constraint, right-click its name, and then choose Delete.
With the parts are attached to one another, they form an assembly. After this, simple kinematic
analysis can be applied to the assembly, such as rotating and moving (sliding) parts. See section
below. As well, the assembly drawing can be turned into 2D drawings and sections. Both of these
tasks are described later in this chapter.
Mechanical components are stored in .dwg files as custom objects. While they can be opened and viewed in
AutoCAD, the constraints do not translate, because Bricsys and Autodesk use different code for constraints.
3D Kinematic Analysis
BricsCAD Platinum can perform two kinds of kinematic analyses, rotating or sliding parts held
together in assemblies by 3D constraints. The analysis does not, however, perform collision detec-
tion. Kinematic analyses animates assemblies to show you how the parts move; collision detection
determines if any of the moving parts would collide with one other. (AutoCAD has neither function.)
Kinematic Analysis Commands

dmRotate rotates entities and sub-entities
dmMove moves entities and sub-entities
6 Working in 3D 221

DOING MOVEMENT ANALYSIS
To see how kinematic analysis works in BricsCAD, open Piston Engine.dwg, a sample drawing pro-
vided with BricsCAD. (You’ll find it in the C:\Program Files\Bricsys\BricsCAD V18\en_US\Samples\
Mechanical\Piston folder.) This assembly drawing is complete, with all of the components held in
place with 3D constraints. See figure below.
Sample drawing provided with BricsCAD
In this sample drawing, you rotate the parts of the mechanism with the dmRotate command. Start
the command with the Quad cursor, like this:
1. Move the cursor over the crankshaft, and then wait a second for the Quad cursor to show up. Notice that the
crankshaft is outlined in blue, which indicates the Quad cursor has selected it.
Quad cursor appears over selected entity
2. Move the arrow cursor over the single icon; notice that the Quad cursor expands to five icons.
Selecting the Rotate command from the expanded Quad cursor
3. Choose the Rotate command.
222
4. Notice the prompt at the command line:
: dmRotate
Select axial entity or define axis by [2Points/Xaxis/Yaxis/Zaxis] <2Points>: y
Enter y for the y axis option. This is a clever shortcut, because the center of the crankshaft lies exactly along
the y axis, as you can tell from the UCS icon in the figure below.
Crankshaft’s centerline laying along the y axis
5. To start the rotation, pick a point anywhere in the drawing; the point you pick is not important, but further
away from the y axis gives you finer control.
Pick start point in the rotation plane (Pick a point.)
6. Move the mouse to rotate the mechanism:
Crankshaft, link, and piston move together
Notice how the engine operates: as you move the mouse, you change the rotation angle of the
crankshaft, causing all linked parts to rotate in tandem.
6 Working in 3D 223

3D Sections
BricsCAD Pro and Platinum editions can make 2D and 3D sections of 3D models, and use the same
commands as does AutoCAD:
Section Commands
Section creates section planes from 3D solids made of region entities
SectionPlane creates section entities from 3D solids, surfaces, and meshes
LiveSection toggles the Live Section property of a section plane
SectionPlaneSettings defines properties of section plane entity in the Drawing Explorer
SectionPlaneToBlock saves the selected section plane as a block
WORKING WITH SECTIONS

Sections in BricsCAD work exactly the same as sections in AutoCAD.
Live sectioning a 3D model in BricsCAD
Accessing the Commands

To access the sections feature:

ÐÐ Open the Sections toolbar
ÐÐ In the ribbon’s Modeling tab, look for the commands in the Sections tab
ÐÐ From the Model menu, choose Sections

Drawing Views vs Model Documentation
BricsCAD Pro and Platinum editions generate 2D drawings and sections from 3D models. These
are called “drawing views” (or “generative drawings” in earlier releases). Because the drawings
are associative, they update automatically when you make changes to the 3D model. AutoCAD has
the same function, but calls it “model documentation.”
Generative Drawing Commands

ViewBase generates 2D views of 3D models in paper space
ViewDetail generates detail views from 2D views made by ViewBase
ViewDetailStyle specifies the style of detail views and detail symbols
ViewEdit changes the scale and the hidden line visibility of drawing views; can be used in paper space only
ViewExport exports generated drawings from paper space to model space; destroys 3D information
ViewProj generates additional projected views from existing drawing views
ViewSection generates sections from 2D views made by ViewBase
ViewSectionStyle specifies the style of section views
The method of placing 2D views of 3D models in BricsCAD is similar to that of AutoCAD: begin
with the ViewBase command. BricsCAD switches to a layout automatically, and then you can start
placing views.
The first view placed is the front view; other views are created automatically and depend on
how you move the cursor. The result is a drawing that usually looks like this:
From top, clockwise: the top, isometric, side, and front views
6 Working in 3D 225

Creating sections and details in BricsCAD are also just like in AutoCAD, with the ViewSection and
ViewDetail commands.

Left: Section view created by BricsCAD; right: Detail view
You can customize the way that sections and details appear with BricsCAD’s ViewDetailStyle and
ViewSectionStyle commands. These operate similarly to the way they do in AutoCAD.
Accessing Generative Drawing Commands

ÐÐ Enter the one of the commands listed above
ÐÐ From the View menu, open the Drawing Views submenu
ÐÐ Open the Drawing Views toolbar
ÐÐ In the ribbon’s Annotate tab, select commands from the Drawing Views panel
Bills of Material vs Data Extraction

BricsCAD Platinum edition generates bills of materials from 3D models with its bmBom command.
AutoCAD does the same through the DataExtraction command, which has the option to place the
data as a table in the drawing. The difference is that the command in BricsCAD is easy to use (enter
no options, if you wish), while the command in AutoCAD is very complex, and requires many steps.
(new in V18) BricsCAD also places balloons whose numbers are referred to by the BOM table.

HOW BMBOM AND BMBALLOON WORK
The BricsCAD bill of materials function works only with drawings created as assemblies and com-
ponents. Earlier in this chapter ,you created just such a drawing, pistonhead.dwg.
To see how BOMs and balloons work in BricsCAD, open the drawing and then enter the bmBom
command:
: bmbom
Insertion point [Name/Top level/Bottom level]: (Pick a point in the drawing, or enter an option)
Elements of a bill of materials
That’s it! Just one step to place a BOM. BricsCAD knows about the components in the drawing,
and numbers and counts them automatically. Notice that the table has a fixed format. It lists the
mechanical components as follows:
No. is the components’s serial number, and always begins with 1

Part identifies the name of the component, as extracted from the Mechanical Browser
Quantity reports the number of occurrences of each component
The bmBOM command carries the following options:
Insertion point [Name/Top level/Bottom level]:
ÐÐ Name changes the title from the default, which is “Bill of Materials <drawing name>”’
ÐÐ Top level and Bottom level determine which components are listed in the table.
BOMs are normal table entities, and so their content and the tables’ cells can be edited like a table. To export
the data in the table to a data file, use the TablExport command.
Adding Balloons
Labeling the parts with balloons is nearly as easy as making the BOM.
: bmballoon
Select a component insert [select other Table/choose balloon Frame]: (Pick the pin)
Pick point to place balloon: (Place the balloon)
Select a component insert [select other Table/choose balloon Frame]: (Pick the head)
Pick point to place balloon: (Place the balloon)
Select a component insert [select other Table/choose balloon Frame]: (Press Enter to exit)
6 Working in 3D 227

Notice that the balloons are numbered automatically, and match the numbering in the BOM table.
Balloons added to drawing, semi-automatically
Use the command’s options to change the balloon style:
Select a component insert [select other Table/choose balloon Frame]:
Option Abbreviation Prompt Meaning

select other Table t Select a BOM table Choose a different BOM table
choose balloon Frame f Circular Circle balloon frame
Rectangular Rectangle balloon frame
Triangular Triangle balloon frame
Hexagonal Hexagon balloon frame
CUrrent Use same balloon frame
Balloon shapes available in BricsCAD
Accessing the BOM Command

ÐÐ Enter the bmBOM command
ÐÐ From the Mechanical menu, choose Bill of Materials
ÐÐ Open the Mechanical toolbar, and then click the Bill of Materials button
ÐÐ In the ribbon’s Assembly tab, look in the Inquire panel

3D Compare
The 3dCompare command loads two drawing files, and then finds differences among 3D solids
and surfaces using color coding. (AutoCAD does not provide this capability.) The ribbon has toggles
that change what you see.
1. Enter the 3dCompare command, and then choose two drawings files whose content you want to compare.
Keep in mind that this commands compares differences only in 3D solids and 3D surfaces; it ignores all other
entities, such as dimensions, text, and 2D entities.
2. Click the Model 1 button to select the first drawing file.

3. Click the Model 2 button to select the comparison drawing.
4. Click OK. Notice that BricsCAD opens both models in a new viewport named “Comparison.” In the figure
below, the base of the chair is colored, because it is different in the second drawing. (The base is rotated by
15 degrees from the original.)
Comparing two slightly different models
5. In the Tools tab, buttons in the Compare 3D panel let you toggle view settings.
6 Working in 3D 229

Accessing the Drawing Compare Command
ÐÐ Enter the 3DCompare command
ÐÐ From the Tools menu, choose 3D Compare
ÐÐ Open the 3D Compare toolbar.
ÐÐ In the ribbon’s Tools tab, look in the Compare 3D panel

CHAPTER SEVEN
BIM, Sheet Metal,

& Communicator
Add-ons
BRICSYS OFFERS ADD-ON MODULES TO PERFORM SPECIALIZED FUNCTIONS IN THE AREAS

of architectural design, sheet metal fabrication, and translation to and from other 3D MCAD (me-
chanical CAD) systems.
In this chapter, we look at the following add-ons:

ÐÐ BIM (building information modeling) for architects ($650) *
https://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/bim/
ÐÐ Sheet metal design ($520) *

https://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/sheetmetal/
ÐÐ Communicator export-import, including the import of assemblies and PMI data ($610)
https://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/communicator/
* Functions missing from AutoCAD; prices exclude BricsCAD Platinum, required.
Each of these add-on modules are available as free 30-day trials from the Web page listed above.
Equivalent software from Autodesk would be in the thousands of dollars — except for the import-
export module, which Autodesk provides its customers for free. Prices are shown in US$, and were
accurate at time of writing.

3D BIM Design
BricsCAD Platinum supports an optional add-on that models buildings in 3D using BIM (building
information modeling). Any 3D solid can be used with the BIM model, whether created in BricsCAD
or imported from other software. BricsCAD imports and edits BIM models from other CAD systems
using the IFC format.
The BIM module provides commands specific to architectural design, and is available for purchase
from . Commands shown in blue are new since the last edition of this book.
BIM Commands Meaning

bimAddEccentricity Controls relative positions of the axes in linear solids
bimApplyProfile Applies profiles to linear entities and linear solids
bimAttachComposition Attaches BIM compositions (wall styles) to solids
bimAttachSpatialLocation Automatically detects, creates, and assigns buildings and stories
bimAutoUpdateRoom Updates rooms automatically
bimCheck Reports the number of BIM entities in drawings
bimClassify Classifies entities as a wall, slab, column, beam, window, or door
bimConnect Creates L-connections between two solids
bimDrag Extends walls or slabs; modifies their thickness
bimExport Exports models to IFC files with all 3D geometric and BIM-related data
bimFlip Flips starting faces of compositions; mirrors inserts like windows and doors
bimGetStatisticalData Reports statistics data of BIM objects in the current drawing
bimIfcImport Imports IFC files
bimIfy Automatically classifies and spatial locates the entire bim model
bimInsert Inserts window and doors
bimLinearSolid Creates chains of linear solids
bimList Reports DXF-style data on BIM entities in drawings
bimMultiSelect Selects one or more linear solids with coplanar and/or parallel axes based on
the initial solid or face selected
bimPatch Reserves an of a BIM model for editing with the RefEdit command
bimProfiles Displays the Profiles dialog box for creating and editing profiles
bimProjectInfo Displays BIM Project Info dialog box for specifying project library databases
bimProperties Displays BIM Properties dialog to specify and edit properties of BIM projects
bimReposition Repositions inserts (doors, windows) in the faces of solids
bimRoom Defines room areas with markers
bimSection Creates sections from BIM models
bimSectionOpen Opens drawing files related to BIM sections
bimSectionUpdate Exports BIM sections; also updates BIM sections
bimSplit Automatically separates segmented solids, or by selection of cutting faces
bimSpatialLocations Displays Buildings and Stories Manager dialog box to create and edit
properties of the site, buildings, and stories
bimSuggest Analyzes selected connection between a pair of solids, then finds and
suggest similar connections elsewhere in the mode
bimTag Tags BIM sections
bimUpdateRoom Updates the geometry of the selected room
bimUpdateThickness Applies overall thickness of compositions to solids
232
bimWindowArray Places an array of inserts, such as windows and doors
bimWindowCreate Replaces closed entities with parametric window entities;
displays the Choose Window Style dialog box
bimWindowPrint Prints windowed areas of models
bimWindowUpdate Updates openings when definitions of doors and windows change
HOW BIM DESIGN WORKS

BIM designs commonly begin the terrain on which the building is to be situated, then one or more
buildings are designed with one or more floors. BricsCAD can handle all of this, but for this tutorial,
we’ll do something simpler: We begin with a 2D floor plan, and then extrude with the PolySolid
command into walls and floors.
1. Start BricsCAD with the BIM workspace and Imperial units.
2. To make it easier to see your work, change the visual style to Wireframe. You can do this in the Properties
pane with the View > VisualStyles option, or at the command prompt with the -VisualStyles command:
: -visualstyles
Visual styles: set_Current/Saveas/Rename/Delete/?: c
Enter visual style [2dwireframe/Wireframe/Hidden/Realistic/Conceptual/Shaded/shaded with
Edges/shades of Grey/SKetchy/X-ray/Other/cUrrent]: <Shades of Gray>: wireframe
3. Draw an outline of the floor plan. For this tutorial, draw a rectangle 50' by 25' with the Rect command’s Dis-
tance option. This is the typical size of a house in North America.
: rect
Select first corner of rectangle or [Chamfer/Fillet/Rotated/Square/Elevation/Thickness/Width
of line/Area/Dimensions]: d
Length to use for rectangles <0">: 50'
Width to use for rectangles <0">: 25'
Select first corner of rectangle or [Chamfer/Fillet/Rotated/Square/Elevation/Thickness/Width
of line/Area/Dimensions]: 0,0
Other corner of rectangle: (Pick a point in the upper right corner of the drawing area)
Rectangle defining the floor area
7 BIM. Sheet Metal, & Communicator Add-ons 233

4. With the PolySolid command, turn the floor plan into walls.
: polysolid
Current settings: Height = 80, Width = 5, Justification = Center, Separate solids = On, Dy-
namic = On
a. To make it quicker to use, preset the values:
PolySolid Option
Value Notes
Dynamic Off Prevent command from prompting for heights and widths
Height 8' Typical floor to ceiling height
Width 6" Typical width of exterior walls; use 4" for exterior walls
Start point or [Height/Width/Justification/Entity/Separate solids/Dynamic] <Entity>: d

Dynamic height On/OFF <On>: off
Start point or [Height/Width/Justification/Entity/Separate solids/Dynamic] <Entity>: w
Width of polysolid <80>: 6"
Start point or [Height/Width/Justification/Entity/Separate solids/Dynamic] <Entity>: h
Height of polysolid <5>: 8'
b. Now you’re ready to apply the command to the rectangle. Enter the Entity option, and then pick the
rectangle:
Start point or [Height/Width/Justification/Entity/Separate solids/Dynamic] <Entity>: e
Select polysolid base: (Pick the rectangle)
Notice that the walls appear instantly.
PolySolid command raising the walls
c. If you don’t see all of the walls, use Zoom E to zoom the drawing to the extents.
5. The next step is to tell BricsCAD that these are walls. You do this with the bimClassify command.
: bimclassify
Classify entities as [Wall/Column/Slab/Beam/wIndow/Door/building Element/Other/Auto/Unclas-
sify]: w
Select entities to classify: all

Entities in set: 4
Select entities to classify: (Press Enter to finish)
BIM data assigned to 4 object(s)
With the walls in place, the next step is to define their composition — what are the walls made of?
Here is the composition of typical walls in homes of North America:
ÐÐ Exteriors of walls (outdoors and indoors) consist of exterior and interior cladding that give walls
their look. Cladding is made from bricks, wood, gyproc (drywall), and so on.
Tyvek in white and brick cladding in brown
ÐÐ Interior of walls provides strength through 2"x4" (interior walls) or 2"x6" (exterior walls) studs
made of wood or metal. The strength of walls is needed to hold up walls, roofs, and so on. Extra
pairs of 2"x6"- or 2"x10"-sized beams, called headers, are needed over window and door openings
to distribute weight.
ÐÐ Between the studs is insulation that retains the building’s heat in winter and keeps out heat in sum-
mer. Depending on local construction bylaws, Tyvek-style wrap may be needed to keep out mois-
ture and wind. The photo shows the white Tyvek wrap, along with some brick exterior cladding.
ÐÐ Also between the walls are utilities, such as electrical wiring and plumbing, but these are not de-
fined by compositions.
The composition of walls in BricsCAD is defined through the bimAttachComposition command.

To define what they are made of, you attach “compositions” to walls, floors, and roofs.
ÐÐ To use 40 or so compositions provided by BricsCAD, use the BIM Compositions panel; access it by
right-clicking any toolbar or the ribbon, and then choosing BIM Compositions from the shortcut
menu. See figure at left, below.
ÐÐ To define your own materials and edit existing ones, use the Physical Materials dialog box (formerly
named the Building Materials dialog box. Access it by clicking the Materials button in the BIM Com-
positions panel. See figure at right, below.
To combine materials into compositions, use the Compositions dialog box. Here you take one or
materials and then layer them into a composition, such as brick-tyvek-plywood.

6. Access it by clicking the Compositions button in the BIM Compositions panel.

Left: Pre-defined materials available in BricsCAD; right: dialog box for customizing material
The easy way to get to the dialog boxes that define materials and compositions is by clicking their buttons in the
BIM Compositions panel:

Buttons, left to right: Materials, Compositions, Project and Library, Filter
7. For this project, apply the “Cavity Wall, Brick, Gypsum” composition to all walls at once, as follows:
: bimattachcomposition
Select entities to attach composition: all
Entities in set: 4
Select entities to attach composition: (Press Enter to continue)
Enter composition name or [Dialog] <Dialog>: d
8. Notice the Composition dialog box. Choose “Cavity Wall, Brick, Gypsum” and then click Select.
Selecting a composition for the walls

The composition has been assigned to 4 element(s).
The walls look no different, and changing the visual style doesn’t show the bricks either, because this is data
being applied, not a rendering material. The BIM Compositions panel does, however, lists the composition
you applied.
9. With the walls set up, add a window with the bimInsert command. You can use any block for this, although
BricsCAD includes with a selection of them:
: biminsert
a. Notice the Select File to Insert dialog box. Choose a window block, such as “Window_2x1.dwg”.
b. Click Open.
Choosing a window type
c. Position the window block over one of the walls. Notice that dynamic UCS kicks in to force the block to
be coplanar with the wall you select.
Dynamic dimensions positioning the window, with Tips bar in black
Also kicking in are dynamic input (the dimensions that appear in the drawing area) and the Tips bar.

When you press Ctrl, the Tips bar changes the command between Insert and Edit modes:
Icon Meaning
Insert dynamically dimensions the location of the window in the wall; prompts:
Select insertion point or [Edit inserted entity]:
Edit — allows you to change the size of the window; prompts:
Edit Height [Width/Done]:
Press Tab to move between the dimension fields.
d. For this tutorial, just insert the window anywhere in the wall:
Select insertion point or [Edit inserted entity]: (Click to place the window)
10. Repeat the bimInsert command to place more windows and even a door. To see a nicer rendering of the
building, change the visual style to “BIM.”
Placing windows and a door
11. To export the model in IFC format, use the bimExport command.
12. To view the IFC file, use an IFC file viewer, such as the free one from http://bimvision.eu/en/download.
Viewing IFC data with a viewing program

Accessing BIM Commands
ÐÐ Enter one the commands listed above
ÐÐ From the BIM menu, choose a command
ÐÐ Open the BIM toolbar
ÐÐ In the ribbon’s BIM tab, choose a command

3D Sheet Metal Design
BricsCAD Platinum creates, bends, and unbends sheet metal designs with the Sheet Metal add-on.
Sheet Metal Commands Meaning

smBendCreate Converts sharp edges between flange faces to bends
SmBendSwitch Converts bends to lofted bends
smConvert Recognizes flanges and bends in a 3D solids automatically
smDelete Removes junctions by restoring sharp edge between two flanges
smDissolve Dissolves sheet metal features
smExport2D Exports sheet metal as unfolded representation of 2D profiles (.dxf or .dwg)
smExportOsm Export a sheet metal designs in Open Sheet Metal .osm format
smFlangeBase Creates sheet metal models from closed 2D polylines or regions
smFlangeBend Bends existing flanges along lines, obeying the k-factor for given bend radius
smFlangeConnect Closes gaps between two flanges; their orientation does not matter
smFlangeEdge Bends sheet metal to make flanges; generates corner and bend relief
smFlangeRotate Changes the bend angle of flanges
smFlangeSplit Splits flanges along a line drawn on their faces
smForm Command converts a selected set of faces to form features
smJunctionCreate Converts hard edges into junctions
smJunctionSwitch Changing symmetrical junctions to ones with overlapping faces
smLoft Constructs sheet metal bodies with lofted bends and flanges
smReliefCreate Creates proper corner and bend reliefs
smReplace Command replaces form features with ones from built-in or user libraries
smRepair Joins connected lofted bends surrounded by flanges;
rebuilds them tangent to adjacent flanges
smSelect Command selects hard edges, same and similar form features
smSelectHardEdges Selects all hard edges, and then reports about them in the report panel
smUnfold Unfolds sheet metal bends
THE COLOR OF SHEET METAL
BricsCAD uses a color coding system to identify features in sheet metal parts.The colors listed below are found in the Settings dialog
box. Bends are shown in yellow, for example, while corner reliefs (openings) are bright green.
To turn off the coloring system, change the value of the FeatureColors variable to Off.
If you want to change the colors, go into the Settings dialog box and then use the Search field to look for “feature colors.”

TUTORIAL I: HOW SHEET METAL DESIGN WORKS
Sheet metal design begins with 2D profiles or 3D models, includes those imported into BricsCAD
from other MCAD systems. This tutorial takes you through the fundamental steps using a 2D profile:
1. Start BricsCAD.
2. Draw a shape with a closed polyline or region:
a. Draw a rectangle with the PLine command.
b. Add four openings with the Circle command.
c. Convert all five entities into region entities with the Region command.
Rectangle and four circles converted to a region entity
d. Use the Subtract command to remove the circles from the plate, turning them into holes.
3. Use the Quad cursor to start the smFlangeBase command by pausing the cursor over the region entity:
Using the Quad cursor to start the smFlangeBase command
When you click the smFlangeBase button, BricsCAD instantly turns the region into a sheet metal object. No-
tice that the region thickens. The object is now a 3D solid that BricsCAD recognizes as a sheet metal object.
The smFlangeBase command thickens the region
4. To create sides (flanges that are pulled from the base), apply the smFlangeEdge command:
: smFlangeEdge

Select edges on flanges: (Pick an edge)
Entities: 1
Select edges on flanges: (Pick an adjacent edge)
Select edges on flanges: (Press Enter to end edge selection)
Notice that BricsCAD adds sides (flanges) to the existing base; it does not subtract them. You specify the
height of the sides in the next step.
Two edges selected to bend
5. Move the mouse to indicate the angle of the bend, or else enter values at the keyboard for angle or length.
Position the end of the flange [Angle/Length/Taper angle/Width]: (Move the mouse to indicate
the angle, or enter values)
Position the end of the wall [Angle/Length]: a
Enter bend angle <Back>: 90
Position the end of the wall [Angle/Length]: l
Enter length of wall <Back>: 10
Position the end of the wall [Angle/Length]: (Press Enter to end the command)
Notice that this command adds bends, bend reliefs, and corner reliefs automatically.
Sides bent into place
6. Should you wish to change the angle of a flange, use the smFlangeRotate command. Pick a face on the
flange to be re-bent, as follows:

: smFlangeRotate
Select a flange face to rotate: (Pick a face -- not an edge! -- and then move the mouse to
show the new angle)
Changing the angle of flanges
TIP You can use any of BricsCAD’s direct modeling and 3D constraints commands to edit sheet metal parts. In
addition, you can control parts with user-defined parameters, such as material thickness and bend radius.
7. Designs are unfolded with the smUnfold command. The command is like the flatten command of other
sheet metal programs. This command performs two jobs: it generates a 2D drawing of the sheet metal part,
and then optionally exports the drawing in DXF format for use with CAM (computer-aided manufacturing)
systems of sheet metal parts.
Start the command from the Quad cursor:
Accessing the smUnfold command
: smUnfold
Select a flange or lofted bend face to start unfolding [Settings]: (Pick a point to place the
2D drawing)
Select position of the unfolded body: (Pick a point in the drawing away from the 3D model)

Validate the unfolded body and select an option [save 2D geometry/save 3D geometry/Optimize
bend annotations/Keep] <Keep>: (Enter an option; see table below)
Annotated 2D drawing of the sheet metal part
Use the Mechanical Browser to access the parts of the sheet metal part:
Clicking a node in the browser highlights the related part in the model
To make the holes, use the dmExtrude command on the four circles.
Because BricsCAD Platinum features design intent, you need to only extrude the one hole; BricsCAD recognizes
the other three as having the same diameter, and so turns them into holes automatically!

Adding Form Features
Forms are parts commonly added to sheet metal designs, such as louvers and embossed holes.
BricsCAD provides them in a library so that like other blocks you don’t need to draw them repeat-
edly. Forms are provided as 3D parametric parts, and are found in the Tool Palettes panel’s Form
Features tab.
You use them like this:
1. Open the Tool Palettes with the ToolPalettes command, and then click the Form Features tab.
Form features found in the Tools Palette panel
2. Drag a feature onto the sheet metal piece. After it is placed, you can still move it.
Louver, countersink, and dimple placed on sheet metal
To control the appearance of form features in 2D and 3D unfolded model representations, change
the value of the smDefaultFormFeatureUnfoldMode variable; it must be modified through the Set-
tings dialog box at time of writing.
smFormFeatureUnfoldMode Meaning
0 Keep
1 Remove
2 Project
3 Contour
4 (default) Symbol

BricsCAD recognizes form features in geometry imported from other CAD systems. BricsCAD stores
the features as individual .dwg files in the following folder: C:\Users\userid\AppData\Roaming\
Bricsys\BricsCAD\V18x64\en_US\Support\DesignLibrary\SheetMetal\FormFeatures.
Exporting Sheet Metal Parts

CNC machines typically read DXF files to produce parts. Use the smExport2D command to export
sheet metal designs as 2D profiles in .dxf format to as far back as Release 9. The smTargetCAM
system variable specifies the CAM system to which to export.
TUTORIAL II: FROM 3D SOLID TO SHEET METAL

The above tutorial showed you how to create a sheet metal part from scratch. This approach is best
for simple parts. BricsCAD, however, has a second approach: it can also create sheet metal models
from 3D solids, which is a better approach for complex parts. MCAD programs like Solid Edge and
Solidworks also have the ability to convert 3D solids into sheet metal parts. In this area, BricsCAD
has a distinguishing feature, because the other two MCAD programs make the same mistake: the
basic feature is an inseparable flange+bend, whereas in BricsCAD flanges and bends are independent.
This means that for most changes, users of those other two MCAD programs must restart from
scratch; furthermore, they cannot split the model in several bodies, something that can be required
when working with sheet metal designs.
Note that this tutorial works in BricsCAD only when it is the Platinum edition and when you have purchased the
Sheet Metal add-on module from https://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/sheetmetal/.
To import 3D models from other CAD packages, BricsCAD Platinum must be running Communicator, an optional,
extra-cost file translator available from https://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/communicator/. In BricsCAD, start a
new drawing, and then enter the Import command to select the file to import.
In this tutorial, you defeature an solid model, and then convert it to a sheet metal part. Defeaturing
means removing parts that can’t be used in sheet metal stamping such as pins, or that need to be
replaced, like fillets with bends.
Defeaturing is done with the assistance of two functions, smart selection and subtraction extrusion.
ÐÐ “Smart selection” is useful by selecting all similar parts through the dmSelect command: you choose
one feature, such as the face of a peg, and it selects all other identical faces in the mode. T
ÐÐ “Subtraction extrusion” is when you remove the pegs by subtracting them with the direct modeling ver-
sion of the Extrude command, dmExtrude.
246
1. Start BricsCAD in the Sheet Metal workspace, and then open the sample file startfromsolid.dwg.
Solid model with pins and filleted corners
2. Here is the first step of defeaturing, smart selection. While you could perform smart selection at the com-
mand prompt, it is much easier using one of these icons:
ÐÐ From the Quad cursor, choose Select > Same Area Faces
Choosing the Same Area Faces command from the Quad
ÐÐ Or, in the Sheet Metal ribbon’s Select panel, click the Same Area Faces button
Finding the Same Area Faces button on the ribbon
3. Ignore the plural nature of the prompt by selecting the face of just one pin:
Select [sUbset/Sample/sEed] <Sample>: (Press Enter to accept the default, Sample)
Select several entities/subentities: (Pick the face of a pin)
Make sure that you select the face, and not the edge. (If you select the edge of the pin, then BricsCAD selects
all other edges in the model, which you don’t want.)
Selecting the face of one pin...
Notice that BricsCAD selects all other faces that are the same.

4. With the pin faces selected, use the dmExtrude command to remove the pins, as follows:
a. Again, I recommend using the Quad or ribbon, as they automate some of the options you would have to
otherwise specify at the command prompt. From the Sheet Metal ribbon’s Edit panel, choose Extrude.
Notice that BricsCAD fills in the first two prompts for you:
: dmExtrude
Select entities/subentities to extrude or set [MOde]: _MO
Choose type of created entity [SOlid/SUrface] <Solid>: _SO
b. Specify ‘s’ for the Subtract option:

Specify height of extrusion or set [Auto/Create/Subtract/Unite/Taper angle/Limit]
<Create>: s
c. Press Enter to end the command:

Specify height of extrusion or set [Auto/Create/Subtract/Unite/Taper angle/Limit]
<Subtract>: (Press Enter to end the command.)
Notice that all of the pins in the model disappear instantly. They are replaced by holes, which will be stamped
during the sheet metal manufacturing operation, after which pins are added separately.
Pins removed from solid model
5. The other preparatory step is to remove the fillets so that the edges can later be turned into bends. Again, it
is a two-step process: first select all fillets with dmSelect, and then erase them with the Erase command.
a. From the Sheet Metal ribbon’s Select panel, choose the Same or Less Radius Fillets icon.
Selecting a fillet
b. Choose a fillet. Notice that BricsCAD selects all the other fillets on the model, as shown in blue in the
figure below.
All fillets selected in the model

c. At the command prompt, enter Erase to erase all fillets. Notice that all corners become sharp.
Fillets removed from the solid model
6. With the solid model defeatured, you now convert it to a sheet metal part with the smConvert command.
From the Sheet Metal ribbon’s Create panel, choose Convert to Sheet Metal.
: smConvert
Select 3D solids/<Entire model>: (Press Enter to select the entire model)
At the prompt, pressing Enter selects the entire model. The model looks no different, except that it takes on
a gray color. From now on you edit it with commands that start with ‘sm’, short for sheet metal.
7. Convert all hard edges to bends. Hard edges are the ones with sharp edges. This process takes two steps:
firstly, select all hard edges with the smSelectHardEdges command, and then turn them into bends with the
smBend command. Here are the steps:
a. From the Sheet Metal ribbon’s Select panel, click on Hard Edges. Notice that all hard edges are selected by
BricsCAD, because they turn blue.

All hard edges selected by BricsCAD

b. Change the hard edges to bends. From the Sheet Metal ribbon’s Modify panel, click Bend. Notice that
the hard edges are replaced by bends, complete with cutouts at intersections. The bends are colored so that
you can distinguish them visually from other sheet metal features.
Bends (in yellow) complete with cutouts (in green) at intersections
8. The ultimate aim of sheet metal design is to produce a part that can be fully flattened, and so you need to fix
up some corners manually by splitting flanges with the smFlangesplit command. Here’s how:
a. Zoom into a corner for a closer look with the Zoom Window command.
b. Make sure that esnaps (entity snapping) are turned on. If necessary, click the ESNAP button on the
status bar.
c. From Sheet Metal ribbon’s Modify panel, click the Split button. Follow its prompts on the command line:
: smFlangesplit
Select a flange face: (Pick a face)
Select lines, edges to split the flange or draw a <New line>: n
Start point of the line: (Use ensap to pick one corner; see figure below)
End point of the line: (Use ensnap to pick the other corner)
Make split Center/Left/Right/<Accept model>: (Press Enter to end the command)
Splitting a flange
d. Repeat for the other faces that need splitting.

9. A few other corners need to be turned into junctions. This is done with the smJunctionCreate command, as
follows:
a. From the Sheet Metal ribbon’s Modify panel, click Junction.
b. Pick a yellow-colored bend, such as the one outlined in blue, below.

Selecting a bend (outlined in blue)...
c. Notice that the bend immediately turns into a junction colored red. The command repeats automatically
so that you can turn other bends into junctions. Continue making the change as required.
...and turning it into a junction (shown in red)
10. The junction needs to be edited so that one edge cleanly meets the other. You do this with the smJunction-
Switch command, as follows:
a. From the Sheet Metal ribbon’s Modify panel, choose the Junction Switch button.
b. Select one of the red faces, and then press Enter to end the command:
: smJunctionSwitch
Select junction(s) face(s): (Pick one red face, as shown below)
Selecting a face (in red)...

c. Press Enter to end the command.
Entities in set: 1
Select junction(s) face(s): (Press Enter to end the command)
Notice that BricsCAD extends one face to meet the other one automatically, as shown below:
..to make the edges match perfectly
d. Repeat for other junctions that need to be switched.
11. With the solid model properly prepared as a sheet metal part, it can be unfolded — the last step necessary
before it is exported as a DXF or other file for stamping by CNC machinery. Unfolding is done with the smUn-
fold command.
a. From the Sheet Metal ribbon’s Flatten panel, choose the Unfold Body button. At the prompt, just pick
any point on the sheet metal body:
: smUnfold
Select a flange or lofted bend face to start unfolding [lofted bend
Tolerance]: (Pick a point on the body)
b. Pick a point in the drawing to place the unfolded sheet metal, and then press Enter to end the com-
mand:
Select position of the unfolded body: (Pick a point in the drawing)
Validate the unfolded body and select an option [save 2D geometry/save 3D
geometry/Keep] <Keep>: (Press Enter to end the command.)
Notice that BricsCAD automatically dimensions the flat part.
3D model flattened, ready for export to CNC machinery

Accessing Sheet Metal Commands
ÐÐ Enter one the commands listed above
ÐÐ From the Sheet Metal menu, choose a command
ÐÐ Open the Sheet Metal toolbar

ÐÐ In the ribbon’s Sheet Metal tab, choose a command:

BricsCAD Communicator
BricsCAD Communicator is an optional, extra-cost add-on to BricsCAD that provides additional
import and export formats. It costs extra, because of the license fees that need to be paid to the
firms that write the translators. AutoCAD includes extensive export and import translators at no
extra cost through an online service.
BricsCAD Communicator requires BricsCAD Pro or Platinum. When Communicator is installed

on your computer, the added file formats appear automatically in the droplists of the Import and
Export dialog boxes.
The file types available through the Import dialog box
Import Formats Supported

Standard Formats AutoCAD BricsCAD Description
igs, iges • • Initial Graphics Exchange Specification
jt • Siemens Jupiter Technology
x_t, xmt_txt, x_b, xmt_bin • • Siemens Parasolid
ste, stp, step • • Standard for Exchange of Product data
vda • VDA-FS
xcgm • XML-based CGM
Proprietary Formats
model, catpart, catproduct • • CATIA V4 and V5 (Windows only)
asm, prt • • Creo Elements / Pro Engineer
iam, ipt • • Inventor
prt • • NX
3dm • Rhino
par, psm • Solid Edge
sldasm, sldprt • • Solidworks

Export Formats Supported
Standard Formats AutoCAD BricsCAD Description
igs, iges • • Initial Graphics Exchange Specification
ste, stp, step • Standard for Exchange of Product data
stl • • Stereolithography
vda • VDA-FS
Proprietary Formats
eps • Adobe Encapsulated PostScript
pdf • • Adobe 3D PDF (Windows only)
model, catpart, catproduct • CATIA V4 and V5 (Windows only)
When assembly file files are imported, the ImportProductStructure variable determines if models are imported
as plain geometry or mapped to product structure as native blocks or mechanical components.
Accessing Import and Export Commands

ÐÐ Enter the Import or Export command
ÐÐ From the File menu, choose Import or Export
ÐÐ In the ribbon’s Home tab, choose a command from the File panel
Import-Export without Communicator

BricsCAD includes 3D import and export translators that are free, independent of Communicator.
The 3D file formats supported are as follows:
Import Formats Description

dwg AutoCAD drawing file compatible with 2013-2017
dxf AutoCAD drawing interchange format
dae Collada (COLLAborative Design Activity)
ifc Industry foundation classes for BIM
skp SketchUp
Export Formats Description

dwg AutoCAD drawing file compatible with 2013-2017
dxf AutoCAD drawing interchange format
dwf Autodesk 3D DWF v6.01
stl Stereolithography used for 3D printing
dae Collada (COLLAborative Design Activity)
ifc Industry foundation classes for BIM
Use the SaveAs command to save to AutoCAD formats older than 2013 — all the way back to Release 14 for
DWG and Release 9 for DXF.

———
As this chapter illustrates, BricsCAD is in many areas of 3D design more capable than AutoCAD.
Bricsys is currently targeting BIM and mechanical design, which is why it doesn’t offer the industrial
design-oriented 3D surfacing commands found in AutoCAD.
256
APPENDIX A
Command Name
Cross-reference
THIS APPENDIX LISTS THE NAMES OF COMMANDS FOUND IN BRICSCAD V18 AND AUTOCAD The
list is sorted alphabetically by command name for both CAD packages. When there are no exact matches,
notes suggest equivalent command names.
Command names added since the previous edition of this ebook are shown in blue.
Command names specific to the demo, Pro, and Platinum versions of BricsCAD are shown in boldface.
Commands involving 3D constraints and the ones listed below are not available in the Standard version.
ÐÐ bim- Building information modeling commands

ÐÐ bm- BricsCAD mechanical commands
ÐÐ dm- Direct modeling commands
ÐÐ sm- Sheet metal commands
This appendix also lists command names removed from recent releases of BricsCAD, along with their
replacements, if any.
Commands specific to AutoCAD’s Block Editor environment are not listed, as BricsCAD does not sup-
port it. Commands undocumented by Autodesk are not included, nor are Express Tools commands.
AutoCAD Command BricsCAD Command Notes
A Commands
About About
AcisIn AcisIn
AcisOut AcisOut
ActBasepoint ...
ActManager ...
ActRecord ... In BricsCAD, use RecScript
ActStop ... In BricsCAD, use RecScript
ActUserInput ...
ActUserMessage ...
AdCenter, AdcClose ... In BricsCAD, use Explorer
AdcNavigate ...
... AddInMan VBA COM Add-In Manager for BricsCAD
AddSelected AddSelected
Adjust ... In BricsCAD, use ImageAdjust
Ai_Box Ai_Box
Ai_Cone Ai_Cone
Ai_Cylinder Ai_Cylinder
Ai_Dish Ai_Dish
Ai_Dome Ai_Dome
... Ai_EdgeSurf In AutoCAD, use EdgeSurf
Ai_Mesh ... In BricsCAD, use Mesh
Ai_Pyramid Ai_Pyramid
... Ai_RevSurf In AutoCAD, use RevSurf
... Ai_RuleSurf In AutoCAD, use RuleSurf
Ai_Sphere Ai_Sphere
... Ai_TabSurf In AutoCAD, use TabSurf
Ai_Torus Ai_Torus
Ai_Wedge Ai_Wedge
... AiMleaderEditAdd In AutoCAD, use MLeaderEdit
... AiMleaderEditRemove In AutoCAD, use MLeaderEdit
Align Align
... AlignSpace In BricsCAD, aligns viewports
AmeConvert ...
AnalysisCurvature ...
AnalysisDraft ...
AnalysisOptions ...
AnalysisZebra ...
AniPath AniPath
AnnoReset AnnoReset
AnnoUpdate AnnoUpdate
Aperture Aperture
... Apparent In AutoCAD, use -Osnap Apparent
AppAutoLoader ...
AppLoad AppLoad
Arc Arc

Archive ...
Area Area
Array, -Array Array, - Array In BricsCAD, now supports dynamic, editable arrays
ArrayClassic ArrayClassic
ArrayClose ArrayClose, -ArrayClose
ArrayEdit ArrayEdit
... ArrayEditExt In BricsCAD, edits entities in arrays.
ArrayPath ArrayPath
ArrayPolar ArrayPolar
ArrayRect ArrayRect
Arx ... In BricsCAD, use AppLoad
Attach ... In BricsCAD, use ImageAttach, Xref, PdfAdjust
AttachURL ... In BricsCAD, use Hyperlink
AttDef AttDef, -AttDef
AttDisp AttDisp
AttEdit AttEdit
AttExt AttExt, -AttExt
AttIPedit ...
AttRedef AttRedef
AttSync AttSync
Audit Audit
... AutoComplete
AutoConstrain ... In BricsCAD, use the GcCoincident command’s AutoConstrain option
AutoPublish ...
B Commands
Base Base
BAttMan BAttMan
BAttOrder ...
BEdit ... In BricsCAD, use Properties to edit dynamic blocks
BESettings ... Dynamic blocks used in BricsCAD, but not created or edited
... BHatch, -BHatch Starts the boundary hatch command
... BlCompositions Displays the Compositions dialog box
... bim- For BIM commands, see the last part of this appendix
Blend ...
... BlMaterials Displays the Physical Material dialog box
... bm- For mechanical commands, see the last part of this appendix
Block Block, -Block
BlockIcon ... Required by AutoCAD for old drawings
BmpOut BmpOut
Boundary Boundary, -Boundary
Box Box
Break Break
BRep ...
Browser Browser
A Command Name Cross-reference 259

C Commands
Cal Cal BricsCAD displays Windows Calculator
Camera Camera
... Center In AutoCAD, use -Osnap Center
CenterDisassociate ...
Centerline ... BricsCAD displays and edits associative center lines, but does not create them
Centermark ... BricsCAD displays and edits associative center marks, but does not create them
CenterReassociate ...
CenterReset ...
Chamfer Chamfer
ChamferEdge ... In BricsCAD, use dmChamfer
Change Change
CheckStandards ...
ChProp ChProp
ChSpace ChSpace
Circle Circle
... Chapoo- Chapoo commands are renamed with “cloud-” in V18
ClassicGroup ... In BricsCAD, use Group
ClassicImage ... In BricsCAD, use Image
ClassicLayer ... In BricsCAD, use Layer
ClassicXref ... In BricsCAD, use Xref
CleanScreenOn / Off CleanScreenOn / Off
... CleanUnusedVariables For developer use in BricsCAD
Clip ... In BricsCAD, use XClip
Close Close
CloseAll CloseAll
CloseAllOther ...
... CloudAccount Log onto 24/7 account
... CloudDownload Downloads files from 24/7 storage
... CloudLogOff Logs off your 24/7 account
... CloudLogOn Logs into your 24/7 account
... CloudOpen Opens a drawing from 24/7 storage
... CloudProject Opens 24/7 online account in default browser
... CloudUpload Saves the current drawing to 24/7 storage
... CloudWeb Opens the 24/7 Web site in default browser
Color Color, -Color
CommandLine / Hide CommandLine / Hide
... Commands In AutoCAD, use the ARX command
Compile ... Required by AutoCAD only for converting PostScript font files
Cone Cone
ConstraintBar ConstraintBar
ConstraintSettings ... In BricsCAD, use Settings
... ContentBrowserClose / Open Closes and opens the Content Browser panel
Convert ... Required by AutoCAD only for old drawings
ConvertCTB ConvertCTB
ConvertOldLights ConvertOldLights Required for old drawings only
ConvertOldMaterials ConvertOldMaterials Required for old drawings only

... ConvertPoly Converts old polylines to new format

ConvertPStyles ConvertPStyles
ConvToMesh ...
ConvToNurbs ...
ConvToSolid ...
ConvToSurface ...
CoordinationModelAttach ...
Copy Copy
CopyBase CopyBase
CopyClip CopyClip
... CopyEData In BricsCAD, copies xdata between entities
CopyHist CopyHist
CopyLink ...
CopyToLayer ...
... CPageSetup In AutoCAD, user PageSetup
CUI CUI Executes BricsCAD’s Customize command
CuiExport, CuiImport ... In BricsCAD, use File menu in Customize dialog box
CuiLoad, CuiUnload CuiLoad, CuiUnload
Customize Customize In AutoCAD, use CUI
CutClip CutClip
CvAdd, CvRemove ...
CvHide, CvShow ...
CvRebuild ...
Cylinder Cylinder
D Commands
DataExtraction DataExtraction
DataLink ...
DataLinkUpdate ...
DbConfigure ...
DbConnect, DbClose ...
DbList DbList dc = dimensional constraint
DcAligned dcAligned
DcAngular dcAngular
DcConvert dcConvert
DcDiameter dcDiameter
DcDisplay dcDisplay
DcForm ...
DcHorizontal dcHorizontal
DcLinear dcLinear
DcRadius dcRadius
DcVertical dcVertical
... DdAttE In AutoCAD, use AttEdit
... DdEdit Renamed EditText in AutoCAD 2010
... DdEModes BricsCAD uses Settings dialog for entity creation
... DdFilter BricsCAD uses DdFilter selection menu
... DdGrips BricsCAD uses Settings dialog for grips

... DdPtype BricsCAD uses Settings dialog for points

... DdSelect BricsCAD uses Settings dialog for entity selection
... DdSetVar BricsCAD uses Settings dialog box
... DdSTrack BricsCAD uses Settings dialog for snap tracking
DdVPoint DdVPoint
... DefaultScaleList In AutoCAD, use ScaleListEdit
Delay Delay
DelConstraint DelConstraint
... DelEData In BricsCAD, erases xdata from entities
... DesignTable Creates new design tables for the Mechanical Browser
... -DesignTableEdit Configures, replaces, exports, and deletes design tables at the command line
DetachURL ... In BricsCAD, use Hyperlink
DgnAdjust ... BricsCAD does not import DGN files
DgnAttach ...
DgnClip ...
DgnExport ...
DgnImport ...
DgnLayers ...
DgnMapping ...
DigitalSign ...
DimConstraint DimConstraint
... Dish In BricsCAD, draws 3D solid dishes
Dist Dist
DistantLight DistantLight
Divide Divide
... dm- For direct modeling commands, see the last part of this appendix
... Dome In BricsCAD, draws 3D solid domes
Donut Donut
DownloadManager ...
Dragmode Dragmode
DrawingRecovery / Hide ... In BricsCAD, use Recover
DrawOrder DrawOrder
... DrawOrderByLayer In BricsCAD, controls draw order through layer names
DSettings DSettings
... DText In AutoCAD, use Text
... DumpState For use by BricsCAD developers
DView DView
DwfAdjust ... BricsCAD does not import DWF files
DwfAttach ...
DwfClip ...
DwfFormat ...
DwfLayers ...
... DwgCodePage In AutoCAD, use DwgCodePage system variable
... DwgCompare Compares differences between two drawings
DwgConvert ... In BricsCAD, use the SaveAs command
DwgProps DwgProps
DxbIn ... Required only for CAD\camera support, now obsolete

... DxfIn Opens DXF files

... DxfOut Exports drawings in DXF format
Dimension Commands
Dim Dim
... Dim1
DimAligned DimAligned
DimAngular DimAngular
DimArc DimArc
DimBreak DimBreak
DimBaseline DimBaseline
DimCenter DimCenter
DimContinue DimContinue
DimDiameter DimDiameter
DimDisassociate DimDisassociate
DimEdit DimEdit
DimInspect ...
DimJogged ...
DimJogLine ...
... DimLeader In AutoCAD, use Leader
DimLinear DimLinear
DimOrdinate DimOrdinate
DimOverride DimOverride
DimRadius DimRadius
DimReassociate DimReassociate
DimRegen DimRegen
DimRotated DimRotated
DimSpace ...
DimStyle, DimStyle DimStyle, -DimStyle
... DimStyleSet Sets the working dimension style
DimTEdit DimTEdit
E Commands
EAttEdit EAttEdit
EAttExt ... In BricsCAD, use the DataExtraction command
Edge ...
EdgeSurf EdgeSurf
... EditEData In BricsCAD, edits xdata
EditShot ...
Elev Elev
Ellipse Ellipse
... EndCompare Ends the drawing compare session
... Endpoint In AutoCAD, use -Osnap Endpoint
Erase Erase
eTransmit eTransmit

... ExecuteTool For use by BricsCAD developers

... ExpBlocks In AutoCAD, use the AdCenter command
... ExpFolders In AutoCAD, use the AdCenter command
Explode Explode
... Explorer In AutoCAD, use the AdCenter command
Export Export
ExportDWF ... In BricsCAD, use the DwfOut command
ExportDWFx ... In BricsCAD, use the Export command
ExportLayout ExportLayout
ExportPDF ExportPDF
ExportSettings ...
-ExportToAutocad ...
... ExpUcs
Extend Extend
... Extension In AutoCAD, use -OSnap Extension
ExternalReferences / Close ... In BricsCAD, use the Xref command
Extrude Extrude
F Commands
Field Field
... FileOpen Opens files at the command prompt
... Files Displays Windows’ File Explorer
FilesTab, FileTabClose ... In BricsCAD, drawing tabs are always open
Fill Fill
Fillet Fillet
FilletEdge ... In BricsCAD, use the DmFillet command
Filter ... In BricsCAD, use the DdFilter command
Find Find
FlatShot FlatShot
Flatten Flatten In BricsCAD, flattens 3D objects with thickness
Freespot ... In BricsCAD, use the SpotLight command
Freeweb ... In BricsCAD, use the WebLight command
G Commands
(gc = geometric constraints)
... GcCenter Snaps to the centroid of closed entities
GcCoincident GcCoincident
GcColLinear GcColLinear
GcConcentric GcConcentric
GcEqual GcEqual
GcFix GcFix
... GcHorizontal
GcParallel GcParallel
GcPerpedicular GcPerpedicular

GcSmooth GcSmooth
GcSymmetric GcSymmetric
GcTangent GcTangent
GcVertical GcVertical
... GenerateBoundary Creates closed polylines from faces of 3D solids
GeographicLocation GeographicLocation
GeoLocateMe ...
GeoMap ... BricsCAD imports GeoTiff files
GeoMapImage ... In BricsCAD, use the MapConnect command
GeoMapImageUpdate ... In BricsCAD, use the MapConnect command
GeoMarkLatLong ...
GeoMarkMe ...
GeoMarkPoint ...
GeoMarkPosition ...
GeomConstraint GeomConstraint
GeoRemove ... In BricsCAD, use the MapConnect command
GeoReorientMarker ...
GotoStart ...
GotoUrl ... In BricsCAD, use the OnWeb command
Gradient Gradient
... GradientBkgOff / On Turns background gradient off and on
GraphicsConfig ... In BricsCAD, use the RedSdkInfo command
GraphScr GraphScr
Grid Grid
Group Group, -Group
GroupEdit ...
H Commands
Hatch Hatch, -Hatch
HatchEdit HatchEdit, HatchEdit
HatchGenerateBoundary HatchGenerateBoundary
HatchSetBoundary ...
HatchSetOrigin ...
HatchToBack HatchToBack
Helix Helix
Help, ? Help, ?
... HelpSearch Searches for help topics on the command line
Hide Hide In AutoCAD, used for wireframe mode only
HideObjects HideObjects
HidePalettes ...
HighlightNew ...
HlSettings ...
Hyperlink Hyperlink, -Hyperlink
HyperlinkOptions HyperlinkOptions

I Commands
Id Id
IgesImport / Export ... In BricsCAD, use the optional Communicator add-on
-Image Image
ImageAdjust ImageAdjust
ImageAttach ImageAttach, -ImageAttach
ImageClip ImageClip
... ImageFrame In AutoCAD, use the ImageFrame system variable
ImageQuality ImageQuality
Import Import
Imprint Imprint
InputSearchOptions ...
Insert Insert, -Insert
... InsertAligned Inserts multiple and mirrored blocks
... Insertion In AutoCAD, use -OSnap Insertion
InsertObj InsertObj
Interfere Interfere
Intersect Intersect
... Intersection In AutoCAD, use -OSnap Intersection
... InvokeTestApp Runs BCadTestModuleClient, if loaded
IsoDraft ...
... IsolateObjects Hides all entities, except the selected ones
Isoplane Isoplane
J Commands
Join Join
JpgOut ...
JustifyText ...
K Command
... KeepMe Visually merges drawings during the DrawingCompare command
L Commands
LayCur LayCur
LayDel ... In BricsCAD, use Layer command
Layer, -Layer Layer, -Layer BricsCAD uses Explorer for layers
LayerPalette, LayerClose LayersPanelClose / Open Closes and opens the Layers panel.
LayerP LayerP
LayerPMode ... In BricsCAD, use LayerPMode system variable
LayerState LayerState BricsCAD uses Explorer for layer states
LayerStateSave ...
LayFrz LayFrz
LayIso LayIso
LayLck LayLck
LayMch ...

LayMCur LayMCur
LayMrg ...
LayOff, LayOn LayOff, LayOn
-Layout Layout
... LayoutManager Displays Layout Manager for creating, naming, and reordering sets of layouts
LayoutWizard ... To be supported in a future release of BricsCAD
LayThw LayThw
LayTrans ...
LayULk LayULk
LayUnIso LayUnIso
LayVpi ... In BricsCAD, use the Layer command
LayWalk ...
Leader Leader
Lengthen Lengthen
... LicenseManager In AutoCAD, click Help | About | Product Information
... LicEnterKey Enters BricsCAD license key
... LicProperties Displays license information
... LicPropertiesBim License state of the BIM module
... LicPropertiesCommunicator Licence state of the Communicator module
... LicPropertiesSheetmetal Licence state of the sheet metal module
Light Light
LightList, LightListClose LightList BricsCAD uses Explorer for lights
Limits Limits
Line Line
Linetype Linetype, -Linetype BricsCAD uses Explorer for linetypes
List List
LiveSection LiveSection
Load Load
Loft Loft
LogFileOn, LogFileOff LogFileOn, LogFileOff
... LookFrom In AutoCAD, use the NavCube command
LtScale LtScale
LWeight LWeight BricsCAD uses Settings for lineweights
M Commands
... Mail Attaches current drawing to new email message
... Manipulate Widget for rotating, moving, mirroring, and scaling entities
... MapConnect In AutoCAD, use the GeoMapImage command
Markup, MarkupClose ... BricsCAD does not support markup files
MassProp MassProp
MatBrowserClose / Open MatBrowserClose / Open
MatchCell ...
... MatchPerspective Changes the viewpoint in perspective mode to match a background image
MatchProp MatchProp
MatEditorOpen / Close Materials In BricsCAD, use Explorer to edit materials
MaterialAssign ... In BricsCAD, use Layer and Properties to assign materials
MaterialAttach ... In BricsCAD, use Layer and Properties to assign materials

MaterialMap MaterialMap
Materials / Close Materials
... MatLib Displays the Rendering Materials panel
Measure Measure
MeasureGeom ... In BricsCAD, use the Area, Dist, and MassProp commands
... MechanicalBrowserClose Closes the Mechanical Browser panel
... MechanicalBrowserOpen Displays the Mechanical Browser panel
Menu Menu
... MenuLoad, MenuUnload In AutoCAD, use CuiLoad and CuiUnload
Mesh Mesh
MeshCap ... BricsCAD does not support point-defined surface meshes
MeshCollapse ...
MeshCrease ...
MeshExtrude ...
MeshMerge ...
MeshOptions ...
MeshPrimitiveOptions ...
MeshRefine ...
MeshSmooth ...
MeshSmoothLess / More ...
MeshSpin ...
MeshSplit ...
MeshUncrease ...
... Midpoint In AutoCAD, use -OSnap Midpoint
MigrateMaterials ... Required only for old AutoCAD drawings
MInsert MInsert
Mirror Mirror
Mirror3d Mirror3d
MLeader MLeader
MLeaderAlign ...
MLeaderCollect ...
MLeaderEdit MLeaderEdit
... MLeaderEditText Edits all aspects of mleaders
MLeaderStyle MLeaderStyle
MlEdit ... In BricsCAD, use Properties
MLine MLine
MlStyle MLStyle BricsCAD uses Explorer for multiline styles
Model ... In BricsCAD, double-click inside the viewport
... ModelProperties Opens Settings dialog at Modeler section
... -ModelProperties Specifies 3D modeling tolerances at the command prompt
Move Move
... MoveEData Moves xdata between entities
MRedo ... In BricsCAD, use Redo multiple times
MSlide MSlide
MSpace MSpace
MtEdit ... In BricsCAD, use Properties
MText MText, -MText
Multiple Multiple

MView MView
MvSetup MvSetup
N Commands
NavBar ...
... Navigate In AutoCAD, use 3dWalk / 3dFly
NavSMotion / Close ...
NavSWheel ...
NavVCube ... In BricsCAD, use the LookFrom command
NCopy ...
... Nearest In AutoCAD, use -Osnap Nearest
NetLoad NetLoad
New New
NewSheetset NewSheetset
NewShot ...
NewView ...
... NewWiz In BricsCAD, begins new drawings with wizard
... Node In AutoCAD, use -OSnap Node
... None In AutoCAD, use -OSnap None
O Commands
ObjectScale ObjectScale, -ObjectScale
Offset Offset
OffsetEdge ... In BricsCAD, use the SolidEdit Offset command
OleLinks OleLinks
OleOpen OleOpen
OleScale ...
... OnWeb Opens Bricsys.com home page; in AutoCAD, use Browser
Oops Oops
Open Open
OpenDwfMarkup ... BricsCAD does not support DWG and markup files
OpenSheetset OpenSheetset, -OpenSheetset
Options Options
Ortho Orthogonal
-OSnap OSnap, -OSnap
OverKill OverKill, -OverKill
P Commands

PageSetup PageSetup
Pan Pan, -Pan
... Parallel In AutoCAD, use -OSnap Parallel
Parameters, ParametersClose ... In BricsCAD, use bmBrowser
... -Parameters Creates and edits parameters at the command line
PartiaLoad ...
-PartialOpen ...

PasteAsHyperlink ...
PasteBlock PasteBlock
PasteClip PasteClip
PasteOrig PasteOrig
PasteSpec PasteSpec
PcExtractCenterLine ...
PcExtractCorner ...
PcExtractEdge ...
PcExtractSection ...
PcInWizard ...
... PDF In AutoCAD, use ExternalReferences command
PdfAdjust PdfAdjust
PdfAttach PdfAttach, -PdfAttach
PdfClip PdfClip
PdfLayers PdfLayers
... PdfOptions Settings for PDF exports
PdfShxTxT ...
PEdit PEdit
... PEditExt Edits polylines at the command line
... Perpendicular In AutoCAD, use -OSnap Perpendicular
PFace PFace
... Placeview Places model views into layouts
Plan Plan
PlaneSurf ...
PLine PLine
Plot Plot, -Plot
PlotStamp ... In BricsCAD, use Print command’s Plot Stamp option
PlotStyle PlotStyle
PlotterManager PlotterManager
PmToggle ...
PngOut ...
Point Point
PointCloudAttach ... BricsCAD does not support point clouds
PointCloudColorMap ...
PointCloudCrop / Uncrop ...
PointCloudCropState ...
PointCloudManager / Close ...
PointCloudStylize ...
PointLight PointLight
Polygon Polygon
PolySolid PolySolid
PressPull ... In BricsCAD, use the dmPushpull command
Preview Preview
... Print In BricsCAD, operates like AutoCAD’s Plot command
ProjectGeometry ProjectGeometry
... ProfileManager In AutoCAD, use Profiles tab of Options command
Properties, PropertiesClose Properties, PropertiesClose
... Proxyinfo Displays the Proxy Information dialog box

PSetupIn PSetupIn, -PSetupIn

PSpace PSpace
PType ... In BricsCAD, use the DdPtype command
Publish Publish, -Publish
Purge Purge, -Purge
Pyramid Pyramid
Q Commands
QDim ... QDim removed from BricsCAD V14.1.02
QLeader QLeader
QNew QNew
... QPrint In BricsCAD, plots directly without dialog box
QSave QSave
QSelect QSelect
QText QText
QuickCalc, QcClose ... In BricsCAD, use the Calc command
... Quadrant In AutoCAD, use -OSnap Quadrant
QuickCui ... In BricsCAD, use the Customize command
QuickProperties ...
Quit Quit
QvDrawing, QvDrawingClose ... In BricsCAD, use Window menu
QvLayout, QvLayoutClose ... In BricsCAD, use layout tabs or drawing tabs
R Commands
Ray Ray
... ReassocApp In BricsCAD, reassociates apps with xdata
Recap ... BricsCAD does not support point clouds
... RecordRawInput For developer use in BricsCAD
Recover, RecoverAll Recover, RecoverAll
... RecScript In BricsCAD, begins recording a script file
Rectang Rectang
Redefine Redefine
Redo Redo
Redraw, RedrawAll Redraw, RedrawAll
... RedSdkInfo In AutoCAD, use GraphicsConfig
RefClose RefClose
RefEdit RefEdit, -RefEdit
RefSet RefSet
Regen, RegenAll Regen, RegenAll
Regen3 ...
RegenAuto RegenAuto
Region Region
Reinit Reinit
Rename Rename, -Rename BricsCAD uses Explorer to rename styles
Render Render, -Render
RenderCrop ...

RenderEnvironment / Close ... To be supported in a future release of BricsCAD

RenderExposure / Close ...
RenderOnline ...
RenderPresets / Close RenderPresets BricsCAD uses Explorer to set rendering presets
RenderWindow / Close ...
... RenderWinClose
... ReportPanelClose Closes the Report panel
... ReportPanelOpen Opens the Report panel
ResetBlock ResetBlock
Resume Resume
RevCloud RevCloud
Reverse ...
Revolve Revolve
RevSurf RevSurf
Ribbon, RibbonClose Ribbon, RibbonClose
Rotate Rotate
Rotate3D Rotate3D
RPref, RPrefClose ... To be supported in a future release of BricsCAD
RScript RScript
... RtLook In AutoCAD, use 3dFly; Rt = realtime
... RtPan In AutoCAD, use 3dPan
... RtRot In AutoCAD, use 3dOrbit
... RtRotCtr In AutoCAD, use 3dOrbit
... RtRotF In AutoCAD, use 3dOrbit
... RtRotX In AutoCAD, use 3dOrbit
... RtRotY In AutoCAD, use 3dOrbit
... RtRotZ In AutoCAD, use 3dOrbit
... RtUpDown In AutoCAD, use 3dSwivel
... RtWalk In AutoCAD, use 3dWalk
... RtZoom In AutoCAD, use 3dZoom
RuleSurf RuleSurf
S Commands
Save, SaveAll Save, SaveAll
SaveAs SaveAs
... SaveAsR12 Saves drawings in R12 DWG format
SaveImg ... To be supported in a future release of BricsCAD; for now use Export or MSlide
Scale Scale
ScaleListEdit ScaleListEdit, -ScaleListEdit
ScaleText ...
Script Script
ScriptCall ...
... Scrollbar Toggles scroll bars
Section Section
SectionPlane SectionPlane
SectionPlaneJog ...
SectionPlaneSettings SectionPlaneSettings In BricsCAD, use Explorer for section plane settings

SectionPlaneToBlock SectionPlaneToBlock
SectionSpinners ....
... Security Determines whether VBA macros may run
SecurityOptions SecurityOptions
Select Select
... SelectAlignedFaces Selects all faces coplanar with the selected face
... SelectAlignedSolids Selects all solids with faces coplanar to the selected face
... SelectConnectedFaces Selects all faces connected to the selected face
... SelectConnectedSolids Selects all solids whose faces are connected to the selected face
SelectSimilar SelectSimilar
... SelGrips In AutoCAD, use Ai_SelAll
SetByLayer ...
... Settings In BricsCAD, displays Settings dialog box
... SettingsSearch In BricsCAD, searches Settings dialog from the command line
... SetUCS In AutoCAD, use UcsMan
SetVar SetVar
... Shade In AutoCAD, use VsCurrent
-ShadeMode ShadeMode, -ShadeMode
Shape Shape
Sheetset, SheetsetHide Sheetset, SheetsetHide Renamed from SheetsetClose in V18
Shell Shell
ShowPalettes ...
ShowRenderGallery ...
SigValidate ...
... Singleton In AutoCAD, use SDI system variable
Sketch Sketch
Slice Slice
... sm- For sheet metal commands, see the end of this appendix
Snap Snap
SolDraw ... In BricsCAD, use the ViewBase command
Solid Solid
SolidEdit SolidEdit
SolProf SolProf
SolView ... In BricsCAD, use the ViewBase command
SpaceTrans ...
Spell Spell
Sphere Sphere
Spline Spline
SplinEdit SplinEdit
SpotLight SpotLight
Standards ...
... StandardPartsPanelClose Closes the Standard Parts panel.
... StandardPartsPanelOpen Opens Standard Parts panel to insert hardware parts as mechanical components
... StatBar In AutoCAD, use StatBar system variable
Status Status
StlOut StlOut
... StopScript Stops recording to script file
Stretch Stretch

... StructurePanel Opens the Structure panel displaying tree structure of the drawing content
... StructurePanelClose Closes the Structure panel
Style Style, -Style BricsCAD uses Explorer for styles
StylesManager StylesManager
Subtract Subtract
SunProperties / Close SunProperties
... SupportFolder Opens C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Bricsys\BricsCAD\V18x64\en_US\Support
SurfBlend ...
SurfExtend dmExtrude
SurfExtractCurve dmMove
SurfFillet dmFillet
SurfNetwork ...
SurfOffset ...
SurfPatch ...
SurfSculpt ...
SurfTrim, SurfUntrim ...
... SvgOptions In BricsCAD, opens Settings dialog at SVG Export section
Sweep Sweep
SysVarMonitor ...
SysWindows SysWindows
T Commands
Table Table, -Table
TablEdit TablEdit
TableExport TableExport
... TableMod In BricsCAD, edits cells
TableStyle TableStyle
Tablet Tablet
TabSurf TabSurf
... Tangent In AutoCAD, use -OSnap Tangent
TargetPoint ...
Taskbar ...
... TemplateFolder Opens C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Local\Bricsys\BricsCAD\V18x64\en_US\Templates
... TestDbUserIo For developer use in BricsCAD
... TestDlg For developer use in BricsCAD
... TestFatal For developer use in BricsCAD
... TestInternal For developer use in BricsCAD
Text Text, -Text
TextAlign ...
TextEdit .... In BricsCAD, use the DdEdit command
TextScr TextScr
TextToFront TextToFront
... TfLoad Opens handle, xsd, and strip data from DWT template files
... TfSave Saves handle, xsd, and strip data to DWT template files
Thicken ... In BricsCAD, use the DmExtrude command
TifOut ...
Time Time

TInsert TInsert
Tolerance Tolerance
-Toolbar Toolbar, -Toolbar
ToolPalettes / Close ToolPalettes, ToolPalettesClose
... -ToolPanel Opens tool panels by name at the command bar
Torus Torus
TpNavigate TpNavigate
... Trace Draws wide lines
TreeStat ...
Trim Trim
TScale ...
... TxtExp Explodes text
U Commands
U U
Ucs Ucs
UcsIcon UcsIcon
UcsMan ... In BricsCAD, use the SetUcs command
ULayers ... In BricsCAD, use the Layer command
Undefine Undefine
Undo Undo
Ungroup ... In BricsCAD, use the Group command
Union Union
UnisolateObjects UnisolateObjects
Units Units, -Units
UpdateField UpdateField
UpdateThumbsNow ...
... Url In AutoCAD, use the Browser command
V Commands
VbaIde VbaIde
VbaLoad VbaLoad, -VbaLoad
VbaMan VbaMan
... VbaNew
VbaRun VbaRun, -VbaRun
... VbaSecurity
VbaStmt ...
VbaUnload VbaUnload
View View, -View BricsCAD uses Explorer for views
ViewBase ViewBase
ViewComponent ...
ViewDetail ViewDetail
ViewDetailStyle ViewDetailStyle
ViewEdit ViewEdit
... ViewExport Exports drawings from paper space to model space; destroys 3D information

ViewGo ...
ViewPlay ...
ViewPlotDetails ...
ViewProj ViewProj
ViewRes ViewRes
ViewSection ViewSection
ViewSectionStyle ViewSectionStyle
ViewSetProj ...
ViewSymbolSketch / Close ...
ViewStd ... In BricsCAD, use the ViewBase command
ViewUpdate ViewUpdate
VisualStyles / Close VisualStyles, -VisualStyles BricsCAD uses VisualStyles in Explorer
VLisp ... In BricsCAD, use text editor and VLxxx functions
... VmlOut Exports drawings in VML format
VpClip VpClip
VpLayer VpLayer
VpMax / Min ...
VPoint VPoint
VPorts VPorts, -Vports
VsCurrent VsCurrent
VSlide VSlide
VsSave ... In BricsCAD, use VisualStyles in Explorer
VTOptions VTOptions
W Commands
WalkFlySettings ...
WBlock WBlock, -WBlock
... WCascade Cascades windows
... WClose Closes the current window
... WCloseAll Closes all windows
WebLight WebLight
WebLoad ...
Wedge Wedge
WhoHas WhoHas
... WhTile Tiles windows horizontally
... WiArrange Arranges iconized windows
WipeOut WipeOut
WmfIn ... To be supported in a future release of BricsCAD
WmfOpts ... To be supported in a future release of BricsCAD
WmfOut WmfOut
... WNext In AutoCAD, use drawing tabs
... WorkSets In BricsCAD, loads named sets of drawings
WorkSpace WorkSpace
... WPrev In AutoCAD, use drawing tabs
WsSave WsSave
WsSettings WsSettings
... WvTile In BricsCAD, tiles windows vertically

X Commands
XAttach XAttach
XBind ... To be supported in a future release of BricsCAD
XClip XClip
XData ...
XDList ...
XEdges XEdges
... XFaces Extracts surfaces from 3D solids or surfaces.
XLine XLine
XList ...
... XmlSave - Prompts for handles to save in an XML file
XOpen XOpen
Xplode Xplode
Xref, -XRef XRef, -XRef Explorer for external references
Z Command
... ZCenter Toggles 3D osnap to centers of planar and curved 3D faces
... ZIntersection Toggles 3D osnap to intersections of linear entities, and edges, as well at the 3D
intersections of faces with polar and entity snap tracking lines
... ZKnot Toggles 3D osnap at the knots of splines
... ZMidpoint Toggles 3D osnap at midpoints of face edges
... ZNearest Toggles 3D osnap to points on faces nearest to the cursor
... ZNone Disables 3D osnap modes
Zoom Zoom
... ZPerpendicular Toggles 3D osnap at points perpendicular to faces
... ZVertex Toggles 3D osnap to the closest vertex of a 3D entity
# Commands
... 2dIntersection In AutoCAD, use -OSnap Intersection
3D 3D
3dAlign ...
3dArray 3dArray
3dClip ...
... 3DCompare Compares the 3D content of two drawing files
3dCOrbit ... In BricsCAD, use the RtRot command
... 3dConvert Converts ACIS solids to polyface meshes
3dDistance
3dDwf ... In BricsCAD, use 3D DWF option of Export command
3dEditBar ...
3dFace 3dFace
3dFly Navigate Walk and flythroughs of 3D models
3dFOrbit ... In BricsCAD, use the RtRot command
... 3dIntersection In AutoCAD, use -OSnap Intersection
3dMesh 3dMesh
3dMove ... In BricsCAD, use Quad cursor’s Move option

3dOrbit ... In BricsCAD, use the RtRot command

3dOrbitCtr ...
-3dOsnap 3dOsnap, -3dOsnap
3dPan ... In BricsCAD, use the RtPan command
3dPoly 3dPoly
3dPrint ...
3dRotate ... In BricsCAD, use Quad cursor’s Rotate option
3dScale ...
3dsIn ...
3dSwivel ... In BricsCAD, use the RtUpDown command
3dWalk Navigate Walk and flythroughs of 3D models
3dZoom ... In BricsCAD, use the RtZoom command

BRICSCAD MECHANICAL COMMANDS
The Platinum edition of BricsCAD includes commands for working with mechanical components
and direct modeling and editing. The commands are listed separately in this appendix, because
AutoCAD does not have such capabilities. Command names in blue are to new V18.
The following commands are specific to mechanical drawings:
bmBom inserts bills of material (BOM) tables into drawings

bmBrowser opens and closes the Mechanical Browser bar
bmDependencies lists the names of the files that create assemblies
bmDissolve dissolves mechanical components inserted into drawings
bmExternalize converts local components to external components
bmForm forms new mechanical components and insert them into drawings
bmHardware, -bmHardware insert standard hardware parts as mechanical components
bmHide hides mechanical components
bmInsert, -bmInsert insert existing mechanical components into drawings
bmLocalize converts external components to local components
bmMassProp calculates mass properties of components, taking into account density
bmMech converts the current drawing into a mechanical component
bmNew creates a new mechanical component as a new drawing
bmOpen opens parts from assembles for editing
bmOpenCopy creates new drawing with a copy of selected components.
bmRecover recovers broken mechanical structures
bmReplace replaces component inserts
bmShow shows hidden mechanical components
bmUnMech converts mechanical components into plain drawings
bmUpdate updates the hierarchy of mechanical components
bmVStyle specifies the visual style of components
bmXConvert converts now-obsolete X-Hardware solids to mechanical components
The following commands are specific to direct modeling and editing:
dmAngle3D applies 3D angle constraints; AutoCAD does not support 3D constraints

dmAudit checks and fixes 3D models
dmChamfer chamfers edges
dmCoincident3D applies 3D coincident constraints
dmConcentric3D applies 3D concentric constraints
dmConstraint3D is a super command for applying any kind of 3D constraint
dmCopyFaces copies features like holes and ribs to the same or other 3D solids
dmDeformCurve deforms by moving or rotating edges to a specified set of target curves
dmDeformMove moves or rotates edges
dmDeformPoint transforms points lying on specified faces
dmDelete erases parts and sub-entities
dmDistance3D applies 3D distance constraints
dmExtrude extrudes planar entities and sub-entities
dmFillet rounds edges
dmFix3D applies 3D fix constraints

dmGroup creates new groups, edits them, and dissolves groups
dmMove moves parts and sub-entities
dmParallel3D applies 3D parallel constraints
dmPerpendicular3D applies 3D perpendicular constraints
dmPushPull pushes and pulls faces and closed contours
dmRadius3D applies 3D radial constraints
dmRepair checks, reports, and optionally fixes errors in 3D solids
dmRevolve revolves planar entities and sub-entities
dmRigidSet3D turns a group of components into a set, like a group
dmRotate rotates entities and sub-entities
dmSelect selects 3D subentities, like edges, faces, protrusions, fillets, and blend networks
dmSelectEdges places faces and solids in a selection set
dmSimplify removes unnecessary edges and vertices, merges seam edges, and so on
dmStitch converts watertight region and surface entities to 3D solids; joins non-watertight surfaces to form a
singe surface; converts regions to surfaces
dmTangent3D applies 3D tangency constraints
dmThicken converts surfaces to 3D solids with specified thicknesses
dmTwist twists 3D solids by an angle
dmUpdate updates 3D models to satisfy constraints
BIM MODELING COMMANDS

BricsCAD constructs architectural models with built-in intelligence, a form of CAD known as BIM.
This function is not available in AutoCAD. The BIM commands are available through a separate,
extra-cost, add-on module to BricsCAD Platinum. See https://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/BIM/.
Bricsys Web page for obtaining the BIM add-on
Blue indicates commands new since the last edition of this ebook:
bimAddEccentricity controls relative positions of the axes in linear solids.

bimApplyProfile applies profiles to linear entities and linear solids.
bimAttachComposition attaches BIM compositions (wall styles) to solids.

bimAttachSpatialLocation automatically detects, creates, and assigns buildings and stories.
bimAutoUpdateRoom updates rooms automatically.
bimCheck reports the number of BIM entities in drawings.
bimClassify classifies entities as a wall, slab, column, beam, window, or door.
bimConnect creates L-connections between two solids.
bimDrag extends walls or slabs; modifies their thickness.
bimExport exports models to IFC files with all 3D geometric and BIM-related data.
bimFlip flips starting faces of compositions; mirrors inserts like windows and doors.
bimGetStatisticalData reports statistics data of BIM objects in the current drawing.
bimIfcImport imports IFC files.
bimIfy automatically classifies and spatial locates the entire bim model.
bimInsert inserts window and doors.
bimLinearSolid creates chains of linear solids.
bimList reports DXF-style data on BIM entities in drawings.
bimMultiSelect selects one or more linear solids with coplanar and/or parallel axes based on the initial solid
or face selected.
bimPatch reserves an of a BIM model for editing with the RefEdit command.
bimProfiles displays the profiles dialog box for creating and editing profiles.
bimProjectInfo displays the BIM project info dialog box for specifying project library databases.
bimProperties displays the BIM properties dialog box for specifying and editing properties of bim projects.
bimReposition repositions inserts (doors, windows) in the faces of solids.
bimRoom defines room areas with markers.
bimSection creates sections from BIM models.
bimSectionOpen opens drawing files related to BIM sections.
bimSectionUpdate exports BIM sections; also updates BIM sections.
bimSplit automatically separates segmented solids, or by selection of cutting faces.
bimSpatialLocations displays the buildings and stories manager dialog box to create and edit properties of
the site, buildings, and stories.
bimSuggest analyzes the selected connection between a pair of solids, then finds and suggest similar con-
nections elsewhere in the mode.
bimTag tags BIM sections.
bimUpdateRoom updates the geometry of the selected room.
bimUpdateThickness reapplies overall thickness of compositions to solids.
bimWindowArray places an array of inserts, such as windows and doors.
bimWindowCreate replaces closed entities with parametric window entities; displays the choose window
style dialog box.
bimWindowPrint prints windowed areas of models.
bimWindowUpdate updates openings when definitions of doors and windows change.

SHEET METAL MODELING COMMANDS
BricsCAD construct sheet metal parts with built-in intelligence; this function is not available in
AutoCAD. The sheet metal commands are available in a separate, extra-cost, add-on module to
BricsCAD Platinum. See https://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/sheetmetal/.
Bricsys Web page for obtaining the Sheet Metal add-on
smBendCreate converts sharp edges between flange faces to bends

SmBendSwitch converts bends to lofted bends
smConvert recognizes flanges and bends in a 3D solids automatically
smDelete removes junctions by restoring sharp edge between two flanges
smDissolve dissolves sheet metal features
smExport2D exports sheet metal as unfolded representation of 2D profiles in DXF or DWG format
smExportOsm export a sheet metal designs in Open Sheet Metal (.osm) format
smFlangeBase creates sheet metal models from closed 2D polylines or regions
smFlangeBend bends existing flanges along a line, taking into account the k-factor
smFlangeConnect closes gaps between two flanges; their orientation does not matter
smFlangeEdge bends the sheet metal to make flanges; generates corner and bend reliefs automatically
smFlangeRotate changes the bend angle of flanges
smFlangeSplit splits flanges along a line drawn on their faces
smForm adds forms to sheet metal
smJunctionCreate converts hard edges into junctions
smJunctionSwitch changing symmetrical junctions to ones with overlapping faces
smLoft constructs sheet metal bodies with lofted bends and flanges
smReliefCreate creates proper corner and bend reliefs.
smRepair joins connected lofted bends surrounded by flanges and rebuilds them tangent to adjacent flanges
smReplace replacing form features with ones from libraries
smRethicken restores 3D solid models from sheet metal part by thickening one side.
smSelectHardEdges selects all hard edges, and then reports about them in the report panel
smUnfold unfolds sheet metal bends

APPENDIX B
System Variable
Cross-reference
THIS APPENDIX COMPARES THE NAMES AND VALUES OF VARIABLES FOUND IN AUTOCAD
and BricsCAD, listed in alphabetical order. BricsCAD alone has 855 variables.
In addition to supporting many AutoCAD-like system variables, BricsCAD employs preference

variables, which are unique to it and provide greater access to system settings. The table in this
chapter uses the following notations:
ÐÐ System variables and preference names new since the last edition of this ebook are shown in blue text
ÐÐ BricsCAD preferences are shown in boldface text
ÐÐ Undocumented BricsCAD system variables and preferences are shown in italicized text; undocumented Auto-
CAD ones are not listed
Both CAD programs can change the values of variables, when the variables are not read-only. At the
command line, enter the SetVar command, and then the name of the system or preference variable.
For changing their values through dialog boxes, use these commands:
For AutoCAD system variables, enter the name in the SysVDlg command
For BricsCAD system and preference variables, enter the name in the search field of the Settings command
AutoCAD AutoCAD’s BricsCAD’s BricsCAD Preference &
System Variable Names Default Values Default Values System Variable Names Notes on Variables Unique to BricsCAD
A Variables
AcadLspAsDoc 0 0 AcadLspAsDoc
AcadPrefix c:\users\... C:\Users\... AcadPrefix
AcadVer 18.2 20.0 BricsCAD AcadVer
... -1 AcisHlrResolution Hidden-line removal resolution
... AcisOutVer
... (not used) AcisSaveAsMode Specifies how to save solids to R12
ActPath "" ...
ActRecorderState 0 ...
ActRecPath c:\users\... ...
ActUi 6 ...
Aec3dDwfEdge Off ...
AecCbPasteAvailability 0 ...
AecEipinProgress Off ...
AecEnableAssocanchor On ...
AeceEableSectioncleanup Off ...
AecForceDefaultmodelview Off ...
AecForceDisplaybysizedisabled Off ...
AecForceExplodetosolid Off ...
AecObjectIsolatemode Off ...
AecPsdAutoattach Off ...
AecPsdVisibility 0 ...
AFlags 16 0 AFlags
... 1 AllowTabExternalMove Allows one tab to be moved to another spot
... 1 AllowTabMove Allows tabs to be moved horizontally
... 1 AllowTabSplit Allows tabs to be split
AngBase 0 0 AngBase
AngDir 0 0 AngDir
AnnoAllVisible 1 On AnnoAllVisible
AnnoAutoScale -4 -4 AnnoAutoScale
AnnoMonitor -2 ...
... 0 AnnoSelected Whether selected entities are annotative
AnnotativeDwg 0 0 AnnotativeDwg
... 2 AntiAliasRender Level of anti-aliasing in renderings
... 2 AntiAliasScreen Level of anti-aliasing in 3D views
ApBox 0 0 ApBox
Aperture 10 10 Aperture
AppAutoLoad 14 ...
AppFrameResources pack://application... ...
ApplyGlobalOpacities 0 ...
Area 0 0 Area
... "in ft mi um..." AreaUnits Units used to convert areas
ArrayAssociativity 1 1 ArrayAssociativity
ArrayCreation 0 ...
ArrayEditState 0 0 ArrayEditState
ArrayType 0 0 ArrayType

AttDia 0 0 AttDia
AttIpe 0 ...
AttMode 1 1 AttMode
AttMulti 1 ...
... 3 AttractionDistance Specifies grips attraction distance
AttReq 1 1 AttReq
AuditCtl 0 0 AuditCtl
... 0 AuditErrorCount Reports number of errors in audit
AUnits 0 0 AUnits
AuPrec 0 0 AuPrec
... 0.3 AutoCompleteDelay Delay before autocomplete appears
... 15 AutoCompleteMode Determines the autocomplete functions
AutoDwfPublish 0 ...
AutomaticPub 0 ...
... 1 AutoMenuLoad Specifies which menu to load
... 0 AutoResetScales Deletes unused annotations scales
... 1 AutosaveChecksOnlyFirstBitDbMod Checks first bit only of DbMod for autosave
AutoSnap 63 63 AutoSnap
... 171 AutoTrackingVecColor Specifies color of the tracking vector
... 1 AutoVpFitting Fits model to viewport borders automatically
... (not used) AxisMode Toggles axis display
... (not used) AxisUnit Specifies axis units
B Variables
BackgroundPlot 2 2 BackgroundPlot
BackZ 0 0 BackZ
BActionBarMode 1 ...
BActionColor 7 ...
... "" BaseFile Specifies default template path & file name
BConStatusMode 0 ...
BDependencyHighlight 1 1 BDependencyHighlight
BGripObjColor 141 "141" BGripObjColor
BGripObjSize 8 8 BGripObjSize
... 0 BimOsMode Object snapping to axes of linear BIM solids
BindType 0 0 BindType
... 256 BkgColor Specifies background color
... 256 BkgColorPs Specifies paper space background color
... 0 Blipmode Toggles blip marks made by clicking
BlockEditLock 0 0 BlockEditLock
BlockEditor 0 0 BlockEditor
... C:\Users\... BlocksPath Specifies path to blocks for Insert command
... 1 bmAutoUpdate Specifies when to load external assemblies
... 0 bmReportPanel Removed from V18
... 0 bmUpdateMode Specifies how to load external assemblies
... 1000 BndLimit For internal use by Bricsys
BlockTestWindow 0 ...
B
System Variable Cross-reference 285
BParameterColor 170 "170" BParameterColor

BParameterFont simplex.shx "simplex.shx" BParameterFont
BParameterSize 12 12 BParameterSize
BPTextHorizontal 1 1 BPTextHorizontal
... 0 BSysLibCopyOverwrite Controls over-copying of materials
BtMarkDisplay 1 1 BtMarkDisplay
BvMode 0 0 BvMode
C Variables
... 1 CacheLayout Toggles caching of layouts
CacheMaxFiles 256 ...
CacheMaxTotalFiles 1024 ...
CalcInput 1 ...
CameraDisplay 0 0 CameraDisplay
CameraHeight 0 0 CameraHeight
CAnnoScale 1:1 1:1 CAnnoScale
CAnnoScaleValue 1 1 CAnnoScaleValue
CaptureThumbnails 1 ...
CBarTransparency 50 ...
CConstraintForm 0 ...
CDate 20090722.2 20090722.15 CDate
CDynDisplayMode 0 ...
CeColor bylayer BYLAYER CeColor
CeLtscale 1 1 CeLtScale
CeLtype bylayer BYLAYER CeLtype
CeLweight -1 -1 CeLweight
CenterCrossGap "0.05x" ...
CenterCrossSize "0.1x" ...
CenterExe 0.1200 ...
CenterLayer "Use Current" ...
CenterLtscale 1.0000 ...
CenterLtype "Center2" ...
CenterLtypeFile "Acad.Lin" ...
CenterMarkExe On ...
CenterMt 0 ...
CeTransparency ByLayer ByLayer CeTransparency
CGeoCs "" "" CGeoCs
ChamferA 0 0.5 ChamferA
ChamferB 0 0.5 ChamferB
ChamferC 0 1 ChamferC
ChamferD 0 0 ChamferD
ChamMode 0 0 ChamMode
... 0 CheckDwlPresence Checks for DWL drawing lock file
CircleRad 0 0 CircleRad
Classickeys 0 ...
CLayer 0 0 CLayer

CLayout "Model" ...

... 0 CleanScreenOptions Specifies which UI elements to display
CleanScreenState 0 0 CleanScreenState
... 7 ClipboardFormat Specifies default DWG format for Clipboard
... 127 ClipboardFormats Determines Clipboard formats to support
... 1 CliState Reports visibility of command line
CliPromptLines 10 ...
CliPromptUpdate 0 ...
... 0 CloseChecksOnlyFirstBitDbMod Does not save drawing if it was only viewed
... 0 CloudLog Toggles log that records 24/7 activity
... 0 CloudLogVerbose Toggles added details in 24/7 log
... 1 CloudModified Action to take on local modified drawings
... www.mybricsys247.com CloudServer Reports address of 24/7 server
... "C:\users\..." CloudTempFolder Stores name of local 24/7 folder
... 1 CloudUploadDependencies Specifies files to upload with drawing
... www.mychapoo.com ChapooWebsite Removed from V18
CMaterial bylayer "" CMaterial
CmdActive 1 1 CmdActive
CmdDia 1 1 CmdDia
CmdEcho 1 1 CmdEcho
CmdInputHistoryMax 20 ...
... #f8f8f8 CmdLineEditBgColor Specifies command line background color
... #000000 CmdLineEditFgColor Specifies command line foreground color
... Courier New CmdLineFontName Specifies command line font name
... 10 CmdLineFontSize Specifies command line font size
... #ffffdd CmdLineListBgColor Specifies command line background color
... #000000 CmdLineListFgColor Specifies command line foreground color
... : CmdLnText Specifies prompt prefix
CmdNames setvar Options CmdNames
CmFadeColor 60 ...
CmFadeOpacity 40 ...
CMleaderStyle standard standard CMleaderStyle
CMlJust 0 0 CmlJust
CMlScale 1 1 CmlScale
CMlStyle standard STANDARD CmlStyle
... 1 CmpClrMiss Drawing compare missing entities color
... 253 CmpClrMode1 Drawing compare drawing 1 entities color
... 2 CmpClrMode2 Drawing compare drawing 2 entities color
... 3 CmpClrNew Drawing compare new entities color
... 10000000 CmpDiffLimit Drawing compare entity comparison limit
CmOsnap 1 ....
ColorTheme 0 ...
... 1 ColorX Specifies X axis color
... 3 ColorY Specifies Y axis color
... 5 ColorZ Specifies Z axis color
... 0 ComAcadCompatibility Checks registry for VB app compatibility
CommandPreview 1 ...
B
Compass 0 0 Compass
ComplexLtPreview 1 ...
Consolidationmode 3 ...
ConstraintBarDisplay 1 ConstraintBarDisplay
... 0 ContinuousMotion Toggles continued motion after release
ConstraintBarMode 4095 ...
ConstraintCursorDisplay 1 ...
ConstraintInfer 0 ...
ConstraintNameFormat 2 ...
ConstraintRelax 0 ...
ConstraintSolveMode 1 ...
Coords 1 1 Coords
CopyMode 0 0 CopyMode
CPlotStyle bycolor ByColor CPlotStyle
CProfile <<unnamed profile>> DEFAULT CProfile
... 1 CreateViewports Creates viewports in new layouts
... 2 CrossHairDrawMode Toggles use of RedSDK for 3D cursor
CrossingAreaColor 100 3 CrossingAreaColor
CTab model Model CTab
CTableStyle standard STANDARD CTableStyle
... 1 Ctrl3DMouse Toggles use of 3D mouse
... 1 CtrlMouse Toggles meaning of mouse shortcuts
CullingObj 1 ...
CullingObjSelection 0 ...
CursorBadge 2 ...
CursorSize 5 5 CursorSize
CursorType 0 ...
CviewDetailStyle "Imperial24" ...
CviewSectionStyle "Imperial24" ...
CVPort 2 2 CvPort
D Variables
DataLinkNotify 2 ...
Date 2455035.85 2455035.63 Date
DblClkEdit on 1 DblClkEdit
DbMod 5 0 DbMod
DctCust "c:\users\..." "" DctCust
DctMain enu en_US.dic DctMain
... 2 ddBetweenKnots Distance between knots on NURBS surfaces
... 0 ddFastMode Displays faster with more display errors
... 0 ddGridAspectRatio Specifies the grid aspect ratio
... 0 ddMaxFacetEdgeLength Specifies Maximum edge length of cell sides
... 1000 ddMaxNumGridLines Specifies max grid lines for subdivisions
... 15 ddNormalTol Specifies max deviation between normals
... 0 ddPointsPerEdge Specifies the number of points per edge
... 0 ddSurfaceTol Max distance between facet and true edge

... 1 ddUseFacetRes Toggles use of the FacetRed sysvar

... "" DefaultBSysLibImperial Points to bsyslib library folder
... "" DefaultBSysLibMetric Points to bsyslib library folder
DefaultGizmo 0 ...
DefaultIndex 0 ...
DefaultlLghting 1 DefaultlLghting
DefaultLightingType 1 ...
... 8 DefaultLightShadowBlur Default shadow blur
... (none) DefaultNewSheetTemplate Names .dwg or .dwt as default template
DeflPlStyle bycolor ByColor Deflplstyle
DefPlStyle bycolor ByColor DefPstyle
... 1 DeleteTool Toggles deletion of tool entities in Subtract
DelObj 1 1 DelObj
DemandLoad 3 3 DemandLoad
DesignFeedState 1 ...
DgnFrame 0 2 DgnFrame
DgnImportMax 10000000 ...
DgnImportMode 0 ...
DgnImportUnitConversion 0 ...
DgnMappingPath c:\users\... ...
DgnOsnap 1 1 DgnOsnap
DiaStat 1 1 DiaStat
Digitizer 0 ...
DisplayViewCubeIn2d On ...
DisplayViewCubeIn3d On ...
DimConstraintIcon 3 ...
DimContinueMode 1 ...
... 0 DisplaySnapMarkerInAllViews Toggles snap markers in all viewports
... 1 DisplayTooltips Displays snap tooltips
... 1 DispPaperBkg Toggles paper space background
... 1 DispPaperMargins Displays paper space margins
DispSilh 0 0 DispSilh Displays silhouette curves
Distance 0 0 Distance
DivMeshBoxHeight 3 ...
DivMeshBoxLength 3 ...
DivMeshBoxWidth 3 ...
DivMeshConeAxis 8 ...
DivMeshConeBase 3 ...
DivMeshConeHeight 3 ...
DivMeshCylAxis 8 ...
DivMeshCylBase 3 ...
DivMeshCylHeight 3 ...
DivMeshPyrBase 3 ...
DivMeshPyrHeight 3 ...
DivMeshPyrLength 3 ...
DivMeshSphereAxis 12 ...
DivMeshSphereHeight 6 ...
B
DivMeshTorusPath 8 ...
DivMeshTorusSection 8 ...
DivMeshWedgeBase 3 ...
DivMeshWedgeHeight 3 ...
DivMeshWedgeLength 4 ...
DivMeshWedgeSlope 3 ...
DivMeshWedgeWidth 3 ...
... 1 dmAuditLevel Direct modeling error messages
... 1 dmAutoUpdate Toggles auto update of 3D constrained models
... 0 dmExtrudeMode Specified operation of Auto mode
... 127 dmRecognize Determines which 3D constraints are applied
... 1 DockPriority Determines docking priority of toolbars
... 0 DocTabPosition Location of drawing tabs
DonutId 0.5 0.5 DonutId
DonutOd 1 1 DonutOd
DragMode 2 2 DragMode
... 0 DragModeHide Specifies entities to show while dragging
... 1 DragModeInterrupt Toggles interrupts of redraws
... 1 DragOpen Inserts or opens dragged files
DragP1 10 10 DragP1
DragP2 25 25 DragP2
... Off DragSnap Controls snap behavior while dragging
DragVs "" ...
... C:\Users\... DrawingPath Additional folders to open drawings
... "none" DrawingViewPreset Presets for the ViewBase command
... "" DrawingViewPresetScale Preset annotation scale for ViewBase cmd
DrawOrderCtl 3 3 DrawOrderCtl
DTextEd 2 ...
DwfFrame 2 2 DwfFrame
DwfOsnap 1 1 DwfOsnap
... 2 DwfVersion Specifies export format of DWF files
DwgCheck 1 0 DwgCheck
DwgCodepage ansi_1252 ANSI_1252 DwgCodepage
DwgCompareMode 0 ...
DwgName drawing1.dwg Drawing1.dwg DwgName
DwgPrefix "c:\users\..." "C:\Users\..." DwgPrefix
DwgTitled 0 0 DwgTitled
DxEval 12 12 DxEval
DynConstraintDisplay 1 ...
DynConstraintMode 1 1 DynConstraintMode
DynDiGrip 31 31 DynDiGrip
... 20 DynDimAperture Specifies radius in pixels around the cursor
... 142 DynDimColorHot Specifies dynamic dimension hot color
... 142 DynDimColorHover Specifies dynamic dimension hover color
... 1 DynDimDistance Specifies dynamic dimension distance
... 1 DynDimLineType Specifies dynamic dimension line type
DynDiVis 1 1 DynDiVis

DynInfoTips 1 ...
... 65 DynInputTransparency Specifies dynamic input field transparency
DynMode -3 2 DynMode
DynPiCoords 0 ...
DynPiFormat 0 ...
DynPiVis 1 ...
DynPrompt 1 ...
DynTooltips 1 ...
Dimension Variables
DimADec 0 0 DimADec
DimAlt off 0 DimAlt
DimAltD 2 2 DimAltD
DimAltF 25.4 25.4 DimAltF
DimAltRnd 0 0 DimAltRnd
DimAltTd 2 2 DimAltTd
DimAltTz 0 0 DimAltTz
DimAltU 2 2 DimAltU
DimAltZ 0 0 DimAltZ
DimAnno 0 0 DimAnno
DimAPost "" "" DimAPost
DimArcSym 0 0 DimArcSym
DimAssoc 2 2 DimAssoc
DimASz 0.18 0.18 DimASz
DimAtFit 3 3 DimAtFit
DimAUnit 0 0 DimAUnit
DimAZin 0 0 DimAZin
DimBlk "" "" DimBlk
DimBlk1 "" "" DimBlk1
DimBlk2 "" "" DimBlk2
DimCen 0.09 0.09 DimCen
DimClrD 0 0 DimClrD
DimClrE 0 0 DimClrE
DimClrT 0 0 DimClrT
DimDec 4 4 DimDec
DimDle 0 0 DimDle
DimDli 0.38 0.38 DimDli
DimDsep . . DimDsep
DimExe 0.18 0.18 DimExe
DimExo 0.06 0.06 DimExo
DimFit 3 3 DimFit
DimFrac 0 0 DimFrac
DimFxl 1 1 DimFxl
DimFxLon off 0 DimFxLon
DimGap 0.09 0.09 DimGap
DimJogAng 45 45 DimJogAng
B
DimJust 0 0 DimJust
DimLayer "use current" ...
DimLdrBlk "" "" DimLdrBlk
DimLfac 1 1 DimLfac
DimLim off 0 DimLim
DimLtEx1 "" "" DimLtEx1
DimLtEx2 "" "" DimLtEx2
DimLtype "" "" DimLtype
DimLUnit 2 2 DimLUnit
DimLwD -2 -1 DimLwD
DimLwE -2 -1 DimLwE
DimPickbox 5 ...
DimPost "" "" DimPost
DimRnd 0 0 DimRnd
DimSah off 0 DimSah
DimScale 1 1 DimScale
DimSd1 off 0 DimSd1
DimSd2 off 0 DimSd2
DimSe1 off 0 DimSe1
DimSe2 off 0 DimSe2
DimSho on on DimSho
DimSoxd off 0 DimSoxd
DimStyle standard STANDARD DimStyle
DimTad 0 0 DimTad
DimTDec 4 4 DimTDec
DimTFac 1 1 DimTFac
DimTFill 0 0 DimTFill
DimTFillClr 0 BYBLOCK DimTFillClr
DimTih on 1 DimTih
DimTix off 0 DimTix
DimTm 0 0 DimTm
DimTMove 0 0 DimTMove
DimTofl off 0 DimTofl
DimToh on 1 DimToh
DimTol off 0 DimTol
DimTolj 1 1 DimTolj
DimTp 0 0 DimTp
DimTSz 0 0 DimTSz
DimTVp 0 0 DimTVp
DimTxRuler on ...
DimTxSty standard STANDARD DimTxSty
DimTxt 0.18 0.18 DimTxt
DimTxtDirection off 0 DimTxtDirection
DimTzin 0 0 DimTZin
DimUnit 2 2 DimUnit
DimUpt off 0 DimUpt
DimZin 0 0 DimZin

E Variables
EdgeMode 0 0 EdgeMode
Elevation 0 0 Elevation
... 0 EnableAttraction Enables grips attraction
... 1 EnableHyperlinkMenu Toggles hyperlink menu
... 0 EnableHyperlinkTooltip Toggles hyperlink tooltips
EnterpriseMenu . ...
ErHighlight 1 ...
... 0 ErrNo For internal use by Bricsys
Expert 0 0 Expert
... 0 ExpInsAlign Aligns blocks with selected entity
... 0 ExpInsAngle Default angle for inserted blocks
... 1 ExpInsFixAngle Fixed rotation angle for inserted blocks
... 1 ExpInsFixScale Fixed scale factor for inserted blocks
... 1 ExpInsScale Default scale factor for inserted blocks
ExplMode 1 1 ExplMode
ExportEplotFormat 2 ...
ExportModelSpace 0 0 ExportModelSpace
ExportPageSetup 0 0 ExportPageSetup
ExportPaperSpace 0 0 ExportPaperSpace
ExpValue 8.8 ...
ExpWhiteBalance 6500 ...
ExtMax -1e+20,-1e+20,-1e+20 -1e+20,-1e+20,-1e+20 ExtMax
ExtMin 1e+20,1e+20,1e+20 1e+20,1e+20,1e+20 ExtMin
ExtNames 1 1 ExtNames
F Variables
FacetErDevNormal 40 ...
FacetErDevSurface 0 ...
FacetErGridRatio 0 ...
FacetErMaxEdgeLength 0 ...
FacetErMaxGrid 4096 ...
FacetErMeshType 0 ...
FacetErMinUGrid 0 ...
FacetErMinVGrid 0 ...
FacetErPrimitiveMode 1 ...
FacetErSmoothlev 1 ...
FacetRatio 0 0 FacetRatio
FacetRes 0.5 0.5 FacetRes
... 1 FeatureColors Colors solid faces by related features
FieldDisplay 1 1 FieldDisplay
FieldEval 31 31 FieldEval
FileDia 1 1 FileDia
FileTabPreview 1 ...
FileTabState 1 ...
B
FileTabThumbHover 1 ...
FilletRad 0 0 FilletRad
FilletRad3d 1.0 ...
FillMode 1 1 FillMode
FontAlt simplex.shx simplex.shx FontAlt
FontMap "c:\users..." default.fmp FontMap
Frame 3 3 Frame
FrameSelection 1 1 FrameSelection
FrontZ 0 0 FrontZ
FullOpen 1 1 FullOpen
FullPlotPath 1 ...
G Variables
GalleryView 1 ...
... 3771 GdiObjects For internal use by Bricsys
... 0 GenerateAssocViews Associates dimensions in generated views
GeoLatLongFormat 0 1 GeoLatLongFormat
GeoMapMode 0 ...
GeoMarkerVisibility
1 1 GeoMarkerVisibility
GeoMarkPositionSize 1 ...
... 1 GetStarted Toggles the Get Started dialog box
GfAng 0 ...
GfClr1 rgb:000,000,255 ...
GfClr2 rgb:255,255,153 ...
GfClrLum 1 ...
GfClrState 1 ...
GfName 1 ...
GfShift 0 ...
GlobalOpacity 0 ...
... 2 GlSwapMode Sets swap mode for GL graphics
... "#d2d2d2" GradientColorBottom Bottom color of gradient background
... "#fafafa" GradientColorMiddle Middle color of gradient background
... "#ffffff" GradientColorTop Top color of gradient background
... 0 GradientMode Specifies 0, 2, or 3-color background
... 252 GridAxisColor Specifies color of grid’s axis lines
GridDisplay 2 3 GridDisplay
GridMajor 5 5 GridMajor
... 253 GridMajorColor Specifies color of major grid lines
... 254 GridMinorColor Specifies color of minor grid lines
GridMode 0 0 GridMode
GridStyle 0 1 GridStyle
GridUnit 0.5000,0.5000 10,10,10 GridUnit
... 1 GridXyzTint Toggles coloring of x,y,z grid lines
GripBlock 0 0 GripBlock
GripColor 150 160 GripColor
GripContour 251 ...

GripDynColor 140 140 GripDynColor

GripHot 12 240 GripHot
GripHover 11 150 GripHover
GripMultifunctional 3 ...
GripObjLimit 100 100 GripObjLimit
Grips 1 1 Grips
GripSize 5 5 GripSize
GripSubobjMode 1 ...
GripTips 1 1 GripTips
GroupDisplayMode 2 ...
... 0 GsDeviceType2D Selects graphics system for wireframes
... 0 GsDeviceType3D Specifies graphics system for hidden, etc.
GtAuto 1 ...
GtDefault 0 ...
GtLocation 1 ...
H Variables
HaloGap 0 0 HaloGap
Handles 1 1 Handles
HatchBoundSet 0 ...
HatchType 0 ...
HelpPrefix “C:\Program..." ...
... 0 HidePrecision Accuracy of hidden line removal and shading
HideText on 1 HideText
HideXrefScales 1 1 HideXrefScales
Highlight 1 1 Highlight
... 142 HighlightColor Specifies highlight color
... 0 HighlightEffect Specifies color use for highlighting
HighlightSmoothing 1 ...
... 1 HorizonBkg_Enable Toggles horizon in perspective views
... "#878787" HorizonBkg_GroundHorizon Color of ground at horizon
... "#5F5F5F" HorizonBkg_GroundOrigin Color of the ground
... "#239BFF" HorizonBkg_SkyHigh Color of the sky at high elevation
... "#FFFFFF" HorizonBkg_SkyHorizon Color of sky at horizon
... "#FAFAFF" HorizonBkg_SkyLow Color of the sky at low elevation
HpAng 0 0 HpAng
HpAnnotative 0 0 HpAnnotative
HpAssoc 1 1 HpAssoc
HpBackgroundColor "." ...
HpBound 1 1 HpBound
HpBoundRetain 0 0 HpBoundRetain
HpColor "." ...
HpDlgMode 2 ...
HpDouble 0 0 HpDouble
HpDrawOrder 3 3 HpDraworder
HpGapTol 0 0 HpGapTol
B
HpInherit 0 ...
HpIslandDetection 1 ...
HpIslandDetectionMode 1 ...
HpLastPatter "Ansi31" ...
HpLayer "Use Current" "." HpLayer
HpLinetype Off Off HpLinetype
HpMaxArea 100 0 HpMaxAreas
HpMaxLines 1000000 ...
HpName ansi31 ANSI31 HpName
HpObjWarning 10000 10000 HpObjWarning
HpOrigin 0.0000,0.0000 0,0 HpOrigin
HpOriginMode 0 ...
HpOriginStoreAsDefault 0 ...
HpPickMode 0 ...
HpQuickPreview On ...
HpQuickPreviewTimeout 2 ...
HpRelativePs Off ...
HpScale 1 1 HpScale
HpSeparate 0 0 HpSeparate
HpSpace 1 1 HpSpace
... 0 HpStyle Determines hatching of islands
HpTransparency "." "." HpTransparency
HyperlinkBase . . HyperlinkBase
I Variables
IBEnvironment 0 ...
... C:\Users\<login>\... ImageCacheFolder Path to folder storing image cache files
... 160 ImageCacheMaxMemory Maximum RAM to reserve for image cache
... 1 ImageDiskCache Toggles use of the disk cache for images
ImageFrame 1 1 ImageFrame
ImageHlt 0 0 ImageHlt
... 0 ImageNotify Alert for missing raster attachments
... 0 ImportCuiFileExists Prompt, overwrite, or rename imported CUI
... 1 IncludePlotStamp Toggles plot stamp on plots
Impliedface 1 ...
IndexCtl 0 0 IndexCtl
InetLocation www.autodesk.com www.bricsys.com InetLocation
InputHistoryMode 15 ...
InputSearchDelay 300 ...
InsBase 0.0,0.0,0.0 0;0;0 InsBase
InsName . . InsName
InsUnits 1 1 InsUnits
InsUnitsdefSource 1 1 InsUnitsdefSource
InsUnitsdefTarget 1 1 InsUnitsdefTarget
IntelligentUpdate 20 ...
InterfereColor 1 "ByLayer" InterfereColor

... "Interferences" InterfereLayer Layer for interference solids

InterfereObjVs realistic "" InterfereObjVs
InterfereVpVs 3d wireframe "" InterfereVpVs
IntersectionColor 257 IntersectionColor
IntersectionDisplay off 0 IntersectionDisplay
ISaveBak 1 1 ISaveBak
ISavePercent 50 50 ISavePercent
Isolines 4 4 Isolines
L Variables
LargeObjectSupport 0 ...
LastAngle 0 0 LastAngle
LastPoint 5.7,13.5,0.0 0;0;0 LastPoint
LastPrompt lastangle : options LastPrompt
Latitude 37.8 37.7950 Latitude
LayerDlgMode 1 ...
LayerEval 0 ...
LayerEvalCtl 1 ...
LayerFilterAlert 2 ...
... 250 LayerFilterExcess Deletes layer filters exceeding this value
LayerNotify 0 ...
LayerOverrideHighlight 0 ...
... 1 LayerPMode Toggles tracking of layer changes
LayLockFadeCtl 50 50 LayLockFadeCtl Amount of fading of locked layers
LayoutCreateViewport 1 ...
LayoutRegenCtl 2 2 LayoutRegenCtl
... "" LengthUnits Units permissible for length conversions
LayoutTab 1 ...
LegacyCodeSearch off ...
LegacyCtrlPick 0 ...
LensLength 50 50 LensLength
... 31 LicExpDays Number of day at which license expires
... 0 LicFlags Specifies if components are licensed
... "" LicKey Reports software license number
... 30 LightGlyphColor Specifies color of light glyphs (icons)
LightGlyphDisplay 1 1 LightGlyphDisplay
LightingUnits 2 0 LightingUnits
LightsInBlocks 1 ...
... 1 LightWebGlyphColor Specifies color of glyphs of web lights
LimCheck 0 0 LimCheck
LimMax 12.0000,9.0000 12;9 LimMax
LimMin 0.0000,0.0000 0;0 LimMin
... 0 LinearBrightness Scale factor for light intensity
... 0 LinearContrast Ambient light intensity
LineFading on ...
LineFadingLevel 2 ...
B
... 1 LispInit Preserves LISP functions between sessions

Locale enu enu Locale
... c:\users\... LocalRootFolder Specifies path to local root folder
LocalRootPrefix c:\users\... c:\users\... LocalRootPrefix
LockUi 0 0 LockUi
LoftAng1 90 1.5708 LoftAng1
LoftAng2 90 1.5708 LoftAng2
LoftMag1 0 0 LoftMag1
LoftMag2 0 0 LoftMag2
LoftNormals 1 1 LoftNormals
LoftParam 7 7 LoftParam
LogFileMode 0 0 LogFileMode
LogFileName "c:\users\..." "" LogFileName
LogFilePath "c:\users\..." "c:\users\..." LogFilePath
LogInName <login> BricsCAD user LogInName
Longitude -122.39 -122.3940 Longitude
... 1 LookFromDirectionMode Specifies number of LookFrom directions
... 1 LookFromFeedback LookFrom help in tooltips or on status bar
... 1 LookFromZoomExtents Zoom to extents with each LookFrom pick
LtGapSelection 1 ...
LtScale 1 1 LtScale
LUnits 2 2 LUnits
LuPrec 4 4 LuPrec
LwDefault 211 25 LwDefault
LwDisplay off 0 LwDisplay
... 0.55 LwDispScale Specifies lineweight display scale
LwUnits 1 1 LwUnits
M Variables
... 0 MacroRec Reports that macro is being recorded
MacroTrace 0 0 MacroTrace
... 2 Manipulator Toggles display of manipulator widget
... 250 ManipulatorDuration Millisecs before manipulator widget appears
... 1 ManipulatiorSize Specifies the relative size of the widget
... -1 MassPrec Number of decimal places for mass props
... 0.01 MassPropAccuracy Specifies accuracy for mass properties
... "oz lbs stone mg..." MassUnits Units for displaying mass of objects
MaxActVp 64 64 MaxActVp
MaxHatch 100000 100000 MaxHatch
MaxSort 1000 1000 MaxSort
MaxTouches 0 ...
... 0 MaxThreads Specifies max threads for redraw, regen, loads
MButtonPan 1 1 MButtonPan
MeasureInit 0 1 MeasureInit
Measurement 0 1 Measurement
MenuBar 0 1 MenuBar

MenuCtl 1 1 MenuCtl
MenuEcho 0 0 MenuEcho
MenuName "c:\users\..." "default" MenuName
MeshType 1 MeshType
... 1 MiddleClickClose Closes tabs with middle-button click
... 732374555 MilliSecs Reports milliseconds since BricsCAD started
MirrHatch 0 ...
MirrText 0 0 MirrText
MLeaderScale 1 1 MLeaderScale
ModeMacro "" "" ModeMacro
MsLtScale 1 1 MsLtScale
MsOleScale 1 1 MsOleScale
MTextAutoStack 1 ...
MTextColumn 2 0 MTextColumn
MTextDetectSpace 1 1 MTextDetectSpace
MTextEd internal Internal MTextEd
MTextFixed 2 2 MTextFixed
MTextToolbar 2 ...
... 0 MtFlags Controls multi-core redraws, loads, regens
... 3.5 M_ArrowheadLengthCoeff Length of manipulator arrow
... 2.5 M_ArrowheadRadiusCoeff Radius of manipulator arrow
... 6 M_AxisDiameter Diameter of manipulator axis
... 130 M_TotalAxisLength Length of manipulator axis
MTJigString abc ...
MyDocumentsPrefix "c:\users\..." ...
N Variables
NavBarDisplay 1 ... In BricsCAD, use Lookfrom widget
NavsWheelMode 2 ...
NavsWheelOpacityBig 50 ...
NavsWheelOpacityMini 50 ...
NavsWheelSizeBig 1 ...
NavsWheelSizeMini 1 ...
NavVCubeDisplay 1 1 NavVCubeDisplay
NavVCubeLocation 0 0 NavVCubeLocation
NavVCubeOpacity 50 50 NavVCubeOpacity
NavVCubeOrient 1 1 NavVCubeOrient
NavVCubeSize 4 4 NavVCubeSize
... 4 NFileList Specifies length of recent file list
NoMutt 0 0 NoMutt
NorthDirection 0 0 NorthDirection
O Variables
ObjectIsolationMode
0 0 ObjectIsolationMode
ObscuredColor 257 257 ObscuredColor
B
ObscuredLtype 0 0 ObscuredLtype
OffsetDist -1 1 OffsetDist
... 0 OffsetErase Determines if source entities are erased
OffsetGapType 0 0 OffsetGapType
OleFrame 2 2 OleFrame
OleHide 0 0 OleHide
OleQuality 3 3 OleQuality
OleStartup 0 0 OleStartup
OnlineUserid "200999252999419" ...
OnlineUsername "jonhenrydoe" ...
OrbitAutoTarget 1 ...
OrthoMode 0 0 OrthoMode
OsMode 4133 4133 OsMode
OsnapCoord 2 2 OsnapCoord
OsnapHatch 0 ...
OsnapZ 0 0 OsnapZ
OsOptions 3 1 OsOptions
P Variables
PaletteOpaque 2 ...
... 1 PanBuffer Buffers pans
PaperUpdate 0 0 PaperUpdate
ParameterCopyMode 1 1 ParameterCopyMode
ParameterStatus 0 ...
PcmState 0 ...
... 1 PdfEmbeddedTtf Embeds fonts in PDF output
... 2 PdfExportSolidHatchType Min resolution of solid hatches saved to PDF
PdfFrame 1 1 PdfFrame
... 3000 PdfHatchToBmpDpi Resolution of hatches exported to PDF
... 1 PdfImageAntiAlias Anti-aliases images being upscaled.
... 1 PdfImageCompression Specifies compression for images.
... 300 PdfImageDPI Minimum resolution of images saved to PDF
PdfImportFilter 8 ...
PdfImportImagePath "Pdf Images" ...
PdfImportLayers 0 ...
PdfImportMode 6 ...
... 1 PdfLayersSetting Includes layers in PDF files
... 0 PdfLayoutsToExport Exports content of all layouts
... 0 PdfMergeControl Specifies the look of overlapping lines
... 0 PdfNotify Alert for missing PDF attachments
PdfOsnap 1 1 PdfOsnap
... 297 PdfPaperHeight Overrides paper height in PDF files
... 0 PdfPaperSizeOverride Overrides paper size in PDF files
... 210 PdfPaperWidth Overrides paper width in PDF files
... 0 PdfPRCCompression Determines PRC compression level
... 0 PdfPRCExport Determines how PRC data is exported

... 1 PdfPRCSingleViewMode Toggles single view for PRC data

... 300 PdfRenderDPI Minimum resolution of renders saved to PDF
PdfShx 1 ...
... 0 PdfShxTextAsGeometry Exports SHX text as geometry
... 1 PdfSimpleGeomOptimization Optimizes geometry in PDF files
... 0 PdfTtfTextAsGeometry Exports TTF text as geometry
... 1 PdfUsePlotStyles Uses plot styles when plotting to PDF
... 2400 PdfVectorResolution Specifies resolution of vector data
... 1 PdfZoomToExtentsMode Zooms to extents mode in PDF files
PdMode 0 0 PdMode
PdSize 0 0 PdSize
PeditAccept 0 0 PEditAccept
PEllipse 0 0 PEllipse
Perimeter 0 0 Perimeter
Perspective 0 0 Perspective
PerspectiveClip 5 ...
PfacevMax 4 4 PFaceVMax
PickAdd 1 1 PickAdd
PickAuto 1 1 PickAuto
PickBox 3 3 PickBox
PickDrag 0 0 PickDrag
PickFirst 1 1 PickFirst
PickStyle 0 1 PickStyle
... 1 PictureExportScale Specifies scale factor for raster exports
... 0 PictureFolder1 Sets folder for storing raster images
_PkSer "" "" _PkSer
Platform varies varies Platform
... 0 PLineCache Creates a cache of polyline vertices
PlineConvertMode 0 0 PLineConvertMode
PlineGen 0 0 PLineGen
PlineReverseWidths 0 ...
PlineType 2 2 PLineType
PlineWid 0 0 PLineWid
... c:\users\... PlotCfgPath Specifies plotter configuration path
... "" PlotId Deprecated; included for compatibility
PlotOffset 0 ...
... c:\program files... PlotOutputPath Specifies path to plot output folder
PlotRotMode 2 2 PlotRotMode
PlotTransparencyMode 1 ...
... c:\users\... PlotStylePath Specifies path to plot styles
... 0 Plotter Specifies path to plotter cfg folder
... 1 PlotterTransparencyOverride Overrides setting in Print dialog box
PlQuiet 0 0 PlQuiet
PointCloud2dDisplay 0 ...
B
PointCloudAutoUpdate 1 ...
PointCloudBoundary 1 ...
PointCloudCacheSize 512 ...
PointCloudClipFrame 2 ...
PointCloudDensity 15 ...
PointCloudLighting 2 ...
PointCloudLightSource 0 ...
PointCloudLod 10 ...
PointCloudPointMax 1500000 ...
PointCloudPointMaxLegacy 1500000 ...
PointCloudPointSize 2 ...
PointCloudRtDensity 5 ...
PointCloudShading 0 ...
PointCloudVizRetain 1 ...
PolarAddAng . . PolarAddAng
PolarAng 90 90 PolarAng
PolarDist 0 0 PolarDist
PolarMode 0 0 PolarMode
PolySides 4 4 PolySides
Popups 1 1 Popups
PreSelectionEffect 1 ...
PreviewCreationTransparency 60 ...
PreviewDelay 0 ...
... 30 PreviewDelay Delays subentity highlighting under cursor
PreviewFilter 7 7 PreviewFilter
PreviewType 0 0 PreviewType
... 1 PreviewWndInOpenDlg Displays preview window in Open dialog box
... "." PrintFile Specifies alternative name for print files
... BricsCAD Product Reports the product name
... 1 ProgBar Toggles progress bar
... BricsCAD Program Reports the product name
... 0 ProjectionType Determines 1st or 3rd angle projection
ProjectName . . ProjectName
... "" ProjectSearchPaths Specifies project names & search paths
ProjMode 1 1 ProjMode
PropObjLimit 25000 ...
PropertyPreview 1 ...
PropPrevTimeout 1 ...
... 3 PromptMenu Toggles prompt menu
... 0 PromptMenuFlags Toggles hidden prompts
... 0 PromptOptionFormat Formats prompts at the command line
... 1 PromptOptionTranslateKeywords Toggles use of international commands
... 103 PropUnits Determines automatic formatting of units
ProxyGraphics 1 1 ProxyGraphics
ProxyNotice 1 1 ProxyNotice
ProxyShow 1 1 ProxyShow
... 1 ProxyWebSearch

PsLtScale 1 1 PsLtScale
PsolHeight 4 80 PSolHeight
PsolWidth 0.25 5 PSolWidth
PsProlog . "" PsProlog
PsQuality 75 75 PsQuality
PStyleMode 1 1 PStyleMode
PStylePolicy 1 1 PStylePolicy
PsVpScale 0 0 PsVpScale
PublishAllSheets 1 1 PublishAllSheets
PublishCollate 1 ...
PublishHatch 1 ...
PUcsBase . . PUcsBase
Q Variables
QpLocation 0 ...
QpMode 1 ...
... 0 QaFlags For internal use by Bricsys
QtextMode 0 0 QtextMode
... 20 QuadAperture Area to search for entities, in pixels
... 1 QuadCommandLaunch If Quad launches with application
... 0 QuadCommandSort Specifies sort order of commands
... 1 QuadDisplay Toggles display of the Quad cursor
... 110 QuadExpandDelay Delay before expanding, in msec
... 50 QuadExpandTabDelay Delay before expanding underlaying buttons
... 0 QuadExpandGroup Specifies how groups expand
... 0 QuadGoTransparent Toggles Quad’s transparent
... 1000 QuadHideDelay Quad cursor display delay after mouse movement
... 40 QuadHideMargin Delay before Quad is hidden, in msecs
... 16 QuadIconSize Toggles between large and small icon
... 1 QuadIconSpace Specifies spacing between icons
... 2 QuadMostRecentItems Number of most-recent items on Quad
... 1 QuadPopupCorner Location of Quad relative to cursor
... 500 QuadShowDelay Quad display delay after entity highlight
... 12 _QuadTabFlags Determines style of quad
... 1200 QuadTooltipDelay Delay before tooltips appear, in msec
... 4 QuadWarpPointer How Quad interacts with cursor
... 5 QuadWidth Specifies width of Quad, in columns
QvDrawingPin 0 ...
QvLayoutPin 0 ...
R Variables
RasterDpi 300 ...
RasterPercent 20 ...
... 1 RasterPreview Determines whether preview saved with file
RasterThreshold 20 ...
... 5 RealtimeSpeedup Skips messages during realtime pan
B
... 1 RealWorldScale Renders materials at real-world scale factor

Rebuild2dCv 6 ...
Rebuild2dDegree 3 ...
Rebuild2dOption 1 ...
RebuildDegreeU 3 ...
RebuildDegreeV 3 ...
RebuildOptions 1 ...
RebuildU 6 ...
RebuildV 6 ...
... C:\Users\... RecentPath Specifies recently used path
RecoveryAuto 0 ...
RecoveryMode 2 ...
... 50 RedHiliteFull_Edge_Alpha Transparency of hidden edges
... #FFFFFF RedHilite_HiddenEdge_Color Color of hidden edges
... 1 RedHilite_HiddenEdge_Smoothing
... 1 RedHilite_HiddenEdge_Thickness
... 100 RedHiliteFull_Edge_Alpha Transparency of edges
... #007AFF RedHiliteFull_Edge_Color Color of edges
... 0 RedHiliteFull_Edge_ShowHidden Toggle visibility of hidden edges
... 1 RedHiliteFull_Edge_Smoothing Toogle smoothness of edges
... 2 RedHiliteFull_Edge_Thickness Thickness of edges, in pixels
... 10 RedHiliteFull_Face_Alpha Transparency of faces
... #007AFF RedHiliteFull_Face_Color Color of faces
... 100 RedHilitePartial_SelectedEdge_Alpha
... #007AFF RedHilitePartial_SelectedEdge_Color
... 1 RedHilitePartial_SelectedEdge_ShowGlow
... 1 RedHilitePartial_SelectedEdge_Smoothing
... 2 RedHilitePartial_SelectedEdge_Thickness
... 75 RedHilitePartial_SelectedEdgeGlow_Alpha
... #FFFFFF RedHilitePartial_SelectedEdgeGlow_Color
... 1 RedHilitePartial_SelectedEdgeGlow_Smoothing
... 3 RedHilitePartial_SelectedEdgeGlow_Thickness
... 10 RedHilitePartial_SelectedFace_Alpha Transparency of selected faces
... #007AFF RedHilitePartial_SelectedFace_Color Color of selected faces
... 1 RedHilitePartial_UnselectedEdge_ShowHidden
... 0 RefEditLockNotInWorkset Locks entities not being edited by RefEdit
RefEditName "" "" RefEditName
RefPathType 1 ...
RegenMode 1 1 RegenMode
... 1 RegExpand How paths are stored in registry
RememberFolders 1 1 RememberFolders
... 0 ReportPanel Status of the Mechanical Browser panel
RenderLevel 5 ...
RenderLightCalc 1 ...
RenderTarget 0 ...
RenderTime 10 ...
... C:\ProgramData\...
RenderMaterialPath Path to folder with materials

... C:\Program Files\... RenderMaterialStaticPath Path to folder with read-only materials

RenderUserLights 1 ...
... 1 RenderUsingHardware Toggles use of hardware for rendering
ReportError 1 ...
... 0 RevCloudArcStyle Specifies revision cloud arc style
RevCloudCreateMode 1 ...
RevCloudGrips on ...
... 0.38 RevCloudMaxArcLength Specifies revision cloud max arc length
... 0.38 RevCloudMinArcLength Specifies revision cloud min arc length
RIbbonBgLoad 1 ...
RibbonContextSelLim 2500 ...
RibbonDockedHeight 0 120 RibbonDockedHeight
RibbonIconResize 1 ...
RibbonSelectMode 1 ...
RibbonState 1 0 RibbonState
... c:\users... RoamableRootFolder Path to user’s Roaming folder
RoamableRootPrefix "c:\users\..." c:\users\... RoamableRootPrefix
RolloverOpacity 0 100 RolloverOpacity
... 2 RolloverSelectionSet Toggles single and selection set displays
RolloverTips 1 1 RolloverTips
RtDisplay 1 1 RtDisplay
... 1 RtRotationSpeedFactor Specifies turning speed
... 1 RtWalkSpeedFactor Specifies walking speed
... 40 RubberbandColor Rubber band color
... 1 RubberbandStyle Toggles dashing of rubber band
... 2 RunAsLevel License level: 0=Classic, 1=Pro, 2=Platinum
S Variables
SafeMode 0 ...
... 1 SaveChangeToLayout Saves print changes to layout
SaveFidelity 1 1 SaveFidelity
SaveFile "c:\users\..." "" SaveFile
SaveFilePath "c:\users\..." C":\Users\..." SaveFilePath
... 1 SaveFormat Sets the DWG file format
... 1 SaveLayerSnapshot Saves layer settings with views
SaveName Drawing1.dwg "" SaveName
... 1 SaveRoundTrip Saves entities to preserve them
SaveTime 10 0 SaveTime
ScreenBoxes 0 26 ScreenBoxes
ScreenMode 3 1 ScreenMode
ScreenSize 1366.0,499.0 1560,779,0 ScreenSize
... 256 ScrlHist Specifies number of lines saved in history
... 0 Sdi Toggles single-document interface
SectionOffsetInc 6.0 ...
SectionThicknessInc 1.0 ...
SecureLoad 1 ...
B
SelectionAnnoDisplay 1 1 SelectionAnnoDisplay
SelectionArea 1 1 SelectionArea
SelectionAreaOpacity 25 25 SelectionAreaOpacity
SelectionCycling 0 ...
SelectionEffect 1 ...
SelectionEffectColor 0 ...
... 0 SelectionModes Subentities or boundaries to highlight
SelectionOffscreen 1 ...
SelectionPreview 3 3 SelectionPreview
SelectionPreviewLimit 2000 ...
SelectionViewstate 0 ...
SelectSimilarMode 130 130 SelectSimilarMode
SetByLayerMode 127 ...
ShadEdge 3 3 ShadEdge
ShadeDif 70 70 ShadeDif
ShadowPlaneLocation 0 ...
... 1 SheetNumberLeadingZeroes Number of zeros to prefix sheet numbers
... 1 SheetSetAutoBackup Makes backups of sheet files
... C:\Users\... SheetSetTemplatePath Path to the sheetset templates folder
ShortcutMenu 11 2 ShortcutMenu
ShortcutMenuDuration 250 250 ShortcutMenuDuration
... 1 ShowDocTabs Toggles drawing tabs on
... 0 ShowFullPathInTitle Displays full path in title bar
ShowHist 1 ...
ShowLayerUsage 0 0 ShowLayerUsage
ShowmotionPin 1 ...
ShowPageSetupForNewLayouts 0 ...
... 1 ShowScrollButtons Toggles display of scroll buttons
... 0 ShowTabCloseButton Toggles display of Close button on tabs
... 0 ShowTabCloseButtonActive Toggles display of Close button on active tab
... 1 ShowTabCloseButtonAll Toggles display of Close button on all tabs
... 1 ShowTabControls Toggles display of tabs
... 1 ShowWindowListButton Toggles display of droplists
ShpName "" "" ShpName
SigWarn 1 ...
... 0 SingletonMode Toggles multiple BricsCAD instances
... 1 SkpStich Stitches SketchUp surfaces on import
SketchInc 0.1 0.1 SketchInc
SkPoly 0 0 SkPoly
SkTolerance 0.5 ...
SkyStatus 0 SkyStatus
... #FFDC50 smColorBend Color of sheet metal bends
... #64D296 smColorBendRelief Color of sheet metal reliefs
... #64D296 smColorCornerRelief Color of sheet metal corners
... #90A4AE smColorFlange Color of sheet metal flanges
... #FF6E40 smColorJunction Color of sheet metal junctions
... #A0DCFA smColorLoftedBend Color of sheet metal lofted bends

... 3 smLayerColorAnnotations Layer color of unfolded dimensions

... 5 smLayerColorBendAnnotations Layer color of unfolded annotations
... 1 smLayerColorBendLine Layer color of unfolded bend lines
... 7 smLayerColorContours Layer color of unfolded 2D DXF output
SmState 0 ...
... "" smTargetCAM Specifies the intended CAM system
SmoothMeshConvert 0 ...
SmoothMeshGrid 3 ...
SmoothMeshMaxFace 838300 ...
SmoothMeshMaxLev 4 ...
SnapAng 0 0 SnapAng
SnapBase 0.0000,0.0000 0;0 SnapBase
SnapGridLegacy 0 ...
SnapIsoPair 0 0 SnapIsoPair
... 2 SnapMarkerColor Specifies snap marker color
... 6 SnapMarkerSize Specifies snap marker size
... 2 SnapMarkerThickness Specifies snap marker thickness
SnapMode 0 0 SnapMode
SnapStyl 0 0 SnapStyl
SnapType 0 0 SnapType
SnapUnit 0.5000,0.5000 0.5;0.5 SnapUnit
SolidCheck 1 1 SolidCheck
SolidHist 1 ...
SortEnts 127 96 SortEnts
SortOrder 1 ...
SplDegree 3 ...
... 0 spaAdjustMode Smooths triangles
... 0 spaGridAspectRatio Specifies aspect ratio of cell grids
... 0 spaGridMode Specifies location of grids
... 0 spaMaxFacetEdgeLength Specifies max length of a side of cell
... 512 spaMaxNumGridLines Specifies max no. of grid lines in subdivisions
... 0 spaMinUGridLines Specifies max no. of grid lines in u direction
... 0 spaMinVGridLines Specifies max no. of grid lines in v direction
... 15 spaNormalTol Specifies the normal tolerance
... -1 spaSurfaceTol Specifies maximum surface tolerance
... 1 spaTriangMode Specifies which mesh is triangulated
... 1 spaUseFacetRes Toggles use of FacetRes sysvar
SplFrame 0 0 SplFrame
SplineSegs 8 8 SplineSegs
SplineType 6 6 SplineType
SplKnots 0 ...
SplMethod 0 ...
SplPeriodic 1 ...
... c:\users\... SrchPath Specifies search paths for support files
SsFound "" "" SsFound
SsLocate 1 1 SsLocate
SsmAutoOpen 1 1 SsMAutoOpen
B
SsmPollTime 60 15 SsmPollTime
SsmSheetStatus 2 2 SsmSheetStatus
... 0 SsmState Reports if Sheetset palette is open
... 0.2 StampFontSize Height of plot stamp font
... Arial StampFontStyle Name of plot stamp font
... "" StampFooter Default footer text
... "" StampHeader Default header text
... 0 StampUnits Units of font size, inches or mm
StandardsViolation 2 ...
StartInFolder c:\users\... ...
StartMode 1 ...
Startup 0 0 Startup
StatusBar 1 ...
StepSize 6 6 StepSize
StepsPerSec 2 2 StepsPerSec
... "mechanical.cst" StructureTreeConfig Name of structure configuration file
SubObjSelectionMode 0 ...
SunStatus 0 ...
SupressAlerts Off ...
SurfaceAssociativity 1 ...
SurfaceAssociativityDrag 1 ...
SurfaceAutoTrim 0 ...
SurfaceModelingMode 0 ...
SurfOffsetConnect 0 ...
SurfTab1 6 6 Surftab1
SurfTab2 6 6 Surftab2
SurfTrimAutoExtend 1 ...
SurfTrimProjection 0 ...
SurfType 6 6 SurfType
SurfU 6 6 SurfU
SurfV 6 6 SurfV
... 0 SvgBlendedGradients Toggles use of blended gradients
... ".png" SvgDefaultImageExtension Specifies default file name extension
... 0 SvgGenericFontFamily Specifies name of generic font family
... "" SvgImageBase Specifies path to folder for saving SVG files
... "" SvgImageUrl Specifies URL for locating SVG files
... 1 SvgLineweightScale Specifies pixel width of lineweights
... 768 SvgOutputHeight Specifies height in points (72 points per inch)
... 1024 SvgOutputWidth Specifies width in points
... 6 SvgPrecision Specifies double-floating point precision
SyscodePage ansi_1252 ANSI_1252 SysCodePage
SysMon 1 ...
T Variables
... 25 TabControlHeight Specifies height of document tab, in pixels
TableIndicator 1 ...
TableToolbar 2 ...

TabMode 0 0 TabMode
... 0 TabsFixedWidth Forces all tabs to have the same width
Target 0.0,0.0,0.0 0.0;0.0;0.0 Target
TbShowShortcuts "Yes" ...
TbShowShortcuts On ...
TdCreate 2455034.61 2455035.58 TdCreate
TdInDwg 1.24 1.16E-008 TdInDwg
TduCreate 2455034.9 2455035.88 TduCreate
TdUpdate 2455034.61 2455035.58 TdUpdate
TdUsrTimer 1.24 1.16E-008 TdUsrTimer
TduUpdate 2455034.9 2455035.88 TduUpdate
... c:\users\... TemplatePath Specifies path to templates folder
TempOverrides 1 ...
TempPrefix "c:\users\..." "" TempPrefix
... 0 TestFlags For internal use by Bricsys
TextAlignMode 9 ...
TextAlignSpacing 2 ...
TextAllCaps 1 ...
... 0 TextAngle Stores last-used angle for text
TextAutoCorrectCaps 1 ...
... 0 TextEditMode Toggles automatic text entity selection
TextEditor 0 ...
TextEval 0 0 TextEval
TextFill 1 1 TextFill
TextJustify "." ...
TextOutputFileFormat 0 ...
TextQlty 50 50 TextQlty
TextSize 0.2 0.2 TextSize
TextStyle standard STANDARD TextStyle
... C:/program... TextureMapPath Specifies path to texture map folders
Thickness 0 0 Thickness
ThumbSave 1 ...
ThumbSave2d 0 ...
ThumbSize 1 1 ThumbSize
TileMode 1 1 TileMode
... 1 TileModeLightSynch Synchronizes lighting in all viewports
TimeZone -8000 -8000 TimeZone
... 1 Tips Toggles display of grip tooltips
... 16 ToolbarIconSize Size of icons on toolbars and menus
... C:\users\... ToolPalettePath Path to the tool palette files folder
ToolTipMerge 0 ...
Tooltips 1 1 Tooltips
TooltipSize 0 ...
TooltipTransparency 0 ...
TouchMode 0 ...
... 0 TpState Reports whether Tools palette is open
... 0.05 TraceWid
B
TrackPath 0 0 TrackPath
TransparencyDisplay
1 1 TransparencyDisplay
TrayIcons 1 ...
TrayNotify 1 ...
TrayTimeout 0 ...
TreeDepth 3020 3020 TreeDepth
TreeMax 10000000 10000000 TreeMax
TrimMode 1 1 TrimMode
TrustedDomains *.autodesk.com ...
TrustedPaths ; ...
TSpaceFac 1 1 TSpaceFac
TSpaceType 1 1 TSpaceType
TStackAlign 1 2 TStackAlign
TStackSize 70 70 TStackSize
... 3 TtfAsText Toggles TTF export fonts as text or vectors
U Variables
Ucs2dDisplaySetting 1 ...
Ucs3dParaDisplaySetting 1 ...
Ucs3dPerpDisplaySetting 1 ...
UcsAxisAng 90 90 UcsAxisAng
UcsBase WORLD "" UcsBase
UcsDetect 1 1 UcsDetect
UcsFollow 0 0 UcsFollow
UcsIcon 3 3 UcsIcon
... 0 UcsIconPos Toggles non-origin UCS icon position
UcsName "" "" UcsName
UcsOrg 0.0,0.0,0.0 0;0;0 UcsOrg
UcsOrtho 1 1 UcsOrtho
UcsSelectMode 1 ...
UcsView 1 1 UcsView
UcsVp 1 1 UcsVp
UcsXDir 1.0,0.0,0.0 1;0;0 UcsXDir
UcsYDir 0.0,1.0,0.0 0;1;0 UcsYDir
UndoCtl 53 1 UndoCtl
UndoMarks 0 5 UndoMarks
UnitMode 0 0 UnitMode
UOsnap 1 ...
UpdateThumbnail 15 ...
... 1 UseBIM Specifies BIM license level
UserI1-5 0 0 UserI1-5
UserR1-5 0 0 UserR1-5
UserS1-5 "" "" UserS1-5
... 2 UseSheetMetal Determines the sheet metal license type
... 0 UseStandardOpenFileDialog Displays additional folder in file dialog boxes

V Variables
... 1 VbaMacros Toggles enabling of VBA macros
... Bricsys VendorName Reports the vendor’s name
... 16.1.04 (UNICODE) _VerNum Reports the version number
... 235 VersionCustomizableFiles Reports version number of CUI and PGP files
ViewBackStatus Off ...
ViewCreation 0 ...
ViewCtr 18.9,8.7,0.0 18.9,8.7,0.0 ViewCtr
ViewDetailCreation 0 ...
ViewDetailEditor 0 ...
ViewDir 0.0,0.0,1.0 10.4;4.5;0.0 ViewDir
ViewEditor 0 ...
ViewFwdStatus Off ...
ViewMode 0 16 ViewMode
ViewSectionCreation 0 ...
ViewSectionEditor 0 ...
ViewSize 14.65 16 ViewSize
ViewSketchMode 0 1 ...
ViewTwist 0 1 ViewTwist
ViewUpdateAuto 1 1 ViewUpdateAuto
VisRetain 1 1 VisRetain
VisRetainMode 0 ...
... -1 VolumePrec Decimal places for volume units
... "in ft mi um..." VolumeUnits Format of volume units
VpControl 1 ...
VpLayerOverrides 0 ...
VpLayerOverridesMode 1 ...
VpMaximizedState 0 ...
VpRotateAssoc 1 1 VpRotateAssoc
VsCurvatureHigh 1.0 ...
VsCurvatureLow -1.0 ...
VsCurvatureType 0 ...
VsDraftangleHigh 3 ...
VsDraftangleLow -3 ...
VsZebraColor1 "Rgb:255,255,255" ...
VsZebraColor2 "Rgb:0,0,0" ...
VsZebraDirection 90 ...
VsZebraSize 45 ...
VsZebraType 1 ...
VsBackgrounds 1 ...
VsEdgeColor byentity ...
VsEdgeJitter -2 ...
VsEdgeOverhang -6 ...
VsEdges 1 ...
VsEdgeSmooth 1 ...
VsEdgeLEx -6 ...
B
VsFaceColorMode 0 ...
VsFaceHighlight -30 ...
VsFaceOpacity -60 ...
VsFaceStyle 0 ...
VsHaloGap 0 ...
VsHidePrecision 0 ...
VsIntersectionColor "7 (white)" ...
VsIntersectionEdges 0 ...
VsIntersectionLtype 1 ...
VsIsoOnTop 0 ...
VsLightingQuality 1 ...
VsMaterialMode 0 ...
VsMax 119.3,59.5,0.0 1E+20,1E+20,1E+20 VsMax
VsMin -81.3,-42.1,0.0 -1E+20,-1E+20,-1E+20 VsMin
VsMonoColor "Rgb:255,255,255" ...
VsObscuredColor "ByEntity" ...
VsObscuredEdges 1 ...
VsObscuredLype 1 ...
VsOccludedColor "ByEntity" ...
VsOccludedEdges 1 ...
VsOccludedLtype 1 ...
VsShadows 0 ...
VsSilhEdges 0 ...
VsSilhWidth 5 ...
VtDuration 750 750 VtDuration
VtEnable 3 3 VtEnable
VtFps 7 7 VtFps
W Variables
... 1 WarningMessages Toggles use of warning messages
WbDefaultBrowser 2 ...
WbHelpOnline 1 ...
WbHelpType 1 ...
WhipArc 0 0 WhipArc
... 3 WhipThread
WindowAreaColor 150 5 WindowAreaColor
WipeoutFrame 2 2 WipeoutFrame
WmfBkgnd off 0 WmfBkGnd
WmfForegnd off 0 WmfForeGnd
... 2 WndlMain Reports window state, maximized or other
... 0 WndlScrl Toggles scroll bars
... 1 WndlStat Toggles status bar
... 1 WndlTabs Toggles layout and model tabs
... 0 WndlText Reports text window state
... 2162.0;202.0 WndPMain Reports top left window position
... 40.0;40.0 WndPText Reports top left text window

... 1160.0;760.0 WndSMain Reports main window size
... 1120.0;720.0 WndSText Reports text window size
WorkingFolder c:\users\... ...
WorkspaceLabel 0 ...
WorldUcs 1 1 WorldUcs
WorldView 1 1 Worldview
WriteStat 1 1 WriteStat
WsAutosave 0 WsAutosave
WsCurrent 2D drafting & annotation 2D Drafting WsCurrent
X Variables
XClipFrame 2 0 XClipFrame
XDwgFadeCtl 70 70 XDwgFadeCtl
XEdit 1 1 XEdit
XFadeCtl 50 50 XFadeCtl
XLoadCtl 2 2 XLoadCtl
XLoadPath "c:\users\..." "C:\Users\..." XLoadPath
... 5 XNotifyTime Minutes between checks for refs
XRefCtl 0 0 XRefCtl
XRefNotify 2 1 XRefNotify
XRefOverride 0 0 XRefOverride
XrefRegAppCtl 0 ...
XRefType 0 ...
Z Variables
ZoomFactor 60 60 ZoomFactor
ZoomWheel 0 60 ZoomWheel
# Variables
... 3 3dCompareMode Visualization for compare mode
3dConversionMode 1 ...
3dDwfPrec 2 ...
3dOsMode 11 11 3dOsMode
3dSelectionMode 1 ...
... 5 3dSnapMarkerColor Color of the 3D snap marker
B
314
APPENDIX C
Command Alias
Cross-reference
THIS APPENDIX COMPARES THE COMMAND ALIASES DEFINED BY AUTOCAD AND BRICSCAD.
The list of 303 aliases is sorted alphabetically by command name. BricsCAD uses aliases to provide
a quicker way to enter commands, as well as make some commands name-compatible with other
programs, such as IntelliCAD and AutoCAD. (An ICAD indicates the alias is compatible with IntelliCAD.)
No new aliases were added to BricsCAD V18. Both Bricsys and Autodesk are no longer updating
aliases for new commands, because both CAD programs now rely on AutoComplete to minimize
the number of keystrokes needed to enter command names.
You can, nevertheless, define new aliases and modify existing ones in both CAD programs through
these methods:
ÐÐ AutoCAD customizes aliases through the Command Aliases button on the ribbon’s Express Tool tab’s Tools
panel
ÐÐ BricsCAD customizes aliases through the Customize command’s Aliases tab
BricsCAD saves aliases in the default.pgp file in the following folder locations:
Windows in folder C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Bricsys\BricsCAD\V18x64\en_US\Support

Mac in folder /Users/<login>/Library/Preferences/Bricsys/BricsCAD/V18x64/en_US/Support
Linux in folder home/<login>/Bricsys/BricsCAD/V18x64/en_US/support
AutoCAD Command AutoCAD Alias(es) BricsCAD Alias(es) BricsCAD Command
A Commands
ActRecord arr ...
-ActStop -ars ...
ActStop ars ...
ActUserInput aru ...
-ActUserMessage -arm ...
ActUserMessage arm ...
AdCenter adc, content, dc, dcenter ...
Align al al Align
AllPlay aplay ...
AnalysisCurvature curvatureanalysis ...
AnalysisDraftAngle draftangleanalysis ...
AnalysisZebra zebraanalysis ...
... ap Aperture
... planviewint ICAD Apparent
AppLoad ap ...
Arc a a Arc
Area aa aa Area
-Array -ar ...
Array ar ar Array
-AttDef -att -at -AttDef
AttDef att, ddattdef at, ddattdef AttDef
... ad AttDisp
-AttEdit -ate, atte ...
AttEdit ate, ddatte, ddattext -ate AttEdit
AttExt ddattext -ax -AttExt
... ax, ddattext AttExt
AttIpEdit ati ...
B Commands
... backgrounds ICAD Background
BAction ac ...
... ba Base
BClose bc ...
BcParameter cparam ...
BEdit be ...
... bm Blipmode
-Block -b -b -Block
Block b, acadblockdialog, bmake, bmod b Block
-Boundary -bo -bo -Boundary
Boundary bo, bpoly bo, bpoly Boundary
BParameter param ...
Break br br Break
BSave bs ...
BvState bvs ...
316
AutoCAD Command AutoCAD Alias BricsCAD Alias BricsCAD Command
C Commands
Camera cam ...
Chamfer cha cha Chamfer
Change -ch -ch Change
CheckStandards chk ...
Circle c c Circle
-Color -col,-colour -col, -colour -Color
Color col, colour, ddcolor, ddcolour col, colour, ddcolor, ddcolour, setcolor ICAD Color
CommandLine cli ...
ConstraintBar cbar ...
ConstraintSettings csettings ...
Copy co, cp co, cp Copy
... cl CopyLink
... cui Customize
CTableStyle ct ...
CvAdd insertcontrolpoint ...
CvHide pointoff ...
CvRebuild rebuild ...
CvRemove removecontrolpoint ...
CvShow pointon ...
Cylinder cyl cyl Cylinder
D
DataExtraction dx ...
DataLink dl ...
DataLinkUpdate dlu ...
DbConnect dbc ...
DdEdit ed ed DdEdit
DdGrips gr gr DdGrips
... se DdSelect
DdVpoint vp vp, viewctl, setvpoint ICAD DdVpoint
DelConstraint delcon ...
Dist di di Dist
Divide div div Divide
Donut do, doughnut do, doughnut Donut
DrawingRecovery drm ...
DrawOrder dr dr DrawOrder
DSettings ds, ddrmodes, se ddrmodes, rm DSettings
DsViewer av ...
DView dv dv DView
... dx DxfOut
Dimension Commands
... dimension Dim
DimAligned dal, dimali dal, dimali DimAligned
DimAngular dan, dimang dan, dimang DimAngular
C
Command Alias Cross-reference 317
Dimarc dar ...

DimBaseline dba, dimbase dba, dimbase DimBaseline
DimCenter dce dce Dimcenter
DimConstraint dcon ...
DimContinue dco, dimcont dco, dimcont DimContinue
DimDiameter ddi, dimdia ddi, dimdia DimDiameter
DimDisassociate dda ...
DimEdit ded, dimed ded, dimed DimEdit
DimJogged jog, djo ...
DimJogline djl ...
DimLinear dli, dimlin, dimhorizontal, dli, dimlin, dimhorizontal, dimrotated, DimLinear
dimrotated, dimvertical dimvertical
DimOrdinate dor,dimord dor, dimord DimOrdinate
DimOverride dov,dimover dov, dimover DimOverride
DimRadius dra,dimrad dra, dimrad DimRadius
DimReassociate dre ...
... -dst -DimStyle
DimStyle d, dst, dimsty, ddim d, ddim, dimsty, ds,dst, expdimstyles, setdim ICAD DimStyle
DimTedit dimted dimted DimTedit
E Commands
EditShot eshot ...
... ate EAttEdit
Ellipse el el Ellipse
Erase e e, delete Erase
... xb ExpBlocks
Explode x x Explode
-Export -qpub ...
Export exp exp, dwfout Export
ExportDwf edwf ...
ExportDwfx edwfx ...
ExportPdf epdf ...
-ExportToAutocad aectoacad ...
... uc, dducs ExpUcs
Extend ex ex Extend
ExternalReferences er ...
Extrude ext ext Extrude
F Commands
Fillet f f Fillet
Filter fi ...
FlatShot fshot ...
G Commands
GeographicLocation geo, north, northdir geo GeographicLocation
318
GeomConstraint gcon ...

Gradient gd ...
... g Grid
-Group -g ...
Group g ...
H Commands
-Hatch -h -h, -bh -Hatch
Hatch h, bh h, bh Hatch
HatchEdit he he HatchEdit
HatchToBack hb ...
Hide hi hi Hide
HidePalettes poff ...
I Commands
... idpoint ICAD Id
-Image -im ...
Image im im, expimages ICAD Image
ImageAdjust iad iad ImageAdjust
ImageAttach iat iat ImageAttach
ImageClip icl icl ImageClip
Import imp imp Import
-Insert -i -i -Insert
Insert i, ddinsert, inserturl i, ddinsert Insert
... insal InsertAligned
InsertObj io io InsertObj
Interfere inf inf Interfere
Intersect in in Intersect
IsolateObjects isolate isolate IsolateObjects
... is Isoplane
J Command
Join j ...
L Commands
-Layer -la -la -Layer
Layer la, ddlmodes la, ddlmodes, explayers
ICAD
Layer
LayerState las, lman las LayerState
... setlayer ICAD LayMcur
-Layout lo ...
Leader lead le, lead Leader
Lengthen len len, editlen ICAD Lengthen
... lighting Light
... ll LightList
Line l l, 3dline Line
C
-Linetype -lt, -ltype -lt -Linetype

Linetype lt, ltype, ddltype lt, ddltype, expltypes Linetype
ICAD
List li, ls, showmat li, ls List

... navvcube LookFrom
Ltscale lts lts LtScale
Lweight lw, lineweight ...
M Commands
Markup msm ...
MatBrowserOpen mat, rmat matb MatBrowserOpen
MatchProp ma, painter ma MatchProp
MaterialMap setuv setuv MaterialMap
Materials mat, rmat, finish mat, finish, rmat Materials
Measure me ...
MeasureGeom mea ...
MeshCrease crease ...
MeshRefine refine ...
MeshSmooth smooth ...
MeshSmoothLess less ...
MeshSmoothMore more ...
MeshSplit split ...
MeshUncrease uncrease ...
Mirror mi mi Mirror
Mirror3d 3dmirror 3m, 3dmirror Mirror3d
MLeader mld ...
MLeaderAlign mla ...
MLeaderCollect mlc ...
MLeaderEdit mle ...
MLeaderStyle mls ...
MLine ml ml MLine
Move m m Move
... msnapshot MSlide
ICAD
MSpace ms ms MSpace
-MText -t ...
MText mt, t mt, t MText
MView mv mv MView
N Commands
NavSMotion motion ...
NavSMotionClose motioncls ...
NavSWheel wheel ...
NavVCube cube navvcube LookFrom
NewShot nshot ...
NewView nview ...
... ddnew NewWiz

O Commands
Offset o o Offset
... undelete, unerase Oops
Open openurl, dxfin op Open
Options op, preferences cfg, config, prefs, preferences Options
... ortho, or Orthogonal
-Osnap -os -os, esnap -OSnap
Osnap os, ddosnap os, ddosnap, ddesnap, setesnap ICAD Osnap
P Commands
-Pan -p -p ...
Pan p p Pan
-Parameters -par ...
Parameters par ...
-PartialOpen partialopen ...
PasteSpec pa pa PasteSpec
PEdit pe pe, editpline ICAD PEdit
PLine pl pl, polyline ICAD PLine
Plot print, dwfout ...
PlotStamp ddplotstamp ...
Point po po Point
PointCloud pc ...
PointCloudAttach pcattach ...
PointCloudIndex pcindex ...
PointLight freepoint ...
Polygon pol pol Polygon
PolySolid psolid pso PolySolid
Preview pr,pre pre, ppreview ICAD Preview
Properties props, ch, mo, ddchprop, ddmodify pr, props, ch, mo, ddchprop, ddmodify Properties
PropertiesClose prclose prc PropertiesClose
PSpace ps ps PSpace
PublishToWeb ptw ...
-Purge -pu -pu -Purge
Purge pu pu Purge
Pyramid pyr pyr Pyramid
Q Commands
QLeader le ...
... n QNew
... qt QText
QuickCalc qc ...
QuickCui qcui ...
Quit exit exit Quit
QvDrawing qvd ...
QvDrawingClose qvdc ...
C
QvLayout qvl ...

QvLayoutClose qvlc
R Commands
Rectang rec, rectangle rec, rect, rectangle Rectang
Redraw r r Redraw
RedrawAll ra ra RedrawAll
Regen re re Regen
RegenAll rea rea RegenAll
Region reg reg Region
... ri Reinit
-Rename -ren -ren -Rename
Rename ren ren, ddrename Rename
Render rr rr Render
RenderCrop rc ...
RenderEnvironment fog fog RenderEnvironment
RenderPresets rp, rfileopt roptions RenderPresets
RenderWin rw, rendscr rendscr RenderWin
Revolve rev rev Revolve
Ribbon dashboard ...
RibbonClose dashboardclose ...
Rotate ro ro Rotate
... 3r, 3drotate Rotate3d
RPref rpr setrender RPref
S Commands
Save saveurl sa Save
SaveAs dxfout ...
Scale sc sc Scale
Script scr scr Script
Section sec sec Section
... selgrip SelGrips
SectionPlane splane ...
SectionPlaneJog jogsection ...
SectionPlaneToBlock generatesection ...
SequencePlay splay ...
... ucp, dducsp SetUcs
SetVar set set SetVar
... sha Shade
ShadeMode sha, shade
SheetSet ssm ssm SheetSet
ShowPalettes pon ...
... freehand ICAD Sketch
Slice sl sl Slice
Snap sn sn Snap
Solid so so, plane ICAD Solid
322
Spell sp sp Spell
Spline spl spl Spline
SplinEdit spe spe SplinEdit
Standards sta ...
Stretch s s Stretch
... font ICAD -Style
Style st, ddstyle st, ddstyle, expstyle, expstyles, expfonts ICAD Style
Subtract su su Subtract
... sun SunProperties
SurfBlend blendsrf ...
SurfExtend extendsrf ...
SurfFillet filletsrf ...
SurfNetwork networksrf ...
SurfOffset offsetsrf ...
SurfPatch patch ...
SurfSculpt createsolid ...
T Commands
Table tb ...
TableStyle ts ...
Tablet ta ta Tablet
... -t -Text
Text dt, dtext tx Text
TextEdit tedit ...
Thickness th th Thickness
TileMode ti, tm ...
... ti Time
Tolerance tol tol Tolerance
Toolbar to ...
ToolPalettes tp ...
Torus tor tor Torus
Trim tr tr Trim
U Commands
Ucs dducs ...
UcsMan uc, dducs, dducsp ...
Union uni uni Union
UnisolateObjects unhide, unisolate unhideobjects, unhide, unisolate UnisolateObjects
-Units -un -un -Units
Units un, ddunits un, ddunits Units
V Commands
... vba VbaIde
-View -v -v -View
View v, ddview v, ddview, expviews View
ICAD
C
ViewGo vgo ...

ViewPlay vplay ...
-VisualStyles -vsm ...
VisualStyles vs, vsm ...
... vl VpLayer
VPoint -vp -vpoint, -viewpoint, viewpoint ICAD VPoint
VPorts viewports vw, vport, viewports VPorts
... vs, vsnapshot ICAD VSlide
VsCurrent vs ...
W Commands
-WBlock -w ...
WBlock w, acadwblockdialog w WBlock
... closeall WCloseAll
Wedge we we Wedge
... wi WmfIn
... wo WmfOut
X Commands
XAttach xa xa XAttach
-XBind -xb ...
XBind xb -xb XBind
XClip xc clip XClip
XLine xl xl, infline XLine
ICAD
-XRef -xr -xr -Xref

XRef xr xr, expxrefs ICAD Xref
Z Command
Zoom z z Zoom
# Commands
3dAlign 3al ...
3dArray 3a 3a, array3d 3dArray
3dFace 3f, 3f, face 3dFace
... mesh 3dMesh
3dMove 3m ...
3dOrbit 3do, orbit ...
3dPoly 3p 3p 3dPoly
3dPrint 3dp, 3dplot, rapidprototype ...
3dRotate 3r ...
3dScale 3s ...
3dWalk 3dnavigate, 3dw ...
324
APPENDIX D
Keystroke & Button

Cross-reference
THIS APPENDIX COMPARES THE DEFAULT SHORTCUT KEYSTROKES AND BUTTONS

defined by BricsCAD and AutoCAD. The definitions are sorted into the following groups:
Keyboard shortcuts used in the drawing area

ÐÐ Function keys
ÐÐ Ctrl keys
ÐÐ Shift keys
ÐÐ Other keys
Keyboard shortcuts used in the command bar and Text window

ÐÐ Ctrl and other keys
Mouse and tablet buttons

ÐÐ Mouse buttons
ÐÐ Tablet buttons
ÐÐ 3D walk and fly controls
ÐÐ 3D mouse controls and buttons
New keystroke shortcuts in BricsCAD V18 are shown by the blue text. To learn how to cus-
tomize all aspects of BricsCAD, see the Customizing BricsCAD ebook available for purchase
from the https://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/ Web site.
Keyboard Shortcuts for the Drawing Area
Both BricsCAD and AutoCAD define new shortcuts and buttons, and modify existing ones:
ÐÐ AutoCAD uses the Cui command’s Keyboard Shortcuts node

ÐÐ BricsCAD uses the Customize command’s Keyboard tab
FUNCTION KEYS
The following keystroke shortcuts operate in the drawing area:
Windows
AutoCAD & Linux MacOS BricsCAD
AutoCAD Action Command(s) Shortcut Shortcut Command(s) BricsCAD Action
Displays the Help dialog box Help F1 F1 Help Displays the Help dialog box
Selects entire objects during ... Shift+F1 ... ...
subentity selection
Toggles between text and TextScr,GraphScr F2 F2 TextScr, GraphScr Toggles between Text and Graphics windows
graphics windows
Selects vertex subobjects ... Shift+F2 Shift+F2 CommandLine Toggles the command bar
CommandLineHide
Toggle Text window TextScr, Ctrl+F2 Cmd+F2 Ribbon Toggles the ribbon
GraphScr RibbonClose
Toggles object snap mode -Osnap F3 F3 OsMode Toggles object snap mode
Selects edge subobjects ... Shift+F3 Shift+F3 StatBar Toggles the status bar
Toggles 3D object snap mode 3dOsnap F4 F4 Tablet T Toggles tablet mode
Selects face subobjects ... Shift+F4 Shift+F4 ScrollBar Toggles the scroll bars
Closes the current drawing Close Ctrl+F4  ... WClose Closes the current drawing
Closes all drawings and AutoCAD Quit Alt+F4  ... Quit Closes all drawings and BricsCAD
Cycles through isoplanes Isoplane F5 F5 Isoplane Cycles through isoplanes
Selects solid history ... Shift+F5 Shift+F5 ...
Toggles dynamic UCS mode UcsDetect F6 F6 UcsDetect Toggles dynamic UCS mode
Switches to the next drawing ... Ctrl+F6  ... ... Switches to the next drawing
Toggles display of the grid GridMode F7 F7 Grid T Toggles the display of the grid
Toggles orthogonal mode OrthoMode F8 F8 Orthogonal T Toggles orthogonal mode
... ... Shift+F8  ... VbaMan Displays VBA Manager dialog box
Runs VBA macros VbaRun Alt+F8  ... VbaRun Displays Run BricsCAD VBA Macro dialog box
Toggles snap mode SnapMode F9 F9 Snap T Toggles snap mode
Toggles polar tracking SnapType F10 F10 SnapType Toggles polar tracking
Toggles object snap tracking PolarMode F11 F11 PolarMode Toggles object snap tracking
... ... Shift+F11 ... AddInMan Displays the Add-in Manager dialog box
Opens the VBA editor VbaIde Alt+F11  ... VBA Opens the Visual Basic Editor
Toggles dynamic input DynMode F12 F12 QuadDisplay Toggles the Quad cursor
... ... Ctrl+F12 ... ... Toggles subentity selection mode
 The function is provided by Windows and cannot be customized by BricsCAD

CTRL/CMD KEYS
To operate Ctrl-key shortcuts in Linus and Windows, hold down the Ctrl key, and the press the
associated character. In Mac, hold down the Cmd key instead.
Windows
AutoCAD Action Command(s) Shortcut Shortcut Command(s) BricsCAD Action
Overrides LockUI ... Ctrl Cmd LockUI Overrides LockUI
Selects sub-objects Depends on the currently active command
Toggles Properties palette Properties, Ctrl+1 Cmd+1 Properties, Toggles Properties bar
PropertiesOff PropertiesOff
Toggles DesignCenter palette AdCenter, Ctrl+2 Cmd+2 Explorer Displays Drawing Explorer
AdcClose
Toggles Tools palette ToolPalettes, Ctrl+3 ...
ToolPalettesOff
Toggles Sheet Set Manager palette SheetSet, Ctrl+4 ...
SheetSetHide
Toggles dbConnect palette dbConnect, Ctrl+6 ...
dbClose
Toggles Markup Set Manager palette Markup, Ctrl+7 ...
MarkupClose
Toggles QuickCalc palette QuickCalc, Ctrl+8 ...
QcClose
Toggles Command Line palette CommandLine, Ctrl+9 Cmd+9 CommandLine, Toggles command bar
CommandLineHide CommandLineHide
Toggles CleanScreen mode CleanScreenOn, Ctrl+0 Ctrl+0 CleanScreenOn, Toggles cleanscreen mode
CleanScreenOff CleanScreenOff
Selects all non-frozen objects (ai_SelAll) * Ctrl+A Cmd+A SelGrips All Selects all non-frozen objects
Toggles group mode ** Ctrl+Shift+A ...
Toggles snap mode SnapMode Ctrl+B Cmd+B Snap T Toggles snap mode
Copies selected objects to Clipboard CopyClip Ctrl+C Cmd+C CopyClip Copies selected objects to Clipboard
Copies objects with base point CopyBase Ctrl+Shift+C Cmd+Shift+C CopyBase Copies selected objects with base point
Toggles dynamic UCS UcsDetect Ctrl+D ...
Switches to the next isoplane Isoplane Ctrl+E Cmd+E Isoplane Switches to next isoplane
Toggles object snap mode OsMode Ctrl+F Cmd+F Find Displays Find and Replace dialog box
Toggles display of the grid GridMode Ctrl+G Cmd+G Grid T Toggles display of the grid
Toggles pick style PickStyle Ctrl+H Cmd+H PickStyle Toggles pick style
Toggles display of open palettes HidePalettes Ctrl+Shift+H ...
Cycles thru coordinate display modes Coords Ctrl+I Cmd+I Coords Cycles through coordinate display modes
Toggles constraint inference ** Ctrl+Shift+I ...
Repeats the last command ** Ctrl+J Cmd+J ; Repeats the last command
Displays the Hyperlink dialog box Hyperlink Ctrl+K Cmd+K Hyperlink Displays Hyperlink dialog box
Toggles orthographic mode OrthoMode Ctrl+L Cmd+L Orthogonal T Toggles orthographic mode
Selects previous selection set ** Ctrl+Shift+L Cmd+Shift+L LookFrom Toggles look-from viewpoint gadget
Repeats the last command ** Ctrl+M ; Repeats the last command
Displays Select Template dlg box New Ctrl+N Cmd+N New Displays the New Drawing dialog box
D
Keystroke and Button Cross-reference 327
Windows
AutoCAD Action Command Shortcut Shortcut Command BricsCAD Action
Displays the Select File dialog box Open Ctrl+O Cmd+O Open Displays the Open Drawing dialog box
Displays the Plot dialog box Plot Ctrl+P Cmd+P Print Displays the Print dialog box
Toggles Quick Properties palette QpMode Ctrl+Shift+P Cmd+Shift+P OpmState Toggles the Properties bar
Closes drawings and AutoCAD Quit Ctrl+Q Cmd+Q Quit Closes drawings and BricsCAD
Cycles through viewports ^V ** Ctrl+R ... ^V Cycles through viewports
Saves the current drawing Qsave Ctrl+S Cmd+S QSave Saves the current drawing
Displays Save Drawing As dlg box SaveAs Ctrl+Shift+S Cmd+Shift+S SaveAs Displays the Save Drawing As dialog box
Toggles tablet mode Tablet Ctrl+T Cmd+T Tablet T Toggles tablet mode
Toggles polar tracking SnapType Ctrl+U ...
Pastes objects from Clipboard PasteClip Ctrl+V Cmd+V PasteClip Pastes entities from Clipboard
Pastes objects as block from Clipboard PasteBlock Ctrl+Shift+V Cmd+Shift+V PasteBlock Pastes entities from Clipboard as a block
Ctrl+Alt+V Cmd+Opt+V PasteSpec Displays the Paste Special dialog box
Toggles selection cycling ** Ctrl+W Cmd+W WClose Closes the current drawing
Cuts selected objects to Clipboard CutCut Ctrl+X Cmd+X CutClip Cuts selected entities to Clipboard.
Redoes the last undo Redo Ctrl+Y Cmd+Y Redo Redoes the last undo
Undoes the last command U Ctrl+Z Cmd+Z U Undoes the last command
Cancels current command Esc Ctrl+[ Cmd+[ ^C Cancels current command

Cancels current command Esc Ctrl+\ Cmd+] ^C Cancels current command
... Home Home Resets the 3D view to home view
Displays layout tab to the Layout Set Ctrl+PageUp ...
left of the current one
Displays layout tab to the Layout Set Ctrl+PgDown ...
right of the current one
Move left through drawings tabs ** Ctrl+Left ...
Move right through drawing tabs ** Ctrl+Right ...
*) AutoCAD uses an AutoLISP routine for this function.

**) AutoCAD uses an undocumented command for this function.

SHIFT KEYS
Shift keys are temporary overrides in AutoCAD that operate object snaps during commands. Shift
key-combinations are not supported by BricsCAD.
AutoCAD Shortcut BricsCAD

AutoCAD Action Command Keystroke Command BricsCAD Action
Toggles orthogonal mode Ortho Shift Orthographic Toggles orthogonal mode
Toggles object snap mode OsMode Shift+A ...
Overrides object snap: Center -OSnap Cen Shift+C ...
Disables all snapping and tracking -OSnap Non Shift+D ...
Overrides object snap: Endpoint -Osnap End Shift+E ...
Disables all snapping and tracking Orthomode Shift+L ...
Osmode
Snapmode
Autosnap
Overrides object snap: Midpoint -OSnap Mid Shift+M ...
Overrides object snap: Endpoint -OSnap End Shift+P ...
Toggles object snap tracking mode PolarMode Shift+Q ...
Enables object snap enforcement OsnapOverride Shift+S ...
Overrides object snap: Midpoint -OSnap Mid Shift+V ...
Toggles navigation wheel NavSWheel Shift+W ...
Toggles polar mode AutoSnap Shift+X ...
Toggles dynamic UCS mode UcsDetect Shift+Z ...
Overrides object snap: Center -OSnap Cen Shift+, ...
Enables object snap enforcement OsnapOverride Shift+; ...
Toggles polar mode AutoSnap Shift+. ...
Toggles object snap mode -OSnap Off Shift+’ ...
Toggles object snap tracking mode PolarMode Shift+] ...
Toggles dynamic UCS mode UcsDetect Shift+/ ...
OTHER KEYS
These shortcut keystrokes do not work in the Mac version of BricsCAD.
AutoCAD Shortcut BricsCAD
AutoCAD Action Command Keystroke Command BricsCAD Action
Erases selected objects Erase Del Erase Erases selected objects
... PageUp Pan PgU Pans up
... PageDown Pan PgD Pans down
... Shift+Left Pan PgL Pans left
... Shift+Right Pan PgR Pans right
... Shift+Up Pan PgU Pans up
... Shift+Down Pan PgD Pans down
D
Keyboard Shortcuts for Command Bar & Text Window
The following keyboard shortcuts operate on text in the command bar and Text window.
Windows
& Linux MacOS
AutoCAD Action Keystroke
Keystroke BricsCAD Action
Executes the command or option Enter Enter Executes the command or option
or Spacebar or Spacebar
Repeats the previous command Enter Enter Repeats the previous command
or Spacebar or Spacebar
Cancels the command or option Esc Esc Cancels the command or option
Displays previous command Up ... Displays previous command
Displays next command in command history Down ... Displays next command in command history
Moves cursor to the left Left ... Moves cursor to the left
Moves cursor to the right Right ... Moves cursor to the right
Moves cursor to the start of the command line Home ... Moves cursor to the start of the command line
Moves cursor to the end of the command line End ... Moves cursor to the end of the command line
Toggles between insertion and overwrite mode Ins ... ...
Deletes characters to the right of the cursor Del ... ...
Deletes characters to the left of the cursor Backspace Backspace Deletes characters to the left of the cursor
Selects all text in Text window Ctrl+A Cmd+A Selects all text in Text window
Copies selected text to Clipboard Ctrl+C Cmd+C Copies selected text to Clipboard
Pastes text from Clipboard to command prompt Ctrl+V Cmd+V Pastes text from Clipboard to command prompt
Cuts text from command prompt to Clipboard Ctrl+X Cmd+X Cuts text from command prompt to Clipboard
As an alternative to these keystrokes, in BricscAD you can right-click the command bar and then
choose an action from the shortcut menu.

Mouse and Tablet Buttons
The following tables compare the actions of mouse and tablet buttons in AutoCAD and BricsCAD.
For BricsCAD, these buttons work identically in the Windows, Mac, and Linux versions.
MOUSE BUTTONS
AutoCAD customizes the definitions of mouse buttons in the Mouse Buttons and Double-click
Actions nodes of its CUI command (Customize User Interface dialog box).
BricsCAD customizes mouse and double-click buttons in the Mouse tab of the Customize com-
mand (Customize dialog box).
AutoCAD Mouse Button BricsCAD

Action Number Action
Picks objects * 1 (left button) Picks objects *
Displays grips shortcut menu 2 (right) Repeats the last command
Displays object snap shortcut menu 3 (center) Displays object snap shortcut menu
Cancels the current command 4 ...
Toggles snap mode 5 ...
Toggles ortho mode 6 ...
Toggles grid display 7 ...
Changes the coordinate display 8 ...
Switches to the next isoplane 9 ...
Toggles tablet mode 10 ...
Zooms in real time * Wheel Zooms in real time *

Edits selected object(s) Double-click 1 (left button) Edits selected object(s)
Displays object snap shortcut menu Shift+2 (right) Displays object snap shortcut menu
Rotates viewpoint in 3D Shift+3 (center) ...
... Ctrl+1 (left) ...

Displays object snap shortcut menu Ctrl+2 (right) Rotates viewpoint in 3D
Swivels viewpoint in 3D Ctrl+3 (middle) ...
Zooms viewpoint in 3D Ctrl+4 ...
*) The action of the pick button (#1) and wheel cannot be customized.
D
TABLET BUTTONS
AutoCAD lets you customize the definitions of stylus and puck buttons in the Tablet Buttons node
of its Customize User Interface dialog box’s Legacy section.
BricsCAD lets you customize buttons in the Digitizer Buttons node of the Customize dialog box’s
Tablet tab. However, no tablet menu or partial CUI file is provided by BricsCAD, and so the entries
under Digitizer Buttons and Tablet Menus are empty, initially. The solution is to the following:
1. Download the set of partial CUI files and drawings for tablet buttons and overlays from https://www.bricsys.
com/bricscad/tools/Tablet.zip.
2. Load the tablet.cui or tablet(acadLike)cui partial CUI files into BricsCAD with the MenuLoad command.
Notice that the two sections now contain entries for tablet buttons and menus. These work identi-
cally for the Windows, Mac, and Linux versions of BricsCAD.

Left: Tablet button definitions in AutoCAD’s CUI dialog box.
Center: Default tablet definition in BricsCAD’s Customize dialog box.
Right: Tablet definition in BricsCAD after loading “tablet(acadLike).cui.”
The following table lists the meaning of stylus and puck buttons used with tablets. Italicized text
indicates the actions after partial CUI file tablet(acadLike).cui is loaded into BricsCAD.
AutoCAD Action Tablet Button BricsCAD Command BricsCAD Action

Picks objects 1 ... Picks objects
Displays grips shortcut menu 2 $p0=GRIPS $p0=* Displays grips shortcut menu
Displays object snap shortcut menu 3 $p0=SNAP $p0=* Displays object snap shortcut menu
Cancels the current command 4 ^c Cancels the current command
Toggles snap mode 5 '_snap;_t Toggles snap mode
Toggles ortho mode 6 '_orthogonal;_t Toggles ortho mode
Toggles grid display 7 '_grid;_t Toggles grid display
Changes the coordinate display 8 '_.COORDS $M=$(if,$(and,$(getvar, Changes the coordinate display
COORDS),2),0,$(+,$(getvar,COORDS),1))
Switches to the next isoplane 9 '_isoplane;; Switches to the next isoplane
Toggles tablet mode 10 '_tablet;_t Toggles tablet mode
Displays object snap shortcut menu Shift+2 $p0=SNAP $p0=* Displays object snap shortcut menu

The tablet overlay provided by Bricsys is illustrated below.
D
NAVIGATE & 3D WALK-FLY CONTROLS
AutoCAD and BricsCAD use keystrokes and mouse buttons to control movement in 3D perspective
mode, known also as “navigate” and “walk and fly” modes. (Walk mode freezes the z-coordinate.)
The keys and buttons used by the two CAD packages are so different that I present them separately
here. You cannot customize navigate, walk, or fly controls.
Navigate
new in v18. Enter navigate mode by entering the Navigate command. These keystrokes work in
Linux, MacOS, and Windows.
AutoCAD & BricsCAD Alternative Mouse

Function Keystroke Keystroke Button
Move forwards w Up-arrow
Move backwards s Down-arrow
Move to the left a Left-arrow
Move to the right d Right-arrow
Toggle between walk-fly mode f ...
Zoom in and out ... ... Roll scroll wheel
Pan left, right, up, down ... ... Hold down left button
Display Settings dialog box (BricsCAD only) ... ... Right-click
Display shortcut menu (AutoCAD only)
Display Keystrokes help (AutoCAD only) Tab ...
Exits walk-fly mode Esc Enter
Walk & Fly

Enter walk or fly mode with the 3dWalk and 3dFly commands.
Windows & Linux MacOS BricsCAD Command

Function Key+Button Key+Button or System Variable Executed
Moves forward, backwards, left, or right Alt + Left button Opt + Left button RtWalk
Moves up, down, or sideways Alt + Middle button Opt + Middle button RtUpDown
Looks around Ctrl + Middle button Cmd + Middle button RtLook
Resets view direction to the horizontal Ctrl + Home key Cmd + Home key ...
Moves target point to the center of the scene Alt + Home key Opt + Home key ...
Increases walking speed Alt + Plus key Opt + + (plus key) RtWalkSpeedFactor
Decreases walking speed Alt+Minus key Opt + - (minus) RtWalkSpeedFactor
Increases rotation speed Ctrl + Plus key Cmd + + (plus) RtRotationSpeedFactor
Decreases rotation speed Ctrl+Minus key Cmd + - (minus) RtRotationSpeedFactor

3D MOUSE CONTROLS AND BUTTONS
AutoCAD and BricsCAD both support 3D mice made by 3Dconnexion. Before the CAD programs can
recognize the mouse, however, the 3Dconnexion device driver must be installed on your computer.
The driver software is included with the mouse, but if you mislaid the CD, then you can download
it from http://www.3dconnexion.com for computers running recent releases of Windows, MacOS,
and Linux. You may need to reboot the computer after installing the driver.
BricsCAD Customization
The actions of the 3D mouse’s buttons and cap are defined by the 3Dconnection Properties software.
There are no controls in BricsCAD, with the sole exception of the Ctrl3DMouse variable, which
enables and disables the 3D mouse.

Settings for multi-button SpacePilot Pro mouse
In practice, you use both mice: the regular “2D” mouse for choosing commands and picking objects,
and the puck of the 3D mouse for moving the viewpoint in 3D. Users typically move the regular
mouse with the right hand, and the 3D mouse with the left.
The 3D mouse cannot be customized by BricsCAD’s Customize | Mouse dialog box. Instead, you
program buttons to execute specific BricsCAD commands through the 3Dconnection Properties
software. The screen grabs above illustrate the default settings of the buttons.
D

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BRICSCAD®

FOR AUTOCAD® USERS

Comparing User Interfaces

Updated for V18

PayPal Check or Money Order

Copyright © 2017 by upFront.eZine Publishing, Ltd.

10th edition Based on BricsCAD V18

Technical writer Ralph Grabowski

AutoCAD-BricsCAD Dictionary.................................................................................................................................... xii

1. BricsCAD for AutoCAD Users.......................................................1

THE BRICSCAD ADVANTAGE .............................................................................7

SUPPORT FOR MULTIPLE OPERATING SYSTEMS................................................................... 11

2. Comparing User Interfaces Between AutoCAD & BricsCAD...49

VARIATIONS IN USER INTERFACE.................................................................. 54

PROMPT MENU (BRICSCAD ONLY).......................................................................................... 56

THE QUAD (BRICSCAD ONLY)................................................................................................... 57

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OPTIONS & SETTINGS......................................... 60

CONTENT BROWSER PANEL (BRICSCAD ONLY).................................................................... 70

iv BricsCAD V18 for AutoCAD Users

3. Compatibility of Drawing Elements......................................... 85

DWG 2018 COMPATIBILITY.............................................................................. 88

MISCELLANEOUS COMPATIBILITY ISSUES............................................................................. 92

DWG 2018 ENTITY SUPPORT........................................................................... 94

COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN PROPERTIES.....................................................108

COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN STYLES...............................................................110

4. Customizing and Programming BricsCAD...............................121

AUTOCAD OPTIONS VS BRICSCAD SETTINGS............................................. 123

AUTOCAD CUI VS BRICSCAD CUSTOMIZE................................................... 124

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH BRICSCAD MENUS......................................................................130

CREATING A NEW MENU ITEM IN BRICSCAD........................................................................ 131

vi BricsCAD V18 for AutoCAD Users

CUSTOMIZING TABLET BUTTONS AND MENUS....................................................................142

CUSTOMIZING TOOLS PALETTES............................................................................................147

OTHER AREAS OF CUSTOMIZATION............................................................148

LINETYPES AND HATCH PATTERNS........................................................................................ 151

PLOT STYLES............................................................................................................................... 152

SUPPORTED FILES........................................................................................... 153

PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS............................................................. 158

PORTING VBA TO BRICSCAD (WINDOWS ONLY).................................................................. 161

THIRD-PARTY DEVELOPER SUPPORT.....................................................................................162

Table of Contents vii

MAXIMIZING COMPATIBILITY................................................................................................ 168

RUNNING BRICSCAD & AUTOCAD IN ONE OFFICE......................................171

THE DUAL OS OFFICE......................................................................................184

BENEFITS OF LINUX.................................................................................................................. 186

BRICSCAD’S DIRECT MODELING VS AUTOCAD’S PRESSPULL................. 193

WORKSPACES, 3D VIEWING, QUAD CURSOR,

MANIPULATE, & 3D MOUSE...........................................................................199

VIEW ROTATION & UCS FACE COMMANDS..........................................................................200

VISUAL STYLES AND RENDERING.......................................................................................... 202

WORKING WITH THE QUAD CURSOR.................................................................................... 203

BRICSCAD’S MANIPULATOR VS AUTOCAD’S GIZMO.......................................................... 204

3D GEOMETRIC & 3D DIMENSIONAL CONSTRAINTS ................................207

3D DESIGN INTENT......................................................................................... 208

MECHANICAL BROWSER & HARDWARE LIBRARY..................................... 212

HARDWARE LIBRARY................................................................................................................ 213

MODELING AND DEFORMING 3D SURFACES.............................................. 215

WORKING WITH ASSEMBLIES................................................................................................. 217

3D KINEMATIC ANALYSIS............................................................................... 221