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Fourth edition based on Bricscad V12
18 November 2011
Copyright 2011 by upFront.eZine Publishing,
Ltd. All rights reserved worldwide.
ii
This book is sold as is, without warranty of any kind, either express
or implied, respecting the contents of this book and any disks or
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Table of Contents
System Requirements........................................................ 13
Recommended Hardware.....................................................................13
Operating Systems.............................................................................14
AutoCAD-Bricscad Dictionary.........................................................................................................16
Table of Contents
iii
Quad Cursor......................................................................................23
Options vs Settings........................................................... 24
Brief Tour of Bricscads Settings Dialog Box............................................25
Opening and Closing Nodes..........................................................................................25
Accessing and Changing Values.....................................................................................26
Realtime Search..........................................................................................................26
Exporting Settings.......................................................................................................27
SetVar Command........................................................................................................27
Selection Sets....................................................................................30
iv
3D Entities Supported.........................................................................51
Compatibility of Properties................................................. 55
Compatibility of Layer Properties..........................................................55
Compatibility of Styles........................................................................56
Dimension Styles........................................................................................................56
Leader and Multiline Leader Styles.................................................................................57
MText and Text Styles..................................................................................................57
Multiline Styles...........................................................................................................59
Plot Styles..................................................................................................................59
Table Styles................................................................................................................60
Visual Styles...............................................................................................................61
Options vs Settings........................................................... 65
File Paths..........................................................................................65
User Profiles......................................................................................66
Roaming Profiles.........................................................................................................67
APIs Supported by Bricscad V12 for Linux........................................................................................68
Cui vs Customize.............................................................. 69
Importing AutoCAD Menus............................................................................................................70
Context Menus...................................................................................78
Toolbars ...........................................................................................79
Keyboard Shortcuts ...........................................................................81
Mouse Buttons and Double-click Actions................................................82
Double-Click Actions....................................................................................................82
Table of Contents
Supported Files................................................................. 92
Programming Considerations.............................................. 96
Porting AutoLISP to LISP.....................................................................97
Porting DCL to Bricscad................................................................................................97
Porting Diesel to Bricscad.............................................................................................97
vi
Compatibility................................................................................... 105
Capability........................................................................................ 106
Table of Contents
vii
Appendices
A Cross-reference of
AutoCAD & Bricscad Command Names................115
X-Commands................................................................................... 134
X-Tools..................................................................................................................... 134
X-Hardware.............................................................................................................. 135
B Cross-reference of
AutoCAD & Bricscad Variables..............................137
C Cross-reference of
AutoCAD & Bricscad Command Aliases................163
D Cross-reference of
AutoCAD & Bricscad Keystrokes and Buttons.....175
Keyboard Shortcuts: Drawing Area.................................... 176
Function Keys.................................................................................. 176
Ctrl Keys......................................................................................... 177
Shift Keys....................................................................................... 179
Other Keys...................................................................................... 180
Keyboard Shortcuts: Text Window & Command Bar............................... 180
viii
chapter 1
Bricscad for
AutoCAD Users
THIS BOOK IS DESIGNED to help you transition from AutoCAD to Bricscad. Here youll learn
about the benefits of using Bricscad in place of AutoCAD. Youll read about the advantages of
switching to this similar CAD package, as well as about some of the transitional issues to watch out
for.
The chapters in this book provide you with information on useful topics, such as DWG file compatibility, differences in the Bricscad user interface and customization, and how the operation of
a dual-CAD design office. The appendices exhaustively cross-reference command names between
the two CAD systems, as well as system variable names, command aliases, shortcut keystrokes, and
mouse button actions.
Now in its fourth edition, this book has been updated with features found in Bricscad V12 and AutoCAD 2012, along with the subtle differences in the Linux version of Bricscad.
Bricscad V12 for AutoCAD Users is meant for you, if you are
a company working with clients who use the other CAD package
Or perhaps you are simply wondering about the differences between the market leader, AutoCAD,
and the aggressive up-and-comer, Bricscad. This book is meant for you. Welcome!
Risky Business
Autodesk offers a hundred software packages and bundles (at time of writing). AutoCAD itself
comes in more than twenty variations, such as the LT and vertical versions; it is also available in
complex combinations with Autodesks other software, such as AutoCAD Revit Architecture Visualization Suite and AutoCAD Inventor Routed Systems Suite. It can be tough for potential customers
to determine which one to choose.
Given the large number of programs available from one CAD software company, making purchasing
decisions can be risky, because Autodesk fine-tunes its offerings to maximize profits on behalf of
its shareholders. The software you buy today may not be available tomorrow. In past years, Autodesk abandoned its facilities management software, FMdesktop; halted further development of
its construction management software, Constructware; and orphaned users of Generic CADD, Actrix
Technical, StudioDesk, Mechanical Desktop, Impressions, and other packages.
Once customers decide on which version of AutoCAD to license, salesmen pressure them into
purchasing annual subscriptions. For AutoCAD, the subscription is still optional; for a number other
products, however, annual subscription payments are mandatory, driving up the TCO (total cost of
ownership). To make it more painful to stay off subscriptions, Autodesk last year tripled the upgrade fee to as high as 50% of a products list price. In the case of AutoCAD, this is $2,000.
Autodesk prices tend to be high. Its foundational drafting package, AutoCAD, has a list price of
US$4,000 some 4x to 8x more costly than most other office productivity software. The high
price of AutoCAD is just the start: a previous CEO famously boasted to financial analysts that her
company could make up to 10x more money from customers who move from AutoCAD up a 3D
modeling package. The current CEO has emphasized his plan to increase income from customers
through bundles, which command a higher price tag in exchange for a lower cost of each software
component.
Upon installing the software, customers must agree to onerous terms dictated by Autodesk in its
software license. Most customers never read EULAs (end user license agreements), and so may be
shocked to learn that they are allowing Autodesk to send agents into their private homes and businesses to search for unauthorized copies. The EULA makes it illegal for customers to travel outside
their country with Autodesk software residing on their computer blocking users from taking part
in todays world of globalized business.
In recent years, Autodesk became one of the most litigious of all CAD vendors, launching law suits
against competitors for reasons as trivial as using the color orange for a rectangle on product packaging, or for using the generic DWG file extension in product naming.
Bricsys Business
In contrast to Autodesk, Bricsys makes the choice easy by offering the
following products at reasonable prices:
CAD Software
Project Management
Bricscad Classic
Bricscad Pro
Bricscad Platinum
Viewing only
History-based 3D modeling
Viewing only
Viewing only
Direct 3D modeling
Viewing only
TX
To read and write DWG and DXF files, Bricscad uses the highly compatible Teigha libraries from
Open Design Alliance. (When ODA renamed DwgDirect to Teigha, it also
renamed the DRX API as TX)
Bricsys doesnt charge customers high prices, doesnt impose mandatory subscriptions, and doesnt sue its competitors. 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.
Speed. You can view multimegabyte-large drawings in seconds, zooming in on a detail, and examine annotations with fly-over text that lists time stamp and author.
Compliance management. You can follow a continuous audit trail of the entire project process. Vondle
automatically maintains a log file of project activities and participants.
Single access point. You have a repository of all actions, documents, meetings, and participants in a
single location.
No software to install. You 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.
Chapoo Bizz
At time of writing, Bricsys was planning to rename Vondle as Chapoo Bizz. Vondles first name was
Vista, which changed after Microsoft adopted the name for one of its operating systems.
The personal version will be named Chapoo, and works in Web browsers so that it is
OS-independent. It will be made available to every Bricscad V12 user for viewing, sharing, uploading, and managing 50 file formats on 2GB of no-charge online storage space
no subscription required. Files can be shared in Facebook, Twitter, email, or just by
copying a hyperlink .
Versions of Chapoo are being developed for Android and iOS. These cut-down versions
will allow users to view and annotate files.
eBridge
eBridge provides Bricscad with version control, tracks file history, lets others view large CAD files
without downloading, and connects with Vondle. In short, eBridge is the cloud version of eTransmit,
because it connects automatically with Vondles servers and uploads files that you specify. Once files
are on the server, they are checked automatically for modifications, and then updated. It works with
CAD and image files, but not office files, such as Office, OpenOffice, or PDF.
Also new in the V12s Platinum and Pro editions is built-in direct modeling and editing. While these
actions are possible in AutoCAD, Autodesk encourages users instead to use the bundled Inventor
Fusion software. Unfortunately, while Fusion is running, AutoCAD is frozen.
(These 3D features are possible because of programmers at a Siberian software development firm,
LEDAS. Bricsys liked their software so much that they bought the retail arm, renaming it Bricsys
Technologies Russia.)
Finally, unique to Bricscad is the new Quad cursor, which is meant for use during direct modeling
and editing. When you select a feature, such as a face or edge, it provides quick access to the four
most likely commands needed to manipulate the feature.
APIs
Bricsys is making it easier for third-party developers to adapt their AutoCAD add-ons to Bricscad
just as Bricsys is working to make it easy for AutoCAD users to learn Bricscad. For programmers, this
is done through APIs, short for application programming interfaces, and Bricscad supports almost
the same list of APIs as AutoCAD.
AutoCAD API Equivalent in Bricscad Notes
Action Recorder (*)
Scripts, SCR
ADS code ported from AutoCAD requires just a recompile using BRX
headers; ADS and 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
COM
COM
Ported AutoCAD COM code runs as-is in Bricscad; no changes needed;
not available in Bricscad for Linux.
Diesel
Diesel
DCL
DCL
CUI
CUI
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. For compiled code, you recompile it using headers provided by Bricsys to registered developers.
Examples of Add-ons
Independent programmers have written dozens of add-ons that tailor Bricscad for specific applications 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:
ADACX creates and edits ADAC-standard civil infrastructure drawings for Australian Councils.
CivilCAD provides surveying, road construction and design tools, water engineering features, land volume
calculations and real-time 3D simulation.
CADprofi Electrical designs lighting systems, low-tension, power plant, aerial, alarm and other electrical
installations.
GeoBL creates topographic plans, and includes a library with topographic symbols.
StrucPLUS provides a complete set of tools for preparing structural engineering drawings.
For the complete list of applications available for Bricscad, visit the Applications eStore at www.
bricsys.com/common/applications/applicationlist.jsp.
The company feels so strongly about third-party development that it has halted development of its
own add-ons.
Bricsys now concentrates on two things only:
Improving Bricscad
Improving 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.
AutoCAD1
Windows or Mac
AutoCAD LT1
Windows only
$450/yr
$195/yr
$160/yr
$160/yr
$160/yr
10
The earliest versions of Bricscad were simply rebranded releases of IntelliCAD, an AutoCAD workalike programmed by the IntelliCAD Technical Consortium. At this time, Belgium-based Bricsys sold
the software primarily in northern Europe.
(A little history: In 1998, the ITC was created by Visio, now part of Microsoft, after deciding it no
longer wanted to be in the CAD market. Visio had originally purchased something named Project
Phoenix from SoftDesk, the largest AutoCAD third-party developer in the world in the mid-1990s.
SoftDesk had begun coding Phoenix after executives worried that Autodesk might cut them off, as
the software giant had done to another major third-party developer. When Autodesk purchased
SoftDesk, the US Federal Trade Commission required it to spin off Phoenix. That was when Visio
made the purchase and renamed it IntelliCAD, but then a few years later it was again spun off, this
time to the ITC. Today, the ITC continues to update IntelliCAD, while consortium members rebrand
the software with additional features for resale in their regions.)
For several years, Bricsys wrote original code for Bricscad, which it contributed to the ITC. This
helped speed up improvements to IntelliCAD, but then Bricsys found that it was writing new code
faster than ITC could integrate it for its members. Bricsys had to decide between forking the code
(creating two versions, their own and an IntelliCAD-compatible one) or going their own way. With
version 8 of Bricscad, they chose the latter.
Not a lot seemed to happen during Bricscad V8 and V9, as the company concentrated on replacing all of ITCs code with its own. As of Bricscad V10, the software became 100% Bricsys, and so the
About dialog box no longer mentions IntelliCAD or Visio.
With releases V10 and V11, the number of features in Bricscad grew, and with V12 grew dramatically, after Bricsys purchased the programming division of Russian software company, LEDAS.
11
AutoPublish
CAD standards
Database links
Dynamic blocks*
Markups
3D mesh modeling
Multiline attributes
Multilines
Multline leaders
Quick properties
Point clouds
Sheet sets**
3D surface modeling*
Tools palettes**
*) Some entities, such as dynamic blocks, cannot be created by Bricscad, but can be edited when
opened from a drawing created in AutoCAD.
**) Sheet sets and Tools palettes are scheduled to be added during the life of V12.
Chapter 3 provides complete details on which AutoCAD entities work in Bricscad, which mostly
work, and those that dont.
At first glance, a few other AutoCAD features also appear to be missing, but with a second glance
you will find that they have near-equivalents in Bricscad:
AutoCAD Feature
Bricscad Equivalent
Command(s) in Bricscad
Action Recorder
Script recorder
RecScript, StopScript
12
ProfileManager
System Requirements
IT departments appreciate that Bricscad has milder hardware and operating system requirements
than does AutoCAD. This is significant to them for these reasons:
Design firms can run Bricscad on older computers; it is necessary neither to employ high-end hardware
nor to install the special display drivers AutoCAD requires.
Bricscad can access more RAM and CPU speed headroom on newer computers than does AutoCAD.
Recommended Hardware
Autodesk and Bricsys recommend that your computer meet the following specifications. Note that
AutoCAD 2012 will not run on older CPUs lacking SSE2*.
Hardware AutoCAD Bricscad
CPU:
Minimum RAM:
2GB (Windows)
3GB (OS X)
Minimum Display:
Graphics Board:
Windows: 1280x1024, 32-bit
128MB (minimum) workstation-class;
Pixel Shader 3.0 or greater for 3D;
Direct3D for 3D;
supported brands specified
at www.autodesk.com/autocad-graphicscard
*) SSE2 is short for streaming SIMD (single instruction, multiple data) extension 2. It allows CPUs to assist
with certain math functions and vector transformations of the sort used by CAD applications.
13
Operating Systems
Bricsys supports Bricscad running on several dialects of Linux as well as on new and older releases
of the Windows operating system. Autodesk has not announced a Linux version.
Autodesk has a version of AutoCAD for the Mac, but it is missing numerous commands and most
APIs. For several years, Bricsys announced it would ship a Mac version, but has not done so yet.
Here are the operating system on which the CAD systems run:
AutoCAD Bricscad
... Windows NT
... Windows 2000
Windows XP SP2
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7 Windows 7
Mac OS X v10.6.4 or later
The Windows versions of AutoCAD require Internet Explorer 7 or later; Bricscad does not.
I briefly tested both CAD systems on the developer release of Windows 8, and they seem to run
well.
14
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.
Just as you can try out AutoCAD free for 30 days, you can install and run the Linux and Windows
versions of Bricscad for 30 days at no charge from http://www.bricsys.com. Only Microsofts VBA is
disabled in the trial version. The size of the Bricscad download file is 126MB, more than ten times
smaller than AutoCADs 1.5GB download file.
15
AutoCAD-Bricscad Dictionary
Bricscads terms closely follow AutoCADs jargon, but there are a few differences.
AutoCAD Term Bricscad Equivalent
ADS
ARX
AutoLISP LISP
DesignCenter Explorer
Implied Intersection 3dIntersection
Intersection 2dIntersection
Object Entity
Options Settings
Osnap Esnap (entity snap)
Palette Pane
VisualStyle ShadeMode
Workspace
Xdata
16
chapter 2
BRICSCAD LOOKS LIKE AutoCAD when its workspace is set to AutoCAD Classic, as illustrated on
the next page.
As in AutoCAD, Bricscad defines aspects of its user interface through the content of CUI files, the
values of system variables, and other settings. Overall, AutoCAD has more capability through CUI,
while Bricscad provides more control through its variables.
In this chapter, you learn about the similarities and differences between the user interfaces of the
two CAD systems.
17
Title bar
Command prompt
18
Menu bar
Toolbar
Drawing area
Prompt menu
Crosshair cursor
Properties bar
UCS icon
Layout tabs
Coordinates
Text and
dimension styles
Status bar
19
Bricscad Equivalent
Menu bar
Toolbars
Scroll bars
Ribbon ...
Rollover tooltips ...
QuickView layouts and drawings ...
On the Drawing Screen
Tri-color cursor Tri-color cursor
UCS icon UCS icon
Aperture & pickbox cursors
Selection modes: 13
Selection modes: 18
20
: vs Command:
As its command prompt, Bricscad uses : to indicate it is ready for you to enter a command. (AutoCAD uses Command:).
If you prefer the AutoCAD type of prompt, you can change it through the Settings dialog box.
Search for prompt prefix.
Prompt Menu
One user interface element is unique to Bricscad: the prompt menu. This is a floating menu that
appears whenever a command contains options. It lets you use Bricscad with the command prompt
area turned off.
For example, the figure below shows the command line window, along with the prompt menu at
the right. As the Circle command progresses, the prompts change and so does the content of this
menu.
21
You can use the mouse to choose options from the prompt menu, or use the keyboard to type options in the command bar. To cancel the command, press Esc or click Cancel.
In certain cases, the prompt menu does not appear, such as when Bricscad prompts you to select
objects, when commands display dialog boxes, and when the prompt menu is turned off.
The Dont Display and Display options toggle the display of the prompt menu, while the Cornerrelated options position the prompt menu in 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.
The Prompt Menu Flags option turns on the display of additional option names that are normally
hidden in the prompt menu, and they are shown in italic text.
Notes
Center of circle
Default option
2P 2Point
3P 3Point
Ttr TanTanRad
... Arc Converts arcs into circles
... Multiple Draws multiple circles
22
Quad Cursor
Introduced with Bricscad V12, the quad incorporates direct modeling and editing commands at the
cursor.
By default, the cursor is turned off, and you see the standard tri-color crosshair cursor. To turn on
the quad cursor, click QUAD on status bar or press F12. Initially the quad cursor consists of a single
button, which displays the icon of the last-used command.
When you move the arrow cursor into the button, the quad cursor expands by four more buttons.
Three contain commonly-used commands related to the selected entity. The bottom button is
always labeled More; when you click it, it displays a menu of additional options.
The background color of the quad cursor reports the type of selected entity:
Background Color
Pink
Solid
Green
Face
Cyan
Edge
Yellow
Contour
23
Options vs Settings
In AutoCAD, the Options dialog box provides access to the values of many system variables, but
not all of them. The Bricscad equivalent is the Settings dialog box, a greatly expanded version that
takes the concept to its logical conclusion: access to all variables. See Appendix B for the list.
Providing access to over six hundreds system settings is a problem: how can a programmer design a
dialog box that allows the user to access a setting easily? In Autodesks case, the dialog box is segregated into ten tabs and thirty auxiliary dialog boxes!
In contrast, Bricsys created a single dialog box to access all variables. Its design allows users to
search for any variable by its name, title, and/or description. In addition, the variables can be sorted
into categories or in alphabetical order. The two modes are illustrated below.
24
Toolbar
Search field
Node
Uneditable value
Editable values
Variable name
Help text
Along the top of the dialog box is a toolbar, whose purpose is to make it easier to access any Bricscad variable. The toolbar switches the sort order between
alphabetical and
categorical.
Buttons let you jump directly to the Drawing, Dimensioning, and Program Options sections, and the
Search field lets you enter the name or description of a variable. See the figure below.
Sort by categories
or in alphabetical order
Go to Drawing, Dimensioning
or Program Options
25
Drawing settings applying to the drawing, and the the drawing process
Program Options settings related to the user interface and how Bricscad operates
You can use the Settings dialog box to change the values of almost all settings. The only exceptions
are those that are read-only, meaning that you cannot alter them. They are shown in gray text.
The preview area at the bottom of the Settings dialog box uses font styles to indicate the type of
variable:
Name in uppercase
(indicates system variable)
No icon
(indicates sysvar available in
other CAD systems)
Above: Documenting a non-unique system variable.
Below: Documenting a unique user preference.
To access values, enter part of a variables name or description in the Find field, or else click the +
boxes to open sections. When a value is changed, it turns to boldface a handy way of alerting
you that change has taken place.
Changes are made immediately which is why there is no Apply or OK button. To exit the dialog
box, click the x in the upper right corner.
Realtime Search
The realtime search field lets you directly access system variables by name. As you enter the first
few letters, Bricscad immediately jumps to the first name that matches them. You can then click the
left and right arrows to move back and forward through matching candidates.
26
Notice that the color of the search field changes, reporting the status of the search term you entered:
Click the
Find button to narrow the search, although I find its best to leave all Find Where options turned on.
Exporting Settings
Click the
Export button to save the variable names and their values in CSV (comma separated
values) format, which can be imported into OpenOffice Calc or another spreadsheet program.
SetVar Command
Bricscad has the same SetVar command as AutoCAD, but you can also enter names of system variables directly at the : prompt. As of V12, you can now also enter the names of preference variables
at the command prompt.
27
With the redesign of AutoCADs user interface around the ribbon, seeing properties at a glance
has become more difficult. For example, the Home tab of the 3D Modeling ribbon reports just one
property, layers; some properties are hidden in droplists and other tabs, which is not terribly user
friendly.
AutoCADs 3D Modeling interface reporting just the layer property on the Home tab.
In contrast, Bricscad maintains the dashboard-like experience of a Properties toolbar in its default
configuration.
Both CAD packages share a similar Properties palette, but Bricscad calls its the Property bar.
Properties Bar
The Properties bar in Bricscad operates just like the Properties palette in AutoCAD. There is one
difference, however: Bricscad often employs the Properties bar when AutoCAD instead uses a dialog
box or a contextual ribbon.
For instance, click a hatch pattern in Bricscad, and the Properties bar allows you to edit the parameters of the pattern; in older releases of AutoCAD, double-clicking the pattern displays the Hatch
Edit dialog box or more recently the Edit Hatch contextual ribbon.
You access the Properties bar through the Properties command, or from the menu, Modify|
Properties. It appears automatically when you double-click entities in drawings.
28
Left: Properties palette in AutoCAD.
Right: Properties bar in Bricscad.
Status Bar
The status bar in Bricscad reports not just the status of the drawing, but also the current names of
the text and dimension styles, which AutoCAD does not do.
Prompt area
X, y coordinates
and elevation
Text, dimension style names
Drawing status
Status bar
options
To change a text or dimension style, right-click the current name, and then choose a different one
from the shortcut menu.
In Bricscad, the status bar does double duty: when the command bar is turned off, prompts appear
on the status bar. AutoCAD cannot do this.
29
Selection Sets
As in AutoCAD, you can use Bricscad to assemble complex selection sets through entity locations
(pick, Window, Crossing, and so on) and properties (color, linetype, and so on). Many options are
the same, such as pressing Ctrl+A to select all objects in drawings.
The prompt menu illustrated below lists the names of all of the Select commands options. Recall
that AutoCADs Select command displays no options at all.
Bricscad has additional selection modes missing from AutoCAD:
Crossing circle selects all entities within and crossing a circle; see figure above.
Bricscad uses colors (like AutoCAD) and icons (unlike AutoCAD) to report whether
the selection set is crossing, window, or other.
30
TIP Bricscad has a number of commands that access Drawing Explorer. These commands open it, and then highlight the
related node. For example, the Layer command opens Explorer at the Layers node.
Bricscad includes settings for modifying these named entities, something lacking in AutoCADs
DesignCenter. For example, the Linetypes node lets you load additional linetypes:
31
... and the Dimension Styles node lets you modify the styles:
32
Drawing Explorer handles the named entities listed in the table below. Those in blue are new to
Bricscad V12.
AutoCADs Bricscads
DesignCenter Node Drawing Explorer Node Notes
Blocks
Blocks
...
...
Dependencies
Dimstyles
Dimension Styles
Xrefs
External References
...
Images
Layers
Layers
...
Layer States
Layouts
Page Setups
Linetypes
Linetypes
Multileaders
...
Tablestyles
Table Styles
AutoCAD creates and edits table styles with the TableStyle command.
...
Text Styles
...
Views
...
PDF Underlays
...
Lights
... Materials
...
Visual Styles
AutoCAD sets the current visual style with the VsCurrent command.
...
Section Planes
In summary, Drawing Explorer is more than a DesignCenter because it centrally gathers commands
for inserting and controlling named entities. By my count, the unified interface of Bricscads Drawing Explorer replaces the equivalent of 16 AutoCADs palettes and dialog boxes.
THIS CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTED the (few) differences between the user interfaces of Bricscad and
AutoCAD. The next chapter examines how both programs display and edit entities in drawing files.
33
34
chapter 3
BRICSCAD READS AND Y drawing files compatible with the DWG and DXF files created by AutoCAD 2012 and earlier.
AutoCAD can read and write drawing files in DWG format back to Release 14 (1997); Bricscad go
can back further, all the way to Release 12. DWG 2012 is the same format as DWG 2010.
After converting drawings to DXF format, AutoCAD can go back to Release 12 format; Bricscad can
go all the way back to Release 9 (1987).
This chapter summarizes how well Bricscad reads entities, properties, and styles created by AutoCAD 2012, most of which Bricscad correctly reads, creates, edits, and writes. They are segregated
into the following categories:
Entities
2D entities
Geometric and dimensional constraints
Text entities
Dimension entities
Complex 2D entities
3D entities
Properties
Properties
Layers
Styles
Dimension styles
Leader and mleader styles
Mtext and text styles
Multiline styles
Plot styles
Table styles
Visual styles
35
Visual accuracy does the entity look the same in Bricscad as in AutoCAD?
4. I made screen grabs of each entity in AutoCAD and in Bricscad to illustrate the similarities and differences
visually.
5. I recorded the limitations I found, if any. The results of these tests are presented on the following pages.
read
Bricscad reads the entity from DWG files, and displays it correctly.
create
edit
Any entity that Bricscad can read, create, or edit, it can also write back to DWG files.
There are a few AutoCAD entities that Bricscad does not handle 100% correctly. For example,
Bricscad can read and edit multilines, but it cannot create them. For this reason, this chapter tags
multilines with a version of the read-edit legend that looks like this:
Multlines
AutoCAD
Bricscad *
read
/ / edit
*)
The footnote details the limitation.
The in read / / edit indicates Bricscad cannot do something, create multilines, in this case. The
asterisk provides additional information in a footnote.
36
On scaled representations of annotative objects are saved as anonymous blocks on new layers. The layers keep their original names, but are appended with a digit.
I did not, however, see any evidence of these blocks, layers, or multiple representations when these
DWG files were opened in Bricscad. When a DWG file containing annotatively-scaled objects is
opened in Bricscad, the annotations appear as non-annotative objects. They are scaled with the annotative scale factor in effect when the drawing was last saved in AutoCAD.
For example, if a drawing contains annotations scaled at 1:1 and 1:4, and if the 1:4 annotative scale
is current when the drawing is saved, then the dimensions will appear at the 1:4 size when opened
in Bricscad.
Left: DWG file opened in Bricscad with annotative scale set in AutoCAD to 1:1.
Right: Same file opened in Bricscad, but with annotative scale set in AutoCAD to 1:4.
When annotative dimensions are edited in Bricscad, their annotative property is preserved when
opened again in AutoCAD.
Broken Dimensions
Bricscad displays broken dimensions, but cannot create or edit them.
Dynamic Blocks
Bricscad can display dynamic blocks, but cannot create or edit them. The Block Editor environment
is missing. Bricscad changes the look of dynamic blocks through the Properties pane; it cannot
change them using custom grips.
Geographic Location
Bricscad can specify geographic locations, but does not display, create, or edit location markers.
37
Helix
Bricscad displays helixes, but cannot create them. They cannot be edited, except for moving, erasing, and modifying basic properties (color, linetype, and so on).
Inspection Dimensions
Bricscad displays inspection dimensions, but cannot edit or create them.
Jogged Dimensions
Bricscad displays and edits jogged dimensions, but cannot create them.
Layers
Bricscad can read, edit, and write layers, but cannot apply all the formatting AutoCAD does. For
instance, filters, transparency, and per-viewport settings are missing. See the complete list in the
Compatibility of Styles section near the end of this chapter.
Meshes
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 can be modified, such as color and linetype.
Note that these are the true 3D mesh objects introduced recently to AutoCAD, and not the old
meshes made from polyfaces. Bricscad can create polyface meshes with commands like Ai_Box and
Ai_Sphere.
Model Documentation
Bricscad partially support model documentation, as created by AutoCADs ViewBase command. The
bounding boxes are displayed, but each is filled with a message stating a missing object enabler is
needed. Bricscad does not support the AutoCAD 2012 Model Documentation Object Enabler.
38
MText
Bricscad can read, edit, and write mtext, but cannot apply all the formatting AutoCAD does. For
instance, it does not have columns, nor can it specify line spacing. See the complete list in the
Compatibility of Styles section near the end of this chapter.
Multilines
Bricscad displays multilines and can edit them with basic commands, such as Move and Delete. It
cannot create multilines. The mline-specific properties can be edited through the Properties bar, as
illustrated below:
Location of vertices.
Mline style; styles need to be loaded into the DWG file by AutoCAD.
.
Multiline Leaders
Bricscad cannot create mleaders. It can apply basic editing commands (such as Copy and Rotate),
and can can edit their basic properties, such as color and layer through the Properties pane. Bricscad does not support multiline leader styles, and so mleader-specific properties cannot be edited,
such as text, leader, and arrowheads.
Proxies
Bricscad displays proxy objects, but cannot edit them, except for their basic properties (color,
linetype, and so on). Bricscad does not support object enablers, except for AutoCAD Architecture as
provided by Open Design Alliance.
39
Surfaces
Bricscad recognizes surface objects created by AutoCAD, but cannot create surfaces. Bricscads
Extrude and Revolve commands work only with closed objects, and so cannot create surfaces; Bricscad does not have the Loft and Sweep commands.
The surface objects cannot be edited, except for their basic properties (color, linetype, and so on).
Tables
Bricscad can read, edit, and write tables, but cannot apply all the formatting that AutoCAD can. For
instance, it cannot place text at an angle in cells, and cells cannot have double lines. See the complete list in the Compatibility of Styles section near the end of this chapter.
Underlays
Bricscad does not load or display DGN and DWF underlays.
Viewports
Bricscad can create rectangular and polygonal viewports, but cannot invert clipped ones.
Visual Styles
Bricscad can read, edit, and create visual styles, but cannot apply all the properties that AutoCAD
can. For instance, the properties of Occluded Edges and Intersection Edges are not yet implemented. As well, its list of default visual styles is different from AutoCADs. See the complete list in the
Compatibility of Styles section near the end of this chapter.
Fields
Lights
PDF underlays
Subdivision surfaces
Since the V11 edition of this ebook, Bricscad added support for the following entities in V12:
Live sections
Tables
With each release, Bricscad supports more DWG objects, tables, and properties, but at the same
time, Autodesk adds more of these to each release of AutoCAD.
40
2D Entities Supported
Bricscad accurately displays the following 2D entities created in AutoCAD 2012:
Arcs
AutoCAD Bricscad
Arc
Circles
AutoCAD Bricscad
Circle
Ellipses
AutoCAD Bricscad
Ellipse
Elliptical arc
Hatches
AutoCAD Bricscad
Patterned
Solid filled
Gradient filled
Islands
Text detection
41
Lines
AutoCAD Bricscad
Line
Points
AutoCAD Bricscad
PdMode 0
PdMode 98
Polylines
AutoCAD Bricscad
Segments
Arcs
Variable width
Fit-curved
Splined
Rays
AutoCAD Bricscad
Rays
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Solids (2D)
AutoCAD Bricscad
3-sided
4-sided
Splines
AutoCAD Bricscad
Closed
Open
Traces
AutoCAD Bricscad
Tracewid 50
Xlines
AutoCAD Bricscad
Xlines
AutoCAD Bricscad
Dimensional constraints
GeomConstraint
AutoCAD Bricscad
Geometric constraints
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Text
Attribute Refs
AutoCAD Bricscad
read / create / edit
Attribute references
Multiline attributes
Mtext
*) Bricscad cannot create all aspects of mtext, such as columns. See the complete list in the Compatibility of Styles section at the end of
this chapter.
Tables
*) Bricscad cannot create all aspects of tables, such as cells with double lines. See the complete list in the Compatibility of Styles section at the end of this chapter.
44
Text
Field text
Tolerance
AutoCAD * Bricscad
read / create / edit
Tolerance
*) AutoCAD does not fully edit tolerance objects.
45
Aligned
Angular
AutoCAD Bricscad
Angular
Arc Length
AutoCAD Bricscad *
read / /
Arc length
*) Bricscad displays arc lengths, but cannot edit or create them.
Diameter
AutoCAD Bricscad
Diameter
DimBreak
AutoCAD Bricscad *
read / /
Break
*) Bricscad displays broken dimensions, but cannot edit or create them.
DimInspect
AutoCAD Bricscad *
read / /
Inspect
*) Bricscad displays inspection dimensions, but cannot edit or create them.
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DimJogged
AutoCAD Bricscad *
read / / edit
Jogged
*) Bricscad displays and edits jogged dimensions, but cannot create them.
Ordinate
AutoCAD Bricscad
X ordinate
Y ordinate
Radial AutoCAD Bricscad
Radial
Leaders
AutoCAD Bricscad
Leader
Multileaders
AutoCAD Bricscad *
read / /
MLeaders
*) Bricscad can neither create nor edit mleaders, but can edit their basic properties bar (palette), such as color and layer; text and arrow
heads cannot be edited. Bricscad does not support multiline leader styles.
47
AutoCAD Bricscad
Insert
Dynamic
MInsert
Mirrored
Unequal Scale
Geographic
AutoCAD Bricscad *
read / create /
Images
48
Clipped
Wipeouts
Lights AutoCAD Bricscad
Light
MLines
AutoCAD Bricscad*
read / / edit
Mlines
*) Bricscad cannot create multilines, but can edit them with the Properties bar.
OleFrames
AutoCAD Bricscad
OleFrame
Regions
AutoCAD Bricscad
read / create / edit
Region
Shapes
AutoCAD Bricscad
Shape
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Underlays
AutoCAD Bricscad * partial read / create / edit
*) Bricscad does not display DGN or DWF underlays. DGN image from Axiom Conversion Services; DWF image from
Residential Drafting Services.
DGN
DWF
PDF
*) Bricsys does not support multi-page PDF files.
.
Viewports
AutoCAD Bricscad * read / create / partial edit
Viewport
Clipped
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3D Entities Supported
Bricscad accurately displays the following 3D entities created in AutoCAD 2012:
3D Faces
AutoCAD Bricscad
3D face
Invisible edge
Helixes
AutoCAD Bricscad *
read / /
Helix
*) Bricscad displays helixes, but cannot create them; helixes cannot be edited by Bricsys, except for
moving, erasing, and modifying basic properties (color, linetype, and so on).
3D Polylines
AutoCAD Bricscad
3D polyline
Polyface Meshes
AutoCAD Bricscad
Mesh
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Proxy Objects
AutoCAD Bricscad *read / /
Proxy
*) Bricscad displays proxy objects, but cannot edit them, except for their basic properties (color,
linetype, and so on). Bricscad does not support object enablers, except for AutoCAD Architecture.
Sections
AutoCAD Bricscad *
read / create / partial edit
Live Section
*) Bricscad handles all aspects of section planes, except for jogs.
3D Solids
AutoCAD Bricscad
Body
Sweep
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Box
Cone
Cylinder
Pyramid
Sphere
Torus
Wedge
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Subdivisions
AutoCAD Bricscad *
read
/ /
3D meshes
*) 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 can be modified, such as color
and linetype. (Note that these are the true 3D mesh objects introduced recently to AutoCAD, and not the old meshes made
from polyfaces like Ai_Box and Ai_Sphere.)
Surfaces
Extrude
Loft
Revolve
Sweep
*) Bricscad recognizes surface objects created by AutoCAD, but cannot create surfaces. The surface objects cannot be edited,
except for their basic properties (color, linetype, and so on). Bricscads Extrude and Revolve commands work only with closed
objects, and so cannot create surfaces; Bricscad does not have the Loft and Sweep commands.
54
Compatibility of Properties
Bricscad supports most of the properties found AutoCAD, including the BYLAYER and BYBLOCK settings:
AutoCAD Property
Bricscad Property
Bricscad Supports...
Annotative ...
Color
Color
...ACI colors and True Colors, but not color books
Elevation Elevation
Hyperlink Hyperlink
Layer
Layer
...all layer names, but not properties listed in the section below
Linetype
Linetype
...all AutoCAD linetypes, provided a .lin file is present
Linetype scale
Linetype Scale
Lineweight Lineweight ...all lineweights
Material
Material
Plot Style
Plot Style
...all AutoCAD plot styles, provided a .stb file is present
Shadow display
...
Thickness Thickness
Transparency
...
Bricscad supports...
Status
Current
... only two forms of status: current or not current
Name
Layer Name
... all AutoCAD forms of layer names
On On/Off
Freeze Freeze
Lock Locked
Color
Color
... all AutoCAD colors, except ColorBooks
Linetype
Linetype
... AutoCAD linetypes, provided the .lin file is present
Lineweight Lineweight
Transparency ...
Plot Style
Plot Style
...AutoCAD plot styles, if .ctb or .stb files are present
Plot Plot
New VP Freeze New VP
VP Freeze Curr. VP
VP Color ...
VP Linetype ...
VP Lineweight ...
VP Transparency
...
VP Plot Style ...
Description Description
55
Compatibility of Styles
Bricscad supports most of the styles found AutoCAD. Those shown in blue are new to V12:
AutoCAD Style
Bricscad Style
Bricscad supports...
Dimension styles
Multiline styles
Multileader styles
Plot styles
Table styles
Text styles
Visual styles
Dimension styles
...
...
Plot styles
Table styles
Text styles
Visual styles
The following section describe styles in greater detail.
Dimension Styles
Bricscad supports all properties of AutoCADs dimension styles and variables, with the exception of
annotative scaling and text direction.
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Bricscad cannot create multiline leaders or mleader styles, but can display them and edit the mleaders minimally through the Properties bar.
57
Style Style
Font Font
Annotative ...
Height Height
Boldface Boldface
Italicized Italicized
Underline Underline
Overline Overline
Undo Undo
Redo Redo
Fractions Fractions
Color Color
Ruler Toggle ...
Dynamic Columns ...
Static Columns ...
Column Properties ...
Text Justification
Text Justification
Paragraph Properties ...
Paragraph Justification
...
Line Spacing ...
Bullets ...
Field Text Field Text
Case Conversion
Case Conversion
Special Characters
Special Characters
Obliquing Angle
Obliquing Angle
Tracking Tracking
Width Factor
Width Factor
Import Text ...
Find and Replace
... Use the Find command
AutoCAPS ...
Character Set ...
Combine Paragraphs ...
Remove Formatting ...
Background Mask ...
Editor Settings
... Use the Settings command
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Multiline Styles
Bricscad supports the display and selection of styles for multilines in drawings created in AutoCAD,
but cannot create or edit multiline styles. You can change a multiline from one style to another, if
the imported drawing has more than one multline style.
Plot Styles
Bricscad supports both types of AutoCAD plot styles creating and editing them with the PlotStyles and StylesManager commands. The properties supported in plot styles are identical in both
CAD systems:
The PlotterManager command in Bricscad creates plotter configurations, while the PageSetup
command predefines page setups for plotting just as in AutoCAD.
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Table Styles
Prior to V12, Bricscad supported just the display of tables and the changing of styles, if the incoming DWG file contained them. As of V12, Bricscad creates and edit table styles with the TableStyle
command just as in AutoCAD. Unlike AutoCAD, however, the TableStyle command calls up the
Table Style section of the ubiquitous Drawing Explorer, as illustrated below. As well, the Bricscad
version does not support all the properties handled by AutoCAD.
Left: AutoCADs table properties edited through the Modify Table Styles dialog box.
Right: Bricscads table properties edited through the Drawing Explorer.
Like AutoCAD, Bricscad can format cells separately as titles, headers, and data.
AutoCAD Table Property
General properties
Table Direction Table Direction
Fill Color Background Color
Alignment Alignment
Text Format ...
Cell Margins Cell Margins
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
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Visual Styles
Bricscad V12 extends its ShadeMode command to display 3D drawings in a variety of AutoCAD-like
visual styles. Bricscad includes the following visual styles:
AutoCAD Visual Style Names
2dwireframe 2dWireframe
Wireframe 3dWirefreme
Hidden Hidden
Realistic Realistic
Conceptual Conceptual
Shaded Gouraud
shaded with Edges
gOuraud+edges
... Flat
... fLat+edges
... Modeling
... high Quality
shades of Gray
...
SKetchy ...
X-ray ...
Custom visual styles cannot be exported or imported with either CAD package. Bricscads new VisualStyles command opens Drawing Explorer for creating and editing visual styles:
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Bricscad supports many of AutoCADs visual style properties, with the missing ones to be implemented eventually. In a few areas, it has more properties than AutoCAD, as shown by the following
table:
AutoCAD Visual Style Property
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chapter 4
Customizing and
Programming Bricscad
WHEREAS MOST OF AutoCADs customization takes place with the Cui and Options commands, in
Bricscad the activity takes place in the equivalent Customize and Settings commands.
This chapter provides an overview of customizing and programming Bricscad; see the Customizing
Bricscad ebook for complete details on the topic (www.bricscad.com/estore).
For detailed information on programming Bricscad, refer to the online developer reference, available free at www.bricsys.com/bricscad/help/en_US/V12/DevRef.
63
Areas of Customization
Autodesk and Bricsys provide you with a variety of ways for customizing the look and operation of their CAD
programs. This table list the command name that facilitates each area of customization:
Area of Customization
AutoCAD Command
...1 ...1
Cui
...3
...1 Customize
Shortcut/Context menus
Cui Customize
Status bar
Right-click, Diesel
Right-click, Diesel
Notes:
1
Must be edited outside of AutoCAD or Bricscad with a text editor such as Notepad.
2
Double-clicking entities opens the Properties palette (bar) in Bricscad.
3
Not available in Bricscad.
Blue indicates new feature in Bricsacd V12.
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Options vs Settings
Bricscad and AutoCAD provide extensive options for controlling your CAD drafting environment,
from modifying the look of the user interface to specifying the names of project folders. Most settings are stored in system variables; others are stored in data files, environment variables, or the
Windows registry.
AutoCADs primary interface for changing settings is the dialog box displayed by the Options command, which provides users with access to many but not all system variables. The equivalent
dialog box in Bricscad is called up by the Settings command; in contrast to AutoCAD, Settings provides access to all system variables. See Chapter 2 for details on using the Settings dialog box.
Both CAD programs also employ the command-line-oriented SetVar command for direct access to
certain variables:
AutoCAD provides access to system variables only, but not to environment or registry variables.
Bricsys provides access to system and preference variables (sysvars specific to Bricsys).
File Paths
Bricscad and AutoCAD require drawings to use many support files, which are stored in a number
of folders. Both CAD programs let you specify the paths to these folders. In AutoCAD, paths are
specified in the Files tab of the Options dialog box. In Bricscad, paths are specified in the Program
Options section of the Settings dialog box.
In older, simpler times, support files were simply stored in a folder named \Support. But as Microsoft made Windows more complex, support files became scattered throughout folders on the hard
drives of computers and sometimes not even on the computer you are using.
65
The complexity stems from networking. Different support files are stored in different folders:
Local files stored on the computer you use; these files are specific to each user and each CAD program, such as DWG drawing files and local customization files.
LocalLow files stored like Local files, but with lower integrity level; used by Web browsers when Windows protected mode is on.
Common files stored on the computer you use; these files are common to many programs, such as
fonts and printer drivers.
Temporary files 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 stored on any computer; these files are specific to you, such as linetypes and hatch patterns, and that can be accessed from any networked computer. See Roamable Profiles later in this chapter.
Network files stored on the network and accessible to everyone, such as blocks and templates; these
files are meant to be shared by everyone.
If you wish, you can point Bricscads support paths to some or all of AutoCADs folders. This is done
through the Program Options section of the Settings dialog box.
User Profiles
Bricscad and AutoCAD both support user profiles, which store your customization settings for each
CAD program. After changing settings with the Options (in AutoCAD) or Settings (in Bricscad) commands, you can save them to .arg user profile files. Profiles allow you to create multiple profiles for
different users and projects.
You can launch Bricscad with a user profile by adding the /P switch to its desktop shortcut. (Rightclick the shortcut icon on the desktop, and then choose Properties from the shortcut menu.) Edit
the Target text like this:
In AutoCAD, user profiles are created and accessed through the Profiles tab of the Options dialog
box. In Bricscad, user profiles are generated through a separate application, UserProfileManager.
exe., which is accessed through the ProfileManger command.
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Because both programs use the same .arg file format, you can import AutoCAD-generated profiles
into Bricscad by following these steps.
In AutoCAD:
1. In AutoCAD, enter the Options command, and then click on the Profiles tab. See figure above.
2. Choose a profile from the list, and then click Export.
3. Select a folder in which to save the profile file, and change the file name, if you wish. Click Save.
4. Click OK to exit the dialog box.
In Bricscad:
1. In Bricscad, from the Tools menu, choose User Profile Manager. See figure above.
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 support roaming profiles, which let you roam about the office and use the
CAD software (customized with your settings) on any computer connected to the office network.
Your settings are identified automatically by your login name, which you enter when you access a
computer.
Not all CAD-related files are roamable; some remain local, such as DWG drawings and CUI files.
Roamable and nonroamable files are kept in different folders, whose names vary depending on the
version of Windows running on your computer.
For Windows Vista and 7, files are stored in the following folders:
AutoCAD 2012s roamable files:
C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2012\R18.2\enu
Data links
Language packs
Migration
Plot styles (CTB, STB), plotter parameters (PMP), and plotter configurations (PC3)
Support files (CUIX, FMP, LIN, MLN, MNL, PAT, PGP, PSF, UNT, and so on).
Web Services
67
Support files (CUI, FMP, LIN, PAT, PGP, PSF, UNT, and TXT)
Make all hidden folders visible through Start | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab | Show
Hidden Files and Folders. (You can also access the dialog box through the Tools menu, if menus are
turned on for Explorer.)
Or, copy (Ctrl+C) the folder path from this book, and then paste it (Ctrl+V) into the address bar of Explorer.
Or, create shortcuts on your computers desktop to the hidden folders: hold down Ctrl+Alt while dragging the folder name from Explorer onto the desktop.
All TX functions.
Many BRX functions, including basic CRT and MFC (Microsoft foundation classes) functions to
facilitate the porting of Windows-based client code. For example, the MFC class CString is widely
used in client code. By providing a similar code-compatible class on Linux BRX, Bricsys avoids the
need to look for a new string class and replace it everywhere. Bricscad for Linux does not
support interfaces that are strongly tied to Windows; this list primarily consists of AcUi/AdUi and
Many SDS (software development system) functions; excluded are a few functions that have
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All LISP functions, excluding VL, VLA, VLAX, and VLR functions, because they depend on COM,
Cui vs Customize
The Bricscad equivalent to AutoCADs Cui command is Customize. (To access it easily, you can enter
the cui alias.) It displays a dialog box that centralizes customization of the following user interface
elements:
Menus
Toolbars
Keyboard shortcuts
Tablet buttons
Command Aliases
Shell Commands
The process for customizing most of these elements is identical. This means that you can learn the
system for one element, such as menus, and then handle any other one, such as context menus or
toolbars.
The Bricscad method differs from AutoCADs, and so as the example below I show you how to customize Bricscad using menus.
You can access the Customize dialog box through the Customize command, the Cui alias, or from
the menu: Tools | Customize. Alternatively, right-click any toolbar and then select Customize.
Notice the dialog box:
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A couple of items to note. First, when you see a row of dashes that look like -----, this indicates
the position of separator bars, the gray lines that separate groups of menu items.
Container
(File menu)
Menu item
(Open displays a dialog box)
Separator
(------ dashed line)
Second, notice that red dots prefix some menu items. The dots indicate container items, which
are menu items that contain other items. For example, the File menu contains file-related items.
Here are examples of some containers:
BRICSCAD container holds the names of the menu groups. The groups include Main menus (those menu
items seen on the menu bar) and Context menus (also known as shortcut menus, which appear when
you right-click entities).
Main Menus container holds the names of items appearing on the menu bar, such as File and Edit.
File container is the name of the first menu appearing along the menu bar.
Edit container is the name of the second menu on the menu bar.
button.
3. In the Choose a Customize File dialog box, click the Files of Type droplist. Notice the list of file types:
CUI standard menu files used by AutoCAD since release 2007, and by Bricscad since V8.
MNU or MNS legacy menu files used by AutoCAD and by AutoCAD LT prior to release 2007.
ICM IntelliCAD menu files used by Bricscad prior to version 8, and by IntelliCAD-based systems.
Careful: Although Bricscad imports AutoCAD menu files effortlessly, menu picks sometimes do not work,
because AutoCAD macros can contain macro code and metacharacters not supported by Bricscad.
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In this tutorial, you add the CloseAll command to the File menu, locating it just after the Close item.
(The CloseAll command closes all open drawings.) To change the menu, follow these steps:
1. To open the Customize dialog box, enter the Customize command.
2. When the dialog box appears, click the Menus tab.
Notice that the Main Menus node defines the structure of the currently-loaded menu. The names in the
dialog box, like File, Edit, and so on, match the names on Bricscads menu bar, illustrated below.
71
Click the
buttons.
next to the File container. This action reveals the items in the File dropdown menu; both are
illustrated below.
4. Move the cursor over the ----- (separator) item thats located below Close.
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.
72
5. Right-click (press the right mouse button). Notice the shortcut menu.
a. Open File container
(Click the +)
b. Right-click separator
(------)
c. Choose Insert item
from shortcut menu
6. From the shortcut menu, choose Insert Item. This action adds a new menu item above the currentlyselected 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 an existing command or create a new one.
a.Choose Select
Available Tool option
Bricscad fills in
command parameters
automatically
c. Click OK.
a. In the Add Menu Item dialog box, choose the Select Available Tool option. This allows you to select
one of Bricscads built-in commands. (The other option, Create New Tool, is for creating new command macros.)
b. Under the list of Available Tools, open the File item, and then choose Close All. Notice that most of
the parameters are filled in for you, such as Title, Help, and so on.
c.
Click OK. Notice that the Close All command is added to the list under Close.
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8. To ensure the new command is in place and actually works, follow these steps:
a. Close the Customize dialog box by clicking OK.
b. Choose the File menu. Notice that the Close All item has been added.
c.
Click Close All. Does it work correctly? (It should prompt you to save all open drawings that have
changed since being loaded.)
Want to create new commands? Use the Create New Tool option to add your own commands,
which are constructed from other commands, LISP routines, macros, and Diesel instructions.
Whats the difference between Insert and Append? If you were to right-click the File container,
you would see Append Item on the shortcut menu. The names Append and Insert seem similar; heres how they differ:
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Append Item adds the new item at the end of the menu container.
Insert Item adds the new item before the currently selected item.
For the case of the CloseAll tutorial, using Append Item would have added the command to the
end of the File menu, which leads to the extra step of moving CloseAll into position under Close.
Mangled the menu customization? Click the Revert to Defaults button found at the bottom of the
Customize dialog box. Be careful, though, because it removes all prior customizations.
^C^C_qsave;_plot
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3. Notice the Add New Item dialog box. Choose the Create New Tool option.
a.Choose Select
Available Tool option
c. Fill in command
parameters
d. Click OK.
File
Title
Saven Print
Help
Command
^C^C_qsave;_plot
Image
(leave blank)
Notice that the new tool is added to the File menu (in the left pane of the Customize dialog box), as well
as to the list of Available Tools (in the right pane).
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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 with regular commands.)
Macro Metacharacters
Menu items execute macros, which can contain metacharacters. Bricscad and AutoCAD use many of
the same metacharacters. Ive list some of the most common ones here:
Metacharacter
Meaning
^C
; Executes Enter.
\
Diesel
AutoCAD and Bricscad can employ the same Diesel expressions in menu macros and LISP routines.
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Context Menus
Bricscad calls shortcut menus context menus, because their content changes, depending on the
context. Context menus are found in the Menus tab and below the Main Menus section.
The screen grab shown below lists the names of context menus provided by default in Bricscad; on
the right are the names of the shortcut menus included with AutoCAD.
As with menus, the list of items in each context container matches that of the shortcut menu. For
instance, when you right-click a selected entity, Bricscad displays the Edit context menu. Here is
what it looks like:
Left: Defining the Edit menu in the Customize dialog box of Bricscad.
Right: Bricscads Edit context menu.
78
To customize a context menu, you have same options as you saw with menus:
Toolbars
Toolbars are customized in the Toolbar tab of the Customize dialog box. The screen grabs (below)
list the names of toolbars provided by default in both CAD systems.
Left: Toolbars provided by default with AutoCAD, although they are normally turned off.
Right: Toolbars provided by default with Bricscad.
The visibility of AutoCADs toolbars is controlled by the current workspace; by default, all its toolbars are turned off. In contrast, a selection of toolbars are turned on in Bricscad.
79
The process for customizing toolbars is identical to that of customizing menus, with two exceptions:
Toolbars can contain controls, which menus cannot; control is another name for droplist.
The figure below shows how the items in Customizes Standard tree match the order of the buttons
held by the Standard toolbar.
You can specify parameters for the toolbar itself and for each button. As in AutoCAD, Bricscad can
specify the initial location and visibility of toolbars. To do so, select a toolbar name, such as Standard, and the edit the settings in the pane shown below:
To edit an individual button, select its name, and then check its properties:
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Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are customized in the Keyboard tab, as illustrated by the screen grab below.
Bricscad has many of the same shortcuts as does AutoCAD; appendix D contains a useful crossreference of all keystrokes shortcuts used by both programs.
You can add and remove shortcuts and their assigned actions. Right-click an existing one, and then
choose an option from the context menu:
Inserting shortcuts follows the same steps as adding menu items. You can enter the following kinds
of shortcuts in the Key field, highlighted in the figure below:
CTRL keys
SHIFT+CTRL keys
Function keys
SHIFT, CTRL, ALT, CTRL+ALT, SHIFT+ALT, SHIFT+ALT, and SHIFT+ALT+CTRL function keys
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To access a menu with a mouse button, use the same macro construction as in AutoCAD, as highlighted below.
Double-Click Actions
Double-click actions are customized in the Mouse tab (new to Bricscad V12). In V11 and earlier,
double-clicking an entity caused the Properties pane to appear. This is still the case, but now you
can change the action associated with the entity. For example, double-clicking a hatch pattern executes the HatchEdit command.
The lists of entities that can be double-clicked are nearly identical in Bricscad and AutoCAD, as
shown below. One difference, however, is that some entities are not native to Bricscad; for instance,
it doesnt have extruded surface and lofted surface entities, but the names appear in the list in case
you import a drawing from AutoCAD which contains surfaces, extruded, lofted, or otherwise.
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Double-click actions are customized by editing the Command field, highlighted in the figure below.
As in AutoCAD, you can add and remove double-click actions. Right-click an existing one, and then
choose an option from the context menu:
Inserting a double-click action involves the same steps as adding a menu item; see Creating a New
Menu Item earlier in this chapter.
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Left: Default settings for digitizer buttons and tablet overlays in Bricscad.
Right: After a partial CUI file for tablets is loaded in Bricscad.
CUI files and drawings for tablet buttons and overlays can be downloaded from www.bricsys.
com/en_US/download/bcad/tool/Tablet.zip. Once you load a partial cui file, such as tablet.cui or
tablet(acadLike)cui, then these two sections contain entries for tablet buttons and menus. The tablet overlay provided by Bricsys is illustrated below.
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Unlike in AutoCAD, you can create and edit aliases inside Bricscad. Click the Add or Edit button to
see the Edit Alias dialog box illustrated above.
Bricscad uses the same format as does AutoCAD for defining aliases and shell commands, and both
CAD packages store the definition in a .pgp file. Appendix C of this ebook contains a useful crossreference of aliases used by both programs.
There is a difference, however, between the names of the PGP files. In AutoCAD, it is the acad.pgp
file; in Bricscad, default.pgp. Keep the difference in mind when you copy acad.pgp to your Bricscad
installation, because you need to rename the incoming one as default.pgp.
Here is how to load the PGP file from AutoCAD:
1. Use Windows Explorer to copy the acad.pgp file from this folder:
C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2012\R18.2\enu\Support
2. Rename it to default.pgp.
3. Place the renamed file in this Bricscad folder:
C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Bricsys\Bricscad\V12\en_US\Support
It turns out that you cannot simply use the Program Parameter File field because it does not allow
you to enter a different path.
85
Shell Commands
Shell commands are customized in the Shell Commands tab, illustrated below.
86
Add adds a new shell command; Bricscad uses the same format AutoCAD.
Fonts
AutoCAD and Bricscad use the same types of font files:
This means Bricscad can use all fonts displayed by any AutoCAD drawing.
TrueType Fonts
Windows controls TrueType fonts. All TTF files are stored in the \windows\fonts folder for use by
all Windows programs. AutoCAD and Bricscad both have access to the same source, and so in Windows there is no need to copy .ttf files to any Bricscad folder.
In Linux, TTF fonts are stored in the /usr/share/fonts/truetype folder.
SHX Fonts
AutoCAD keeps its SHX fonts in the C:\program files\autodesk\autocad 2012\fonts folder. To use
them with Bricscad, you can copy the SHX files to the equivalent folder in Bricsys:
PFB Fonts
AutoCAD also supports the now-rarely-used PostScript .pfb font format, albeit indirectly through
the Compile command, which converts PostScript fonts into SHX format.
It does not matter that Bricscad does not work with PostScript fonts, because they appear in DWG
files as SHX fonts.
PostScript fonts are the default for Linux, but again this does not matter, since neither CAD packages use them directly.
87
Font Mapping
Bricscad and AutoCAD support font mapping, which becomes handy when a font is not displayed
in a drawing. This occurs most often when a DWG file is copied from one computer to another, and
the second one doesnt have all the same font files. There are two ways to use font mapping:
Quickn dirty method reads the FontAlt system variable, which specifies the name of the font to use when
the correct one cannot be found. This one font is used for all missing fonts. AutoCAD specifies arial.ttf,
while Bricscad uses simplex.shx.
Comprehensive method uses the FontMap system variable, which specifies the name of a .fmp file. This
file holds a list of font names mapped to alternative ones:
CAD System FontMap Default Folder
AutoCAD acad.fmp C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2012\R18.2\enu\Support
Bricscad Windows
default.fmp
C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Bricsys\Bricscad\V12\en_US\Support
Bricscad Linux
default.fmp
home/<login>/Bricsys/Bricscad/Bricscad/V12/en_US/Support
The format of the FMP file is simple, and both CAD systems use the same format; just the content is
different. To show you the format, 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
The actual font is listed first, followed by a semi-colon, and then the name of the substitute font. If
you need to, you can copy the 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 AutoCADs 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. To include fonts,
click the Transmittal Setups button, click Modify, and then turn on the Include Fonts option.
If you want just a list of needed fonts and other support files, click the 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
88
This means that Bricscad can use linetypes and hatch patterns that have been customized for AutoCAD. If you wish to reuse them from AutoCADs, then copy the .lin, .shx, and .pat files from their
support folder:
C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2012\R18.2\enu\Support
C:\Users\<login>\AppData\Roaming\Bricsys\Bricscad\V12\en_US\Support
Notes
acad.pat default.pat
acadiso.pat iso.pat
ISO-standard hatch patterns
As an alternative to copying files, you can import AutoCAD linetype files into Bricscad like this:
1. In Bricscad, use the Linetype command to open the Explorer window at the Linetypes node.
2. Click the New button to display the Load Linetypes dialog box.
3. Click File to access another .lin file, such as acad.lin.
89
5. Choose the .lin file you wish to open, and then click Open. The linetypes from AutoCAD are added to the
current drawing.
Linetypes and hatch patterns are customized the same way by Bricscad and AutoCAD, by editing the
related .lin and .pat files with Notepad or another text editor.
As of V12, Bricscad handles customized hatch pattern files whose names differ from default.pat;
these are displayed by the Hatch Pattern Palette dialog box when hatch Type is set to Custom.
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.
To create or edit plot styles in Bricscad, use the PlotStyle command. (Or choose Plotstyle Manager from the File menu.) The figures below show that the style-based plot style tables of both CAD
programs are identical:
90
This means Bricscad can use STB and CTB files created by AutoCAD after you rename them. The
sole difference is the file name of default: AutoCADs default name is acad.stb, while Bricscads
default is default.stb.
Plotter Manager
Bricscad and AutoCAD both support PC3 plotter manager files, which allow users to customize plotter options. Bricscad can use PC3 files created in AutoCAD.
To create and edit plotters in Bricscad, choose Plotter Manager from the File menu, or enter the
PlotterManager command. The figures below show that the plotter configuration editors of both
CAD programs are similar: one significant improvement is that Bricsys lets you choose the system
printer in the Information tab, whereas AutoCAD does not.
91
Supported Files
In addition to DWG drawing files, Bricscad and AutoCAD employ many additional files. The following tables cross-reference by extension supported files between the two CAD packages.
AutoCAD File
Bricscad File
Notes
Drawing Files
.adt
.adt
.bak
.bak
.dwf
.dwf
.dwfx
...
.dwg
.dwg
Drawing files
.dws
...
.dwt
.dwt
.dxb
...
.dxf
.dxf
.sv$
.sv$
.xlg
.xlg
.$$$
...
.$ac
...
.$a
...
Temporary files
Support Files
92
.acb
...
.acl
...
.arg
.arg
.atc
...
.aws
...
.blk
...
.cfg
.cfg
Configuration files
.chm
chm
.chx
...
.cui
.cui
.cuix
...
.cus
.cus
.dbq
...
.dbt
...
.dbx
...
.dct
.dic
Dictionary files
AutoCAD File
Bricscad File
Notes
.dsd
...
.dst
...
.err
...
.fdc
...
.fmp
.fmp
.hdi
...
.hlp
.hlp
.htm, .html
.htm, .html
...
.icm
.ies
...
.ini
...
.lin
.lin
.log
.log
...
.lwi
.mli
...
.mln
...
.mnc
...
.mnd
...
.mnl
...
.mnr
...
.mns
.mns
.mnu
.mnu
.nfl
...
.pat
.pat
.ptw
...
.pwt
...
.rml
...
.shp
...
.shx
.shx
.slg
...
.ttf
.ttf
.txt
.txt
.udl
...
.xml
...
.xmx
...
.xpg
...
93
AutoCAD File
Bricscad File
Notes
.ctb
.pc2
...
.pc3
.pc3
.pcp
...
.plt
.plt
Plot files
.pmp
.pmp
.pss
...
.stb
.stb
Import-Export Files
94
.3ds
...
3D Studio files
.bmp
.bmp
.cdf
.cdf
.dgn
...
.dxe
...
.dxx
...
...
.ecw
...
.emf
.eps
...
.fax
...
.fit
...
.gif
.gif
.jpg, .jpeg
.jpg, .jpeg
...
.jp2
.kml
...
.kmx
...
.pcx
.pcx
.png
.png
.sat
.sat
.sdf
.sdf
Space-delimited files
.slb
.slb
.sld
.sld
Slide files
.stl
...
...
.svg
.tga
.tga
.tif
.tif
AutoCAD File
Bricscad File
Notes
.txt
.txt
.wmf
.wmf
.xls
...
...
.arx
...
...
.brx
.cpp
.cpp
.dce
.dce
.dcl
.dcl
...
.drx
.dll
.dll
.dvb
.dvb
.fas
...
.h
.h
.lib
.lib
.lsp
.lsp
...
.mcr
Macro files
.pgp
.pgp
.rx
...
.scr
.scr
Script files
.unt
unt
...
.vbi
.vlx
...
95
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:
Bricscad Classic for Windows works with LISP, DCL, Diesel, TX, COM, .NET, and SDS.
Bricscad Pro and Platinum for Windows adds VBA and BRX. You can program with C/C++, VB, VBA, and
VB.NET.
Bricscad Classic for Linux works with LISP, DCL, Diesel, TX, and SDS. None of the Linux versions do not
support VL, VLA, VLAX, and VLR functions, because they depend on COM, which is Windows-specific.
Bricscad Pro and Platinum for Linux add BRX, which you can program with C/C++. Missing are functions
closely tied to Windows, primarily in the AcUi/AdUI and OPM class categories.
When it comes to using programs written for AutoCAD, you can reuse .lsp AutoLISP routines, .dvb
projects or VBA macros (in Windows only), and .dcl dialog control language files with no modification.
For writing C and C++ applications, Bricscad offers its BRX interface, which is code-compatible with
AutoCADs ARX interface. Bricscad supports SDS, which is compatible with AutoCADs ADS interface; SDS is deprecated in both AutoCAD and Bricscad.
AutoCAD API Equivalent in Bricscad Notes
Action Recorder (*)
Scripts, SCR
ADS code ported from AutoCAD requires just a recompile using BRX
headers; ADS and 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
COM
COM
Ported AutoCAD COM code runs as-is in Bricscad; no changes needed;
not available in Bricscad for Linux.
Diesel
Diesel
DCL
DCL
CUI
CUI
TIPThe 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 Recorders scripts cannot be edited, it is not really an API.
96
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. You
recompile compiled code using headers provided by Bricsys.
Detailed information is freely available from the Bricsys online developer reference at www.bricsys.
com/bricscad/help/en_US/V12/DevRef.
Bricscads command line input can vary slightly from AutoCADs. The solution is to verify the content of all
(command) functions, or avoid using (command) altogether.
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. It is a free library of LISP-callable functions not found in regular
LISP. See en.wiki.mcneel.com/default.aspx/McNeel/DOSLib.html.
97
In Windows, your application must be compiled with Visual Studio 2005 SP1, or any higher version compatible with version 8.0 of Microsofts CRT and MFC libraries.
Porting ARX to TX
Bricsys recommends that you use its own BRX SDK, rather than the TX SDK (Teigha runtime extension) from the Open Design Alliance, because of the following reasons:
BRX adds all the interfaces specific to the application editor, which are not available in TX.
TX is the new name for the old DRX API. TX has the following differences from ARX:
TXs method of constructing and destructing objects is different from that of ARX.
TXs control flow of error handling is different from that of ARX applications.
TX SDK contains a subset of ARX functionality; editor-related ARX interfaces are missing.
98
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 AutoCADs file name is acad.unt.
99
100
101
102
chapter 5
SOME FIRMS OPERATE BRICSCAD exclusively, but others run a mix of Bricscad and AutoCAD. This
chapter explores some of the issues in running a dual-CAD shop, and how to solve them. As well, it
looks at using the Linux operating system as a cost saving alternative to Windows or OS X.
103
Cost
Compatibility
Capability
Cost
For some firms, the $4,000-cost of AutoCAD is expensive, and so the majority of seats run a lowercost package, such as AutoCAD LT or Bricscad. For instance, a 100-seat firm might have a 10/90 split
between AutoCAD and the lower-cost package, saving the firm $315,000 in initial licensing costs.
The following table illustrates the dramatic savings:
Number of Seats
Savings
100 AutoCAD
10 AutoCAD, 90 Bricscad
100 Bricscad
$400,000
$ 85,000
$ 50,000
$
0
$315,000
$350,000
I say initial licensing costs, because there are two subsequent costs associated with software, both
optional:
Upgrade fees.
Annual maintenance or support fees. These often include the semi-annual or annual upgrade at no extra
cost.
The situation is particularly acute for firms in developing countries, where starting architects might make
as much as $300 a month. In my opinion, it is disturbing that major software companies charge more
for their programs in these high-growth but poorer countries, thereby placing the software tools out
of reach of many of their target customers. Ironically, these same software companies then complain
about the high rate of piracy in developing countries and fail to see the connection.
Autodesk has different pricing in countries; Bricscad has a single international price for every country.
The 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.
Solutions to High License Fees
For these firms, one solution is to license mostly lower-cost products, specifically AutoCAD LT, Bricscad, and the like. Indeed, Bricscad provides firms with a much more capable CAD package at half the
price of AutoCAD LT.
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Another solution to saving money is by running the free Linux operating system on computers, instead
of the pricier Windows. The catch is that the CAD vendor must have a version of his software that
runs on Linux. Bricsys does; Autodesk does not.
Linux is doubly cost-effective, because it runs well on older, less powerful computers. Newer releases
of Windows typically require new hardware, if only because the operating system no longer supports
older device drivers or software. Windows 7 is particularly bad for this.
In summary, Bricscad is triply cost-effective:
Bricscad is priced 8x less than AutoCAD, and 2x less than AutoCAD LT.
Compatibility
Like all responsible, capitalistic corporations, design firms look to reduce their expenses, and so prefer
the lowest-cost system. But in the case of CAD, this may mean losing some compatibility with the
industry standard, AutoCAD.
Autodesk works hard to ensure AutoCAD stays ahead of the competition, whether through technology or through marketing. For instance, when in the mid-1990s, IntelliCAD began threatening sales
of the 10x more expensive AutoCAD, Autodesk launched an marketing campaign that was effective
in warning customers away from the upstart. The marketing campaign claimed that AutoCAD LT was
the only low-priced CAD package that was 100% DWG-compatible with AutoCAD. The problem with
the claim was that it was not entirely accurate at the time: AutoCAD LT in those days could not deal
with all the entities created by AutoCAD.
The 100% Pure DWG situation is more true today than ever before, as Autodesk puts its huge
resources into barreling ahead and adding all kinds of features to AutoCAD, making it increasingly
incompatible with the clones.
For this reason, most design firms have at least one license of AutoCAD to handle clients drawings
that dont reproduce correctly in IntelliCAD or Bricscad. This is not unlike a firm 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.
The counterweight to Autodesk is the Open Design Alliance. ODA was established originally to document the proprietary DWG format. The organization provides APIs to member organization to allow
them to read and write DWG files. Since its founding in the late 1990s, ODA has expanded its services
by providing programming toolkits that mimic other aspects of AutoCAD, such as the ARX programming interface.
The bad news is that the content of the DWG file changes every year as Autodesk adds more capabilities and object types to AutoCAD. The qualified good news is that Autodesk freezes the format itself
for three years at a time. ODA and its Russian contract programmers do the hard work by figuring out
whats inside DWG. This means that Bricscad, IntelliCAD, and other firms can concentrate on adding
features to their CAD systems.
While Autodesk licenses its own RealDWG API, some 1,200 member companies of ODA are not keen
on relying only on Autodesk for accessing DWG files.
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Capability
Autodesk is barreling ahead, adding features to AutoCAD. In just a few years, AutoCAD gained 3D
mesh modeling, 3D surface modeling, a materials makeover, a direct modeling add-on just to name
a few. The bad news is that I see no way that the clones can replicate all of AutoCAD 2012s functions
in their entirety, or even those of AutoCAD 2002.
The good news is that there is no need to replicate AutoCAD completely. Three-D modeling in areas
of meshes and surfaces is of little interest to heads-down drafters, the majority of whom produce 2D
drawings. Even in hard core 3D CAD environments, such as Catia, recent 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.
Indeed, ITC has officially given up trying to keep up, and instead plans to concentrate on features that
end-users want in 2D drafting. ITC is the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium, which hires the programmers to update IntelliCAD. The software is then licensed to consortium members, who package the
software for sale to end-users. Bricsys is no longer a member of ITC, and writes its own code. Both,
however, rely on ODA.
Nevertheless, 3D cannot be ignored, yet clones traditionally have been weak in 3D. IntelliCAD and
other clones have achieved what AutoCAD did more than a decade ago. The sole exception is Bricscad,
which recently took two giant strides in beefing up its 3D offerings.
With V11, Bricsys added a higher-priced Platinum Edition that offered 3D history-based parametric modeling, known as X-Solids. It included a parametric parts library, called X-Hardware. Quite frankly, however, I
find X-Solids not easy to use, because it requires filling in dialog boxes with the dimensions of 3D bodies,
and it is incompatible with existing ACIS-based 3D solid models.
With V12, Bricsys added 3D direct modeling and constraints to all editions.
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Feature
Classic Edition
Pro Edition
Platinum Edition
2D Constraints
3D Constraints
3D Design Intent
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
3D Solid Modeling
3D Direct Modeling
3D History Modeling
View only
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
...display nearly all AutoCAD 2012 entity types, even if it cannot edit or create them.
...edit most AutoCAD entities, although sometimes only through the Properties pane.
...create many AutoCAD entities, but fewer than it can edit.
See chapter 3 Drawing File Compatibility for the nitty gritty detail on each and every DWG 2012 object.
As much as possible, work is done in Bricscad, since it operates on the majority of workstations. Only
the work Bricscad cannot do is handled by AutoCAD.
The design firm figured out the CAD features they employ 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 are the lists they created, along with brief notes on their usefulness to their workflow. These lists
are not exhaustive, but specific to the needs of one particular design firm.
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Usefulness
Active Recorder
Data extraction, tables, and spreadsheets
Drawing Views (in AutoCAD 2012)
Overkill
LayTrans command
Dynamic UCS
Creating dynamic blocks
Check Standards commands, DWS files
Mleaders, editing, styles
Useless
Very useful
Probably useful for generating 2D plans from 3D
Useful for cleaning up drawings
Useful for bulk editing layer names in incoming drawings
Not better than their own solution
Useful for creating complex linetypes
Too limited in scope to be useful
Very useful for joining multiple leaders into one;
and for lining up leaders neatly
Strategic Implementation
While some employees may be keen to implement more efficient drafting methods on Bricscad and
AutoCAD, it pays to place one in charge of CAD management and training. Here is the plan one design
firm arrived at:
Upgrade all licenses of BricsCAD to the latest version, and dual OS (Linux and Windows); decide on
the split between the Pro and Platinum versions.
Introduce a few seats of Inventor for handling specific 3D constructions, as well as forms of automated drafting of which AutoCAD is incapable. (Inventor licenses include AutoCAD free.)
Determine the split between assigning drafting tasks to AutoCAD and BricsCAD stations, recognizing
the limitations of BricsCAD.
Create a steering group to ensure the new techniques are disseminated throughout the firm; think
about hiring local trainers for specific topics; create a CAD programmer position; and ensure that
progress occurs.
108
Dual OS Office
To save money further, 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 all of the
features in the Windows version operate properly in the Linux version.
109
those of Wine, VMware, and Win4Lin.) Programmers at Bricsys had to write the code for Linux that
Microsoft normally provides for Windows.
Note that this problem affects only programming languages that depend greatly on the 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 work in Linux. Here is a list of the APIs ported
by Bricsys to Bricscad for Linux V12.
Table of Supported APIs
LISP functions, excluding VL, VLA, VLAX, and VLR functions, because they depend on Windows-only COM
DCL functions.
DIESEL functions.
TX functions.
BRX functions, excluding interfaces that are strongly tied to Windows, such as AcUi/AdUi and OPM categories.
SDS functions, excluding Windows-specific types.
Benefits of Linux
Running Linux 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 computer
(actually, you pay a hidden cost of about $20), upgrades are not. Upgrading from an older version of
Windows costs US$120 per computer, or more. Here is the annualized cost to upgrade OS licenses on
100 computers every three years:
Windows OS
Linux OS
Savings
$4,000/year
$0/year
$4,000/year
Desktop Linux is now similar enough to Windows that many users cannot tell the difference, particularly those users who dont care about the UX (user experience), but care primarily about getting the
work done. Indeed, some CAD operators at one design firm subsequently asked the IT staff to install
Linux on their home computers, after experiencing it 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. This is 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 was written inefficiently. In contrast, Linux was based on Unix, an operating system
from the 1970s, which was written with ultra-efficiency to run well on computers with barely any
memory and very slow CPUs. The ethos of efficiency has carried into the our current decade successfully.
110
Linux Is Malware-free
Linux has fewer irritants than Windows. 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, you do not reboot the
computer, as you must with Windows and OS X. You just keep right on working. Since OS X is based
on Unix, as is Linux, I am surprised that OS X needs reboots following updates.
Heres a funny thing: it is easier to get used to OS X if you are already familiar with Linux, than coming from Windows.
Linux is Hardware-compatible
Linux runs on the same computers as Windows, unlike OS X, which is locked to Apple hardware. To
try out Linux, you can install on existing Windows computer; to try out OS X, you have to buy all new
hardware, and get used to different keyboard and trackpad interactions.
(A tip: If you have to get OS X, 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, one at a time. When the computer starts, a Linux utility called grub lets you choose
between running Linux or Windows. All my notebook computers are dual-booting; I usually run Linux,
because it is more efficient. But when I need to use a program available only on Windows, then I shut
down the computer, and then start it with Windows.
111
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. Microsofts monopolistic
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 chose, and can have problems installing software, sometimes.
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 wont install, you wont 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, OS X, and Windows. If you use Microsoft Office on Windows, then youll be running Libre Office on Linux. Other basics are also available in multi-OS versions, such as Web browsers
(Chrome, Firefox, and Opera), image processing (Picasa), 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 OS X.
But it cannot run AutoCAD and other powerhouse software found on Windows and OS X, such as
PhotoShop and InDesign -- except through a Windows emulator, such as Wine. I find that emulators
are not efficient (runs the software slower) and not 100% compatible (some software and some software functions dont operate.)
I recommend using native software, and I would rather do without 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 Windows. There is the source version written by Linius Torvald, after whom Linux is name. Then there are primary distributions, with names like
Debian, Ubuntu, Gentoo, Fedora, Red Hat, Mandriva, and Slackware.
For every primary distribution, there are dozens of variants. This page at Wikipedia lists the names of
more than 100 distributions and variants: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions.
So, it can be hard no, confusing to choose one. (Here is a list of downloadable LiveCDs:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_live_CDs). In one way, it does not matter, since they all operate pretty
112
much in roughly the same way; indeed, they work similarly to Windows and even more similarly to OS X.
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) that 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!)
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 Ubuntu, however, Mint includes
all the extra that make starting with Linux less painful, such as common applications, drivers, and
codecs. www.linuxmint.com
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, youre 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) though Windowslike installers, which operate nearly automatically; and (b) through OS X-like software libraries build
into the operating system.
113
Here is a list of the major distributions and the installer software they use:
Linux Distribution
Package File
Package Manager
Debian GNU/Linux
Fedora Linux
OpenSUSE Linux
All others
.deb
.rpm
.rpm
.tgz
dpkg
RPM
RPM
tar
At its Web site, Bricsys lists the download files in the following formats:
If the variant you used is based on Debian, then you click the DEB file button. I used 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. Thats
right: Linux offers easily replaceable graphical user interfaces. (This is also possible in Windows, but
few have any desire to change from Microsofts 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.
114
appendix A
Cross-reference of
AutoCAD & Bricscad
Command Names
THIS APPENDIX LISTS the names of commands found in AutoCAD and Bricscad. The list is sorted
alphabetically by command name for both CAD packages, and shows the equivalent command name if
there is no exact match.
Commands specific to the X-related parametric 3D solid functions in Bricscad Platinum are listed separately at the end of this appendix. Not included are undocumented commands by either vendor, the
names of hard wired aliases, and deprecated commands.
11
12
115
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
A
About About
AcisIn AcisIn
AcisOut AcisOut
ActBasepoint ...
ActManager ...
ActRecord
...
ActStop
...
ActUserInput ...
ActUserMessage ...
AdCenter / AdcClose
...
AdcNavigate
...
...
AddInMan
11
AddSelected ...
Adjust
...
Ai_Box Ai_Box
Ai_Cone Ai_Cone
Ai_Dish Ai_Dish
Ai_Dome Ai_Dome
...
Ai_EdgeSurf
Ai_Mesh
...
Ai_Pyramid Ai_Pyramid
...
Ai_RevSurf
...
Ai_RuleSurf
Ai_Sphere Ai_Sphere
...
Ai_TabSurf
Ai_Torus Ai_Torus
Ai_Wedge Ai_Wedge
Align Align
AllPlay ...
AmeConvert ...
11
AnalysisCurvature ...
11
AnalysisDraft ...
11
AnalysisOptions ...
11
AnalysisZebra ...
AniPath ...
AnnoReset ...
AnnoUpdate ...
Aperture Aperture
...
Apparent
AppLoad AppLoad
12
AppAutoLoader ...
Arc Arc
Archive ...
Area Area
Array / 12 ArrayClose Array
12
ArrayEdit ...
12
ArrayPath
116
...
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
12
ArrayPolar
...
12
ArrayRect
...
...
Arx
Attach
...
AttachURL
...
AttDef AttDef
AttDisp AttDisp
AttEdit AttEdit
AttExt AttExt
AttIPedit ...
AttRedef ...
AttSync ...
Audit Audit
AutoConstrain
...
AutoPublish ...
B
Base Base
BAttMan ...
BEdit
...
BESettings ...
BHatch BHatch
Blipmode Blipmode
12
Blend ...
Block Block
BlockIcon
...
BmpOut BmpOut
Boundary Boundary
Box Box
Break Break
BRep ...
Browser
Browser
C
Cal
Cal
Camera ...
...
Center
Chamfer Chamfer
ChamferEdge
...
Change Change
CheckStandards ...
ChProp ChProp
ChSpace ...
Circle Circle
12
ClassicGroup
ClassicImage
...
...
117
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
ClassicLayer
...
ClassicXref
...
CleanScreenOn ...
CleanScreenOff ...
Clip Clip
Close Close
CloseAll CloseAll
Color Color
CommandLine
CommandLine
CommandLineHide CommandLineHide
Compile
...
Cone Cone
12
ContentExplorer / Close
ConstraintBar
...
ConstraintBar
ConstraintSettings ...
Convert
...
ConvertCTB ConvertCTB
ConvertOldLights
...
ConvertOldMaterials
...
ConvertPStyles ConvertPStyles
11
ConvToNurbs ...
ConvToSolid
...
ConvToSurface ...
Copy Copy
CopyBase CopyBase
CopyClip
CopyClip
...
CopyEData
CopyHist CopyHist
CopyLink
...
CopyToLayer ...
CUI
CUI
CuiExport ...
CuiImport ...
CuiLoad
CuiLoad
CuiUnload CuiUnload
CustomerInvolvementProgram ...
Customize
Customize
CutClip CutClip
11
CvAdd ...
11
CvRemove ...
CvHide ...
11
CvShow ...
11
CvRebuild ...
Cylinder Cylinder
D
DataExtraction
...
DataLink
...
118
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
DataLinkUpdate ...
11
DcAligned
DcAligned
11
DcAngular
DcAngular
11
DcConvert
DcConvert
11
DcDiameter
DcDiameter
11
DcDisplay ...
11
DcForm ...
11
DcHorizontal
DcHorizontal
11
DcLinear
DcLinear
11
DcRadius
DcRadius
11
DcVertical
DcVertical
DbConnect / DbClose
...
DbList DbList
In AutoCAD, use AttEdit
...
DdAttE
...
...
...
DdFilter
...
DdPtype
DdPtype
...
DSettings
DSettings
...
DdSetVar
...
DdVPoint DdVPoint
DdUcs
Delay Delay
DelConstraint
DelConstraint
...
DelEData
DetachURL
...
DgnAdjust ...
DgnAttach ...
12
-DgnBind
...
DgnClip ...
DgnImport
...
DgnExport ...
DgnLayers ...
DgnMapping ...
DimConstraint
DimConstraint
...
Dish
Dist Dist
DistantLight DistantLight
Divide Divide
...
DmAngle3D
...
DmChamfer
...
DmCoincident3D
...
DmConcentric3D
...
DmContraintsBar
...
DmDistance3D
119
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
...
DmExtrude
...
DmFillet
...
DmMove
...
DmParallel3D
...
DmPerpendicular3D
...
DmPushpull
...
DmRadius3D
...
DmRevolve
...
DmRotate
...
DmTangent3D
...
Dm3dFix
...
DmUpdate
...
Dome
Donut Donut
DownloadManager ...
Dragmode Dragmode
DrawingRecovery
...
DrawingRecoveryHide ...
DrawOrder DrawOrder
...
DrawOrderByLayer
DSettings DSettings
DsViewer ...
DView DView
DwfAdjust ...
DwfAttach ...
DwfClip ...
DwfFormat ...
DwfLayers
...
...
DwgCodePage
DwgProps DwgProps
DxbIn
...
DxfIn DxfIn
DxfOut DxfOut
Dimensions
Dim
Dim
Dim1 Dim1
DimAligned DimAligned
DimAngular DimAngular
DimArc DimArc
DimBreak ...
DimBaseline DimBaseline
DimCenter DimCenter
DimContinue DimContinue
DimDiameter DimDiameter
DimDisassociate DimDisassociate
DimEdit DimEdit
120
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
DimInspect ...
DimJogged ...
DimJogLine ...
...
DimLeader
DimLinear
DimLinear
DimOrdinate DimOrdinate
DimOverride DimOverride
DimRadius
DimRadius
DimReassociate ...
DimRegen DimRegen
DimRotated
DimRotated
DimSpace ...
DimStyle DimStyle
DimTEdit DimTEdit
E
EAttEdit EAttEdit
Edge ...
EdgeSurf EdgeSurf
...
12
EditInFusion
EditEData
Edits xdata
...
Elev Elev
Ellipse Ellipse
...
Endpoint
Erase Erase
eTransmit eTransmit
ExAcReload ...
12
Exchange
...
...
ExpBlocks
Explode Explode
...
Explorer
Export Export
ExportDWF
...
ExportDWFx
ExportLayout ...
ExportPDF
...
ExportSettings ...
-ExportToAutocad
...
ExpUcs
Extend Extend
...
Extension
ExternalReferences / Close
...
Extrude Extrude
121
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
F
11
FbxExport ...
11
FbxImport ...
Field Field
...
Files
Fill Fill
Fillet Fillet
11
FilletEdge
Filter
...
...
Find Find
FlatShot
FlatShot
...
Flatten
Freespot
...
Freeweb
...
G
11
GcCoincident
GcCoincident
11
GcColLinear
GcColLinear
11
GcConcentric
GcConcentric
11
GcEqual
GcEqual
11
GcFix
GcFix
11
GcHorizontal
GcHorizontal
11
GcParallel
GcParallel
11
GcPerpendicular
GcPerpendicular
11
GcSmooth
GcSmooth
11
GcSymmetric
GcSymmetric
11
GcTangent
GcTangent
11
GcVertical
GcVertical
GeographicLocation GeographicLocation
GeomConstraint
12
GetLink
GotoUrl
GeomConstraint
...
...
Gradient Gradient
11
GraphicsConfig
...
GraphScr GraphScr
Grid Grid
Group Group
12
GroupEdit
...
H
Handles
Handles
Inoperative in AutoCAD
Hatch Hatch
HatchEdit
...
11
HatchGenerateBoundary ...
11
HatchSetBoundary ...
11
HatchSetOrigin ...
122
AutoCAD Command
11
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
HatchToBack
HatchToBack
Helix ...
11
HideObjects ...
Help Help
Hide
Hide
HidePalettes ...
Hyperlink Hyperlink
HyperlinkOptions HyperlinkOptions
I
Id Id
12
IgesImport ...
12
IgesExport ...
-Image
Image
ImageAdjust
ImageAdjust
ImageAttach ImageAttach
ImageClip ImageClip
...
ImageFrame
ImageQuality ImageQuality
Import Import
Imprint
...
Insert Insert
...
InsertAligned
...
Insertion
InsertObj InsertObj
Interfere Interfere
Intersect Intersect
11
IsolateObjects ...
...
Intersection
Isoplane Isoplane
J
Join Join
JpgOut ...
JustifyText ...
L
LayCur ...
LayDel
...
Layer / LayerClose
Layer
LayerP
...
LayerPalette
...
LayerPMode ...
LayerState
LayerState
LayFrz LayFrz
LayIso LayIso
123
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
LayLck
LayLck
LayMch
...
LayMCur
LayMCur
LayMrg
...
LayOff
LayOff
Notes on Differences
LayOn LayOn
-Layout Layout
LayoutWizard
...
LayThw LayThw
LayTrans ...
LayULk LayULk
LayUnIso LayUnIso
LayVpi ...
LayWalk ...
Leader Leader
Lengthen Lengthen
...
LicEnterKey
...
LicProperties
Light Light
LightList / LightListClose
LightList
Limits Limits
Line Line
Linetype
Linetype
List List
LiveSection
LiveSection
Load Load
Loft ...
LogFileOn
LogFileOn
LogFileOff LogFileOff
LtScale LtScale
LWeight
LWeight
M
...
12
ManageUploads ...
Markup / MarkupClose
...
MassProp
MassProp ...
11
MatBrowserOpen / Close
Materials
MatchCell ...
MatchProp
MatchProp ...
Materials
MaterialAttach
...
MaterialMap
...
11
MatEditorOpen / Close
Measure Measure
MeasureGeom
...
Menu Menu
...
124
MenuLoad
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
...
MenuUnload
Mesh
Mesh
11
MeshCap ...
11
MeshCollapse ...
MeshCrease
...
11
MeshExtrude ...
11
MeshMerge ...
MeshOptions ...
MeshPrimitiveOptions ...
MeshRefine
...
MeshSmooth ...
MeshSmoothLess
...
MeshSmoothMore ...
MeshSpin ...
MeshSplit ...
MeshUncrease ...
12
Messages ...
...
11
MigrateMaterials
Midpoint
...
MInsert MInsert
Mirror Mirror
Mirror3d Mirror3d
MLeader ...
MLeaderAlign ...
MLeaderCollect ...
MLeaderEdit ...
MLeaderStyle ...
MlEdit ...
MLine ...
MlStyle ...
Model
...
Move Move
...
MoveEData
MRedo
...
MSlide MSlide
MSpace MSpace
MtEdit
...
MText MText
MtProp
...
Multiple Multiple
MView MView
MvSetup ...
N
11
NavBar ...
NavSMotion / NavSMotionClose
...
NavSWheel
...
125
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
NavVCube ...
12
NCopy ...
...
Nearest
NetLoad ...
New New
NewSheetset ...
NewShot ...
NewView ...
...
NewWiz
...
Node
...
None
O
ObjectScale ...
Offset
12
Offset
OffsetEdge ...
OleConvert ...
OleLinks OleLinks
OleOpen
OleOpen
OleReset ...
OleScale ...
12
OnlineDrawings ...
...
OnWeb
Oops Oops
Open Open
OpenDwfMarkup ...
12
OpenOnline ...
OpenSheetset ...
Options Options
Ortho Orthogonal
-OSnap OSnap
12
OverKill ...
P
PageSetup PageSetup
Pan Pan
...
Parallel
Parameters / ParametersClose
...
PartiaLoad ...
-PartialOpen ...
PasteAsHyperlink ...
PasteBlock PasteBlock
PasteClip PasteClip
PasteOrig PasteOrig
PasteSpec PasteSpec
PcInWizard ...
126
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
PdfAdjust ...
PdfAttach PdfAttach
PdfClip PdfClip
PdfLayers PdfLayers
...
PdfOptions
PEdit PEdit
...
Perpendicular
PFace PFace
Plan
Plan
PlaneSurf ...
PLine PLine
Plot
Plot
PlotStamp
...
PlotStyle PlotStyle
PlotterManager PlotterManager
PngOut ...
Point Point
11
PointCloud ...
11
PointCloudAttach ...
11
PointCloudIndex ...
PointLight PointLight
Polygon Polygon
PolySolid ...
PressPull
...
Preview Preview
...
11
ProjectGeometry ...
Properties
Properties
PropertiesClose PropertiesClose
PSetupIn
PSetupIn
PSpace PSpace
Publish ...
PublishToWeb ...
Purge Purge
Pyramid Pyramid
Q
QDim ...
QLeader
...
QNew QNew
...
QPrint
QSave QSave
QSelect
...
QText QText
QuickCalc / QcClose
...
...
Quadrant
....
Quick
127
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
QuickCui ...
QuickProperties ...
Quit Quit
QvDrawing / QvDrawingClose
...
QvLayout / QvLayoutClose
...
R
Ray Ray
Recover Recover
...
ReassocApp
RecoverAll
...
...
RecScript
Rectang Rectang
Redefine
Redefine
Redo Redo
Redraw
Redraw
RedrawAll RedrawAll
RefClose RefClose
RefEdit RefEdit
RefSet RefSet
Regen
Regen
RegenAll RegenAll
RegenAuto RegenAuto
Region Region
Reinit Reinit
Rename
Rename
Render Render
RenderCrop ...
RenderEnvironment
...
RenderExposure ...
-RenderOutputSize
RenderPresets
...
RenderWin
...
ResetBlock ...
Resume Resume
RevCloud RevCloud
Reverse ...
Revolve Revolve
RevSurf RevSurf
Ribbon / RibbonClose
...
Rotate Rotate
Rotate3D Rotate3D
RPref / RPrefClose
...
RScript RScript
...
RtPan
...
RtRot
...
RtRotX
128
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
...
RtRotY
...
RtRotZ
...
RtZoom
RuleSurf RuleSurf
S
Save
Save
...
SaveAll
SaveAs SaveAs
...
SaveAsR12
SaveImg
...
Scale Scale
ScaleListEdit
ScaleListEdit
ScaleText ...
Script Script
...
Scrollbar
Section Section
SectionPlane
SectionPlane
SectionPlaneJog ...
SectionPlaneSettings
SectionPlaneSettings
SectionPlaneToBlock
SectionPlaneToBlock
...
Security
SecurityOptions SecurityOptions
Seek
...
Select Select
11
SelectSimilar ...
SelectURL
...
...
SelGrips
SequencePlay ...
SetByLayer ...
SetiDropHandler ...
...
...
SetUCS
SetVar SetVar
...
Shade
-ShadeMode ShadeMode
Shape Shape
12
Share ...
ShareWithSeek ...
Sheetset
...
SheetsetHide ...
Shell Shell
ShowPalettes ...
SigValidate ...
...
Singleton
Sketch
Sketch
Slice Slice
129
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
Snap Snap
SolDraw
...
Solid Solid
SolidEdit
SolidEdit
SolProf
SolProf
SolView
...
SpaceTrans ...
Spell Spell
Sphere Sphere
Spline Spline
SplinEdit
...
SpotLight SpotLight
Standards ...
...
Start
Starts applications
...
StatBar
Status Status
StlOut
...
...
StopScript
Stretch Stretch
Style
Style
StylesManager StylesManager
Subtract Subtract
SunProperties / Close
SunProperties
11
SurfBlend ...
11
SurfExtend ...
11
SurfFillet ...
11
SurfNetwork ...
11
SurfOffset ...
11
SurfSculpt ...
11
SurfTrim ...
11
SurfUntrim ...
Sweep ...
SysWindows SysWindows
T
Table
Table
TablEdit
TablEdit
TableExport
TableExport
TableStyle
TableStyle
Tablet Tablet
TabSurf TabSurf
...
Tangent
Text Text
TextEdit
....
TextScr TextScr
TextToFront
TextToFront
Thicken
...
130
AutoCAD Command
TifOut
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
...
Time Time
12
TimeLine ...
TInsert ...
...
TipOfDay
Tolerance Tolerance
-Toolbar Toolbar
ToolPalettes / ToolPalettesClose ...
Torus Torus
TpNavigate ...
Trace Trace
Transparency Transparency
TraySettings ...
TreeStat ...
Trim Trim
...
TxtExp
Explodes text
U
U U
Ucs Ucs
UcsIcon UcsIcon
UcsMan
...
ULayers
...
Undefine
Undefine
Undo Undo
12
Ungroup
...
Union Union
11
UnisolateObjects ...
Units Units
UpdateField UpdateField
UpdateThumbsNow ...
12
Upload ...
12
UploadFiles ...
Url
VbaIde
VbaIde
VbaLoad
VbaLoad
VbaUnload
VbaUnload
VbaMan
VbaMan
VbaRun
VbaRun
VbaStmt
...
View
View
...
12
ViewBase ...
12
ViewEdit
...
ViewPlay ...
ViewPlotDetails ...
131
AutoCAD Command
12
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
ViewProj ...
ViewRes ViewRes
12
ViewSetProj ...
12
ViewStd ...
12
ViewUpdate ...
VisualStyles / VisualStylesClose
VisualStyles
VLisp
...
...
VmlOut
VpClip VpClip
VpLayer VpLayer
VpMax
...
VpMin ...
VPoint VPoint
VPorts VPorts
VsCurrent
...
VSlide VSlide
VsSave
...
VTOptions ...
W
WalkFlySettings ...
WBlock WBlock
...
WCascade
Cascades windows
...
WClose
...
WCloseAll
WebLight WebLight
Wedge Wedge
...
WhTile
...
WiArrange
WhoHas ...
WipeOut WipeOut
WmfIn
...
WmfOpts
...
WmfOut WmfOut
WorkSpace
...
WsSave
...
WsSettings
...
...
WvTile
X
XAttach
XAttach
XBind
...
XClip XClip
XEdges ...
XLine XLine
XOpen
132
...
AutoCAD Command
Bricscad Command
Notes on Differences
Xplode Xplode
...
XRef
-XRef
-XRef
Z
Zoom Zoom
#
...
2dContext
...
2dIntersection
3D 3D
3dAlign ...
3dArray 3dArray
3dClip ...
...
3dContext
3dCOrbit
...
3dConfig
...
...
3dConvert
...
3dDistance
3dDwf
11
3dEditBar ...
3dFace 3dFace
3dFly ...
3dFOrbit
...
...
3dIntersection
3dMesh 3dMesh
3dMove
...
3dOrbit
...
3dOrbitCtr ...
11
-3dOsnap ...
3dPan
...
3dPoly 3dPoly
3dPrint ...
3dRotate
...
3dScale ...
3dsIn ...
3dSwivel
...
3dWalk
...
3dZoom
...
133
X-Commands
The following command names are unique to Bricscad Platinum, which adds parametric 3D solids and
parts libraries to Bricscad.
X-Tools
X-Tools create and edit 3D solids parametrically:
Xarrayp creates polar arrays of solids by copying and rotating a selected solid about an axis.
Xarrayr creates arrays of solids by copying a selected solid in a rectangular pattern.
Xbox creates 3D solid boxes.
Xchamfer bevels edges of solids.
Xcone creates 3D solid cones.
Xcsolids displays a dialog box for the most-commonly used X-Solids solid
creation and modification functions.
Xcucs displays a dialog box for X-Solids UCS, to pick, define or recall
UCS settings.
Xcut cuts 3D solids using 2D profiles as cutting tools.
Xcview displays a dialog box for X-Solids View, to pick, define or
recall View and Viewport settings.
Xcylinder creates 3D solid cylinders.
Xdia suppresses X-Solids dialog boxes, and forces command-line interpretation.
Xexplode breaks down solids into faces or wireframe entities.
Xextract extracts copies of faces or edges of solids, or edges of regions, as separate entities.
Xextrude creates 3D solids by extruding 2D objects.
Xfillet rounds edges of solids.
Xintersect creates solids by intersecting two or more solids.
Xlist displays the CSG tree of selected X-Solids solids.
Xoffset creates new solids by offsetting all faces of selected solids at user-specified distances.
Xpunch punches holes in 3D solids using 2D profiles as punching tools.
Xpurge removes the editing data (history or CSG data) from selected solids.
Xquickdraw creates 2D geometry instantly from selected solids for the completion of multi-view orthographic and
isometric drawings.
Xretract separates solids by undoing the most recent Boolean operation applied to it.
Xretractall explodes composite solids into their component primitives.
Xrevolve creates 3D solids by revolving 2D entities.
Xsection invokes the Section command to create 2D regions of the cross sections of solids through user-specified
planes.
Xshell subtracts the interior from existing solids to create thin-walled solids.
Xslice slices solids with planes.
Xsolidedit edits all aspects of X-Solids solids, including primitives, composites, primitive components of composites, and solid arrays.
Xsphere creates 3D solid spheres.
Xsubtract creates solids by subtracting one or more solids from other solids.
134
X-Hardware
X-Hardware creates and edits 3D library parts parametrically.
Xbar creates bars.
Xbearing creates bearings.
Xcrossrecessscrew creates cross recess screws.
Xhardware repeats the last X-Hardware command.
Xhardwarechange edits X-Hardware solids.
Xhexcapnut creates hex cap nuts.
Xhexcastlenut creates hex castle nuts.
Xhexflangenut creates hex flange nuts.
Xhexheadscrew creates hex head screws.
Xhexnut creates hex nuts.
Xhexslottednut creates hex slotted nuts.
Xhexwashernut creates hex washer nuts.
Xkey creates keys.
Xoptions opens the X-Hardware Setup dialog box.
Xpem creates pems.
Xpin creates pins.
Xpipe creates pipes.
Xring creates rings.
Xrivet creates self-clinching PEM-brand fasteners.
Xsetscrew creates set screws.
Xshape creates profiles.
Xslotrecessscrew creates slot recess screws.
Xsocketheadscrew creates socket head screws.
Xsprocket creates sprockets.
Xsquarenut creates square nuts.
Xthread creates threads.
Xwasher creates washers.
Xwingnut creates wing nuts.
135
136
appendix B
Cross-reference of
AutoCAD & Bricscad Variables
THIS APPENDIX COMPARES the names and values of documented variables found in AutoCAD and
Bricscad. The names of variables are sorted alphabetically. Bricscad also uses preference variables, which
typically are unique to Bricscad. The tables use the following notations:
System variables and preference names new to Bricscad V12 are shown in blue.
PREFS
11
12
Both CAD programs can change the values of variables, at least those that are not read-only. At the
command line, enter the SetVar command, and then the name of the system or preference variable.
For dialog boxes, use the following 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.
137
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variable Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
A
AcadLspAsDoc
0 0
AcadLspAsDoc
AcadVer
18.2 18.0Bricscad
AcadVer
AcisOutVer
70 70
AcisOutVer
ActPath "" ...
ActRecorderState
0 ...
ActRecPath
c:\users\... ...
ActUi
6 ...
AeceipInProgress
off ...
AFlags
16 0
AFlags
...
1 AllowTabExternalMove PREFS
...
1 AllowTabMove PREFS
...
1 AllowTabSplit
PREFS
AngBase
0 0
AngBase
AngDir
0 0
AngDir
AnnoAllVisible
1 ...
AnnoAutoScale
-4 ...
AnnotativeDwg
0 ...
ApBox
0 0
ApBox
Aperture
10 10
Aperture
12
AppAutoLoad 14 ...
ApplyGlobalOpacities 0
...
Area
0 0
Area
12
ArrayEditState 0 ...
12
ArrayType 0 ...
AttDia
0 0
AttDia
AttIpe
0 ...
AttMode
1 1
AttMode
AttMulti
1 ...
...
3 AttractionDistance PREFS
AttReq
1 1
AttReq
AuditCtl
0 0
AuditCtl
AUnits
0 0
AUnits
AuPrec
0 0
AuPrec
12
12
AutoCompleteMode 15 ...
AutoDwfPublish
0 ...
AutomaticPub
0 ...
...
1 AutoMenuLoad
...
1 AutosaveChecksOnlyFirstBitDbMod PREFS Checks only the first bit of DbMod for autosave
AutoSnap
63 63
AutoSnap
...
138
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
B
BackgroundPlot
2 ...
BackZ
0 0
BackZ
BActionBarMode
1 ...
BActionColor
7 ...
...
"" BaseFile
BConStatusMode
0 ...
BDependencyHighlight 1 ...
BGripObjColor
141 ...
BGripObjSize
8 ...
BindType
0 0
BindType
...
...
BlipMode
0 0
Blipmode
BlockEditLock
0 ...
BlockEditor
0 ...
... C:\Users\...
BlocksPath PREFS
BlockTestWindow
0 ...
BParameterColor
170 ...
BParameterFont
simplex.shx ...
BParameterSize
12 ...
BpTextHorizontal
1 ...
BtMarkDisplay
1 ...
BvMode
0 ...
...
1 CacheLayout PREFS
CalcInput
1 ...
CameraDisplay
0 0
CameraDisplay
CameraHeight
0 0
CameraHeight
CAnnoScale
01:01:00 AM ...
CAnnoScaleValue
1 ...
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
CenterMt
0 ...
11
ChamferA
0 0.5
ChamferA
139
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
ChamferB
0 0.5
ChamferB
ChamferC
0 1
ChamferC
ChamferD
0 0
ChamferD
ChamMode
0 0
ChamMode
CipMode
0 ...
CircleRad
0 0
CircleRad
11
ClassicKeys 0 ...
CLayer
0 0
CLayer
CleanScreenState
0 ...
...
7 ClipboardFormat PREFS
...
1 CliState
...
0 CloseChecksOnlyFirstBitDbMod
PREFS
CMaterial
bylayer ""
CMaterial
CmdActive
1 1
CmdActive
CmdDia
1 1
CmdDia
CmdEcho
1 1
CmdEcho
CmdInputHistoryMax 20
...
...
...
#000000 CmdLineEditFgColor
...
...
...
...
#000000 CmdLineListFgColor
...
: CmdLnText
10 CmdLineFontSize
PREFS
PREFS
PREFS
CmdNames
setvar Options
CmdNames
CMleaderStyle
standard ...
CMlJust
0 0
CmlJust
CMlScale
1 1
CmlScale
CMlStyle
standard STANDARD
CmlStyle
...
1 ColorX
...
3 ColorY
...
5 ColorZ
...
0 ComAcadCompatibility
PREFS
Compass
0 0
Compass
...
0 ConstructionAutoAdd PREFS
...
0 ConstructionAutoHide PREFS
...
...
0 ConstructionUseColor PREFS
...
0 ConstructionUseLayers PREFS
...
0 ContinuousMotion PREFS
ConstraintBarDisplay 1 ...
ConstraintBarMode 4095 ...
11
ConstraintInfer 0 ...
ConstraintNameFormat 2
...
ConstraintRelax
0 ...
140
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
ConstraintSolveMode 1 ...
12
ContentExplorerState 0 ...
Coords
1 1
Coords
CopyMode
0 0
CopyMode
CPlotStyle
bycolor ByColor
CPlotStyle
...
CrossingAreaColor 100
DEFAULT CProfile
1 CreateViewports
3 CrossingAreaColor
CShadow
casts and receives shadows ...
CTab
model Model
CTab
CTableStyle
standard STANDARD
CTableStyle
...
11
11
1 CtrlMouse
CullingObj 1 ...
CullingObjSelection 0 ...
CursorSize
5 5
CursorSize
CVPort
2 2
CvPort
D
DataLinkNotify
2 ...
Date
2455035.85 2455035.63
Date
DbcState
0
0 DbcState
DblClkEdit
on ...
DbMod
5 0
DbMod
DctCust
c:\users\... ""
DctCust
DctMain
enu en_US.dic
DctMain
2 ddBetweenKnots PREFS
0 ddFastMode PREFS
0 ddGridAspectRatio PREFS
0 ddMaxFacetEdgeLength PREFS
15 ddNormalTol PREFS
0 ddPointsPerEdge
0 ddSurfaceTol PREFS
1 ddUseFacetRes
PREFS
PREFS
DefaultGizmo
0 ...
DefaultIndex
0 ...
DefaultlLghting
1 ...
DefaultLightingType 1 ...
DefPlStyle
bycolor ByColor
DefPstyle
DelObj
1 1
DelObj
DemandLoad
3 3
DemandLoad
DgnFrame
0 2
DgnFrame
DgnImportMax
10000000 ...
DgnMappingPath
c:\users\... ...
141
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
DgnOsnap
1 1
DgnOsnap
DiaStat
1 1
DiaStat
11
Digitizer 0 ...
...
0 DisplaySnapMarkerInAllViews PREFS
...
1 DisplayTooltips PREFS
DispSilh
0 0
DispSilh
...
1 DispPaperBkg
...
1 DispPaperMargins
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 ...
DivMeshTorusPath
8 ...
DivMeshTorusSection 8 ...
DivMeshWedgeBase
3 ...
DivMeshWedgeHeight 3 ...
DivMeshWedgeLength 4 ...
DivMeshWedgeSlope 3 ...
DivMeshWedgeWidth 3 ...
...
...
1 DmAutoUpdate
127 DmRecognize
DonutId
0.5 0.5
DonutId
DonutOd
1 1
DonutOd
DragMode
2 2
DragMode
...
1 DragOpen
DragP1
10 10
DragP1
DragP2
25 25
DragP2
DragVs
""
...
DrawingPath
"C:\Users\..." DrawingPath
DrawOrderCtl
3 3
DrawOrderCtl
DTextEd
2 ...
DwfFrame
2 2
DwfFrame
DwfOsnap
1 1
DwfOsnap
DwgCheck
1 0
DwgCheck
DwgCodepage
ansi_1252 ANSI_1252
DwgCodepage
142
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
DwgName
drawing1.dwg Drawing1.dwg
DwgName
DwgTitled
0 0
DwgTitled
DxEval
12 12
DxEval
DynConstraintDisplay 1 ...
DynConstraintMode 1 ...
DynDiGrip
31 31
DynDiGrip
...
142 DynDimColorHot
...
142 DynDimColorHover
...
1 DynDimDistance
...
1 DynDimLineType
DynDiVis
1 1
DynDiVis
12
DynInfoTips 1 ...
65 DynInputTransparency PREFS
DynMode
-3 2 DynMode
DynPiCoords
0 ...
DynPiFormat
0 ...
DynPiVis
1 ...
DynPrompt
1 ...
DynTooltips
1 ...
Dimensions
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 ...
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
143
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
DimClrT
0 0
DimClrT
DimConstraintIcon 3 ...
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
DimJust
0 0
DimJust
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
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
144
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
DimTol
off 0
DimTol
DimTolj
1 1
DimTolj
DimTp
0 0
DimTp
DimTSz
0 0
DimTSz
DimTVp
0 0
DimTVp
DimTxSty
standard STANDARD
DimTxSty
DimTxt
0.18 0.18
DimTxt
DimTxtDirection
off ...
DimTzin
0 0
DimTZin
DimUnit
2 2
DimUnit
DimUpt
off 0
DimUpt
DimZin
0 0
DimZin
E
EdgeMode
0 0
EdgeMode
Elevation
0 0
Elevation
...
0 EnableAttraction PREFS
...
1 EnableHyperlinkMenu
...
0 EnableHyperlinkTooltip PREFS
PREFS
EnterpriseMenu
. ...
11
ErHighlight 1 ...
ErrNo
0
0 ErrNo
Expert
0 0
Expert
ExplMode
1 1
ExplMode
ExportEplotFormat 2 ...
ExportModelSpace
0 0
ExportModelSpace
ExportPageSetup
0 ...
ExportPaperSpace
0 ...
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
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
145
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
11
FbxImportLog 1 ...
FieldDisplay
1 1
FieldDisplay
FieldEval
31 31
FieldEval
FileDia
1 1
FileDia
FilletRad
0 0
FilletRad
11
FillMode
1 1
FillMode
FontAlt
simplex.shx simplex.shx
FontAlt
FontMap
c:\users... default.fmp
FontMap
Frame
3 ...
12
FrameSelection 1 ...
FrontZ
0 0
FrontZ
FullOpen
1 1 FullOpen
FullPlotPath
1 ...
G
GeoLatLongFormat
0 1
GeoLatLongFormat
GeoMarkerVisibility 1 1
GeoMarkerVisibility
GfAng
0 ...
GfClr1
rgb:000,000,255 ...
GfClr2
rgb:255,255,153 ...
GfClrLum
1 ...
GfClrState
1 ...
GfName
1 ...
GfShift
0 ...
11
GlobalOpacity 0 ...
...
2 GlSwapMode
...
252 GridAxisColor
GridDisplay
2 3
GridDisplay
GridMajor
5 5
GridMajor
...
253 GridMajorColor
...
254 GridMinorColor
GridMode
0 0
GridMode
11
GridStyle 0
1 GridStyle
GridUnit
0.5000,0.5000 10,10,10
GridUnit
...
1 GridXyzTint
GripBlock
0 0
GripBlock
GripColor
150 160
GripColor
GripDynColor
140 140
GripDynColor
GripHot
12 240 GripHot
GripHover
11 150 GripHover
11
GripMultifunctional 3 ...
GripObjLimit
100 100
GripObjLimit
Grips
1 1
Grips
GripSize
5 5
GripSize
146
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
GripSubobjMode
1 ...
GripTips
1 ...
12
GroupDisplayMode 2 ...
...
0 GsDeviceType PREFS
GtAuto
1 ...
GtDefault
0 ...
GtLocation
1 ...
H
HaloGap
0 0
HaloGap
Handles
1 1
Handles
11
HatchBoundSet 0 ...
HatchType 0 ...
11
11
HidePrecision
0 0
HidePrecision
HideText
on 1
HideText
HideXrefScales
1 ...
Highlight
1 1
Highlight
...
142 HighlightColor
...
0 HighlightEffect
HpAng
0 0
HpAng
11
HpAnnotative 0 ...
HpAssoc
1 1 HpAssoc
11
HpBound
1 1
HpBound
11
HpBoundRetain 0 ...
11
11
HpDlgMode 2 ...
HpDouble
0 0
HpDouble
HpDrawOrder
3 3
HpDraworder
HpGapTol
0 0
HpGapTol
HpInherit
0 ...
11
11
HpIslandDetection 1 ...
HpIslandDetectionMode 1 ...
11
12
HpMaxLines
1000000 ...
HpName
ansi31 ANSI31
HpName
HpObjWarning
10000 10000 HpObjWarning
HpOrigin
0.0000,0.0000 0,0
HpOrigin
HpOriginMode
0 ...
11
12
HpQuickPreview On ...
HpQuickPreviewTimeout 2 ...
HpScale
1 1
HpScale
HpSeparate
0 0 HpSeparate
147
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
HpSpace
1 1
HpSpace
...
11
0 HpStyle
HyperlinkBase
.
. HyperlinkBase
I
ImageFrame
1 1
ImageFrame
ImageHlt
0 0
ImageHlt
Impliedface
1 ...
IndexCtl
0 0
IndexCtl
InetLocation
http://www.auto
desk.com http://www.bricsys.com InetLocation
InputHistoryMode
15 ...
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
InterfereObjVs
realistic ""
InterfereObjVs
InterfereVpVs
3d wireframe
"" InterfereVpVs
IntersectionDisplay off 0
IntersectionDisplay
ISaveBak
1 1
ISaveBak
ISavePercent
50 50
ISavePercent
Isolines
4 4
Isolines
...
0 IsRedSdkHardwareRenderingSupported PREFS
Determines if RedSdk fully supports rendering
hardware
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 ...
LayerNotify
0 ...
LayLockFadeCtl
50 ...
12
LayoutCreateViewport 1 ...
LayoutRegenCtl
2 2
LayoutRegenCtl
LegacyCtrlPick
0 ...
148
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
LensLength
50 50
LensLength
...
...
0 LicFlags
"" (Read Only) LicKey
30 LightGlyphColor PREF
LightGlyphDisplay 1 1
LightGlyphDisplay
LightingUnits
2 0
LightingUnits
LightsInBlocks
1 ...
1 LightWebGlyphColor PREF
LimCheck
0 0
LimCheck
LimMax
12.0000,9.0000 12;9
LimMax
LimMin
0.0000,0.0000 0;0
LimMin
LinearBrightness
0 ...
LinearContrast
0 ...
...
1 LispInit
Locale
enu enu
Locale
LockUi
0 ...
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
LogExpBrightness
65 ...
LogExpContrast
50 ...
LogExpDaylight
2 ...
LogExpMidtones
1 ...
LogFileMode
0 0
LogFileMode
LogFileName
c:\users\... "" LogFileName
LogFilePath
c:\users\... c:\users\...
LogFilePath
LogInName
<login>
Longitude
-122.39 -122.3940 Longitude
LtScale
1 1
LtScale
LUnits
2 2
LUnits
LuPrec
4 4
LuPrec
LwDefault
211 25
LwDefault
LwDisplay
off 0
LwDisplay
...
0.55 LwDispScale
LwUnits
1 1
LwUnits
11
MaxBrowserState 0 ...
11
...
0 MacroRec
149
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
MacroTrace 0.0
0.0 MacroTrace
MaxActVp
64 64
MaxActVp
MaxHatch
100000
100000 MaxHatch
MaxSort
1000 1000
MaxSort
11
MaxTouches 0 ...
MButtonPan
1 1
MButtonPan
MeasureInit
0 1
MeasureInit
Measurement
0 1
Measurement
MenuBar
0 ...
MenuCtl
1 1
MenuCtl
MenuEcho
0 0
MenuEcho
MenuName
c:\users\... default
MenuName
MeshType
1 ...
...
...
11
1 MiddleClickClose PREF
732374555 MilliSecs
MirrHatch 0 ...
MirrText
0 0
MirrText
MLeaderScale
1 ...
ModeMacro
"" "" ModeMacro
MsOleScale
1 1
MsOleScale
MsLtScale
1 ...
MTextColumn
2 ...
MTextEd
internal Internal
MTextEd
MTextFixed
2 2
MTextFixed
MTextToolbar
2 ...
MTJigString
abc ...
11
NavBarDisplay 1 ...
NavsWheelMode
2 ...
NavsWheelOpacityBig 50 ...
NavsWheelOpacityMini 50 ...
NavsWheelSizeBig
1 ...
NavsWheelSizeMini 1 ...
NavvCubeDisplay
1 ...
NavvCubeLocation
0 ...
NavvCubeOpacity
50 ...
NavvCubeOrient
1 ...
NavvCubeSize
4 ...
...
4 NFileList
NoMutt
0 0
NoMutt
NorthDirection
0 0
NorthDirection
...
1 NumVect
150
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
11
ObjectIsolationMode 0 ...
ObscuredColor
257 257
ObscuredColor
ObscuredLtype
0 0
ObscuredLtype
OffsetDist
-1 1
OffsetDist
...
0 OffsetErase
OffsetGapType
0 0
OffsetGapType
OleFrame
2 2 OleFrame
OleHide
0 0
OleHide
OleQuality
3 3
OleQuality
OleStartup
0 0
OleStartup
OpenPartial
1 1
OpmState
OrthoMode
0 0
OrthoMode
OsMode
4133 4133
OsMode
OsnapCoord
2 2
OsnapCoord
OsnapHatch
0 ...
OsnapZ
0 0
OsnapZ
OsOptions
3 ...
P
PaletteOpaque
2 ...
1 PanBuffer PREF
Buffers pans
PaperUpdate
0 0
PaperUpdate
ParameterCopyMode 1 ...
ParameterStatus 0 ...
...
1 PdfEmbeddedTtf PREFS
PdfFrame
1 1
PdfFrame
...
1 PdfLayersSetting PREFS
...
0 PdfLayoutsToExport PREFS
PdfOsnap
1 1 PdfOsnap
...
...
0 PdfPaperSizeOverride
...
...
0 PdfShxTextAsGeometry
...
1 PdfSimpleGeomOptimization PREFS
...
0 PdfTtfTextAsGeometry
...
1 PdfUsePlotStyles PREFS
...
1 PdfZoomToExtentsMode
PREFS
PREFS
PREFS
PREFS
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 ...
151
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
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
_PkSer ""
"" _PkSer
Platform
varies
...
varies Platform
0 PLineCache PREF
PlineConvertMode
0 ...
PlineGen
0 0
PlineGen
PlineType
2 2
PlineType
PlineWid
0 0
PlineWid
...
...
PlotOffset
0 ...
...
PlotRotMode
2 2 PlotRotMode
11
PlotTransparencyMode 1 ...
...
...
0 Plotter
PlQuiet
0 0
PlQuiet
11
PointCloudAutoUpdate 1 ...
11
PointCloudDensity 15 ...
11
11
PointCloudLock 0 ...
PointCloudRtDensity 5 ...
PolarAddAng
. . PolarAddAng
PolarAng
90 90
PolarAng
PolarDist
0 0
PolarDist
PolarMode
0 0
PolarMode
PolySides
4 4
PolySides
Popups
1 1
Popups
12 PreviewCreationTransparency 60 ...
...
30 PreviewDelay PREF
PreviewEffect
2 2
PreviewEffect
11
PreviewFaceEffect 1 ...
PreviewFilter
7 7
PreviewFilter
...
7 PreviewSubEnts
PreviewType
0 0
PreviewType
...
1 PreviewWndInOpenDlg PREFS
...
"." PrintFile
...
Bricscad Product
...
1 ProgBar
...
Bricscad Program
ProjectName .
152
. ProjectName
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
...
ProjMode
1 1
ProjMode
12
...
3 PromptMenu
...
0 PromptMenuFlags
PREFS
ProxyGraphics
1 1
ProxyGraphics
ProxyNotice
1 1
ProxyNotice
ProxyShow
1 1
ProxyShow
ProxyWebSearch
0 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 ...
PublishCollate
1 ...
PublishHatch
1 ...
PUcsBase .
. PUcsBase
Q
QpLocation
0 ...
QpMode
1 ...
QaFlags 0
0 QaFlags
QtextMode
0 0
QtextMode
...
...
...
PREF
QvDrawingPin
0 ...
QvLayoutPin
0 ...
R
RasterDpi
300 ...
RasterPercent
20 ...
RasterPreview
1 1
RasterPreview
RasterThreshold
20 ...
...
5 RealtimeSpeedup PREFS
...
1 RealWorldScale
11
11
Rebuild2dCv 6 ...
Rebuild2dDegree 3 ...
Rebuild2dOption 1 ...
11
11
RebuildDegreeU 3 ...
11
RebuildDegreeV 3 ...
153
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
11
RebuildOptions 1 ...
11
RebuildU 6 ...
RebuildV 6 ...
11
...
11
RecoveryAuto 0 ...
RecoveryMode
2 ...
RefEditName
""
"" RefEditName
0 RefEditLockNotInWorkset PREFS
...
RegenMode
1 1
RegenMode
RememberFolders
1 1
RememberFolders
...
0 Re_init
RenderQuality
1 ...
RenderUserLights
1 ...
...
1 RenderUsingHardware PREF
ReportError
1 ...
...
0 RevCloudArcStyle PREFS
...
0.38 RevCloudMaxArcLength
...
RibbonContextSelect 1 ...
RibbonDockedHeight 0 ...
12
PREFS
RibbonIconResize 1 ...
RibbonSelectMode
1 ...
RibbonState
1 ...
11
RolloverOpacity 0 ...
RolloverTips
1 ...
RtDisplay
1 1
RtDisplay
... 1
SaveChangeToLayout PREFS
SaveFidelity
1 1
SaveFidelity
SaveFile
c:\users\... ""
SaveFile
SaveFilePath
c:\users\... C:\Users\...
SaveFilePath
... 1
SaveFormat PREFS
SaveName
Drawing1.dwg ""
SaveName
...
1 SaveRoundTrip
SaveTime
10 0
SaveTime
ScreenBoxes
0 ...
ScreenMode
3 1
ScreenMode
ScreenSize
1366.0,499.0 784.0;506.0
ScreenSize
...
...
256 ScrlHist
0 Sdi
SelectionAnnoDisplay
1 ...
SelectionArea
1 1 SelectionArea
154
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
SelectionAreaOpacity
25 25
SelectionAreaOpacity
11
SelectionCycling 0 ...
SelectionPreview
3 3
SelectionPreview
11
SelectSimilarMode 130
...
SetByLayerMode
127 ...
ShadEdge
3 3
ShadEdge
ShadeDif
70 70
ShadeDif
ShadowPlaneLocation
0 ...
ShortcutMenu
11 2
ShortcutMenu
12
...
0 ShowFullPathInTitle PREFS
ShowHist
1 ...
ShowLayerUsage
0 ...
ShowmotionPin
1 ...
12 ShowPageSetupForNewLayouts 0 ...
...
1 ShowScrollButtons PREF
...
0 ShowTabCloseButton
...
0 ShowTabCloseButtonActive PREF
...
1 ShowTabCloseButtonAll PREF
...
1 ShowTabControls PREF
...
1 ShowWindowListButton
PREF
PREF
ShpName
"" ""
ShpName
SigWarn
1 ...
...
0 SingletonMode PREFS
SketchInc
0.1 0.1
SketchInc
SkPoly
0 0
SkPoly
11
SkTolerance 0.5
...
SkyStatus
0
SkyStatus
SmoothMeshConvert 0 ...
SmoothMeshGrid
3 ...
SmoothMeshMaxLev
4 ...
SnapAng
0 0
SnapAng
SnapBase
0.0000,0.0000 0;0
SnapBase
SnapIsoPair
0 0
SnapIsoPair
...
2 SnapMarkerColor PREFS
...
6 SnapMarkerSize PREFS
...
2 SnapMarkerThickness
PREFS
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
11
SplDegree 3 ...
155
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
...
0 spaAdjustMode PREF
...
0 spaGridAspectRatio
...
0 spaGridMode PREF
...
0 spaMaxFacetEdgeLength
...
...
0 spaMinUGridLines
...
0 spaMinVGridLines PREF
...
15 spaNormalTol
...
-1 spaSurfaceTol PREF
...
1 spaTriangMode
...
1 spaUseFacetRes PREF
Smooths triangles
PREF
PREF
PREF
PREF
PREF
SplFrame
0 0
SplFrame
SplineSegs
8 8
SplineSegs
SplineType
6 6
SplineType
11
SplKnots 0 ...
11
SplMethod 0 ...
12
SplPeriodic 1 ...
...
c:\users\... SrchPath
SsFound
""
...
SsLocate
1 ...
SsmAutoOpen
1 ...
SsmPollTime
60 ...
SsmSheetStatus
2 ...
StandardsViolation 2 ...
Startup
0 0
Startup
StatusBar
1 ...
StepSize
6 ...
StepsPerSec
2 ...
SubobjSelectionMode 0 ...
SunStatus
0 ...
11
11
SurfaceAssociativity 1 ...
SurfaceAssociativityDrag 1 ...
11
11
SurfaceAutoTrim 0 ...
SurfaceModelingMode 0 ...
SurfTab1
6 6
Surftab1
SurfTab2
6 6
Surftab2
SurfType
6 6
SurfType
SurfU
6 6
SurfU
SurfV
6 6
SurfV
...
0 SvgBlendedGradients PREF
...
...
0 SvgGenericFontFamily PREF
...
0 SvgHiddenLineRemoving PREF
...
"" SvgImageBase
...
...
1 SvgLineWeightScale
156
PREF
PREF
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
...
768 SvgOutputHeight
...
1024 SvgOutputWidth
...
6 SvgPrecision
PREF
PREF
PREF
SyscodePage
ansi_1252 ANSI_1252
SysCodePage
...
25 TabControlHeight PREF
TableIndicator
1 ...
TableToolbar
2 ...
TabMode
0 0
TabMode
...
0 TabsFixedWidth PREF
Target
0.0,0.0,0.0 0.0;0.0;0.0
Target
Taskbar 1 ...
TbCustomize
1 ...
12
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
TempOverrides
1 ...
...
0 TextAngle
TextEditor
0 ...
TextEval
0 0
TextEval
TextFill
1 1
TextFill
TextOutputFileFormat 0 ...
TextQlty
50 50
TextQlty
TextSize
0.2 0.2
TextSize
TextStyle
standard STANDARD
TextStyle
... C:/program...
TextureMapPath
Thickness
0 0
Thickness
ThumbSize
1 ...
TileMode
1 1
TileMode
...
1 TileModeLightSynch
TimeZone
-8000 -8000 TimeZone
ToolTipMerge
0 ...
Tooltips
1 1 Tooltips
12
12
TooltipSize 0 ...
TooltipTransparency 0 ...
*_ToolPalettePath
C:\Users\... ...
TraceWid
0.05 0.05
TraceWid
TrackPath
0 0
TrackPath
157
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
11
TransparencyDisplay 1 ...
TrayIcons
1 ...
TrayNotify
1 ...
TrayTimeout
0 ...
TreeDepth
3020 3020
TreeDepth
TreeMax
10000000 10000000
TreeMax
TrimMode
1 1
TrimMode
TSpaceFac
1 1
TSpaceFac
TSpaceType
1 1
TSpaceType
TStackAlign
1 2
TStackAlign
TStackSize
70 70
TStackSize
... 1
TtfAsText
12
Ucs2dDisplaySetting 1 ...
12
Ucs3dParaDisplaySetting 1 ...
12
Ucs3dPerpDisplaySetting 1 ...
UcsAxisAng
90 90
UcsAxisAng
UcsBase
WORLD "" UcsBase
UcsDetect
1 ...
UcsFollow
0 0
UcsFollow
UcsIcon
3 3
UcsIcon
...
UcsName
""
0 UcsIconPos
"" UcsName
UcsOrg
0.0,0.0,0.0 0;0;0
UcsOrg
UcsOrtho
1 ...
12
UcsSelectMode 1 ...
UcsView
1 ...
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 UseOutputFolder PREFS
...
0 UseRegistryValues PREFS
UserI1-5
0 0
UserI1-5
UserR1-5
0 0
UserR1-5
UserS1-5
"" "" UserS1-5
158
...
0 UseStandardOpenFileDialog PREFS
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
...
...
...
Bricsys _VendorName
PREFS
ViewCtr
18.9,8.7,0.0 18.9,8.7,0.0
ViewCtr
ViewDir
0.0,0.0,1.0 10.4;4.5;0.0
ViewDir
ViewMode
0 0.0;0.0;1.0
ViewMode
ViewSize
14.65 16
ViewSize
ViewTwist
0 0
ViewTwist
VisRetain
1 1
VisRetain
12
VpControl 1 ...
VpLayerOverrides
0 ...
VpLayerOverridesMode 1 ...
VpMaximizedState
0 ...
VpRotateAssoc
1 ...
11
11
11
11
VsCurvatureType 0 ...
VsDraftangleHigh 3 ...
11
VsDraftangleLow -3 ...
11
11
11
VsZebraDirection 90 ...
11
11
VsZebraSize 45 ...
VsZebraType 1 ...
VsBackgrounds
1 ...
VsEdgeColor
byentity ...
VsEdgeJitter
-2 ...
VsEdgeOverhang
-6 ...
VsEdges
1 ...
VsEdgeSmooth
1 ...
11
VsEdgeLEx -6 ...
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
159
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
VsMonoColor
"Rgb:255,255,255" ...
VsObscuredEdges
1 ...
VsObscuredLype
1 ...
11
11
VsOccludedEdges 1 ...
11
VsOccludedLtype 1 ...
VsShadows
0 ...
VsSilhEdges
0 ...
VsSilhWidth
5 ...
VtDuration
750 ...
VtEnable
3 ...
VtFps
7 ...
W
WhipArc
0 0
WhipArc
WhipThread
1 3
WhipThread
WindowAreaColor
150 5
WindowAreaColor
WmfBkgnd
off 0
WmfBkGnd
WmfForegnd
off 0
WmfForeGnd
...
2 WndlMain
...
0 WndlScrl
...
1 WndlStat
...
1 WndlTabs
...
0 WndlText
...
2162.0;202.0 WndPMain
...
40.0;40.0 WndPText
...
1160.0;760.0 WndSMain
...
1120.0;720.0 WndSText
12
PREFS
PREFS
WorkspaceLable 0 ...
... 1
WorkspaceSecurity
Enables macros
WorldUcs
1 1
WorldUcs
WorldView
1 1
Worldview
WriteStat
1 1
WriteStat
11
WsAutosave 0 ...
WsCurrent
2D drafting
& annotation ...
X
XClipFrame
2 0
XClipFrame
...
1 XDia PLAT
XDwgFadeCtl
70 ...
XEdit
1 1
XEdit
XFadeCtl
50 50
XFadeCtl
XLoadCtl
2 2
XLoadCtl
160
AutoCAD
AutoCADs Bricscads Bricscad Preference &
System Variables Names Default Values
Default Values System Variable Names
XLoadPath
c:\users\... C:\Users\...
XLoadPath
XRefCtl
0 0
XRefCtl
XRefNotify
2 ...
XRefType
0 ...
Z
ZoomFactor
60 60
ZoomFactor
ZoomWheel
0 ...
3dConversionMode 1 ...
3dDwfPrec 2 ...
11
3dOsMode 11 ...
3dSelectionMode 1 ...
161
162
appendix C
Cross-reference of
AutoCAD & Bricscad
Command Aliases
THIS APPENDIX COMPARES the command aliases defined by AutoCAD and Bricscad. The list is
sorted alphabetically by command name.
ICAD
I1
Indicates alias names added to AutoCAD 2011. No aliases were added to AutoCAD 2012.
Both CAD programs can define new aliases and modify existing ones.
To customize aliases in AutoCAD, use the Command Aliases button on the ribbons Express Tool tabs
Tools panel.
To customize aliases in Bricscad, use the Customize commands Keyboard Shortcuts node.
163
AutoCAD Command
AutoCAD Alias
Bricscad Alias
Bricscad Command
A
ActRecord arr
...
-ActStop -ars
...
...
-ActUserMessage -arm
...
ActUserMessage arm
...
AdCenter
...
Align al
al Align
AnalysisCurvature
curvatureanalysis
...
11
AnalysisDraftAngle
draftangleanalysis
...
11
AnalysisZebra
zebraanalysis
...
...
ap Aperture
...
AppLoad ap
...
Arc
a Arc
Area
aa
aa Area
ar Array
-AttDef -att
-at -AttDef
AttDef
at, ddattdef
att, ddattdef
...
AttDef
ad AttDisp
-AttEdit
-ate, atte
-AttEdit
AttEdit
AttEdit
-ate
AttExt ddattext
-ax -AttExt
...
ax, ddattext
AttIpEdit ati
AttExt
...
B
...
BAction ac ...
...
ba Base
BClose bc ...
BcParameter cparam
...
BEdit be ...
...
bm Blipmode
-Block -b
-b -Block
Block
164
b, acadblockdialog,
b Block
bmake, bmod
-Boundary -bo
-bo -Boundary
Boundary
bo, bpoly
bo, bpoly
Boundary
AutoCAD Command
AutoCAD Alias
Bricscad Alias
BParameter param
Break br
Bricscad Command
...
br Break
BSave bs ...
BvState bvs ...
C
Camera cam ...
Chamfer cha
cha Chamfer
Change -ch
-ch Change
CheckStandards chk
...
Circle c
c Circle
-Color
-col,-colour
-col, -colour
Color
-Color
CommandLine cli
...
ConstraintBar cbar
...
ConstraintSettings csettings
...
Copy
Copy
co, cp
co, cp
...
cl CopyLink
...
cui Customize
CTableStyle ct
...
11
CvAdd
insertcontrolpoint
...
11
CvHide
pointoff
...
11
CvRebuild
rebuild
...
11
CvRemove
removecontrolpoint
...
11
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
DelConstraint delcon
Dist
di
DdVpoint
...
di Dist
Divide div
div Divide
Donut
do, doughnut
do, doughnut
DrawingRecovery drm
Donut
...
165
AutoCAD Command
AutoCAD Alias
Bricscad Alias
Bricscad Command
DrawOrder dr
dr
DrawOrder
DSettings
ddrmodes, rm
DSettings
ds, ddrmodes, se
DsViewer av
...
DView dv
dv DView
...
dx
DxfOut
Dimensions
...
dimension Dim
DimAligned
dal, dimali
dal, dimali
DimAligned
DimAngular
dan, dimang
dan, dimang
DimAngular
dba, dimbase
DimCenter dce
dba, dimbase
DimBaseline
dce Dimcenter
DimConstraint dcon
...
DimContinue
dco, dimcont
dco, dimcont
DimContinue
DimDiameter
ddi, dimdia
ddi, dimdia
DimDiameter
DimDisassociate dda
...
DimEdit
ded, dimed
ded, dimed
DimJogged
jog, djo
DimJogline djl
DimEdit
...
...
DimLinear
dli, dimlin, dimhorizontal,
dimrotated, dimvertical
dli, dimlin,
DimLinear
dimhorizontal,
dimrotated, 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
DimTedit
dimted DimTedit
dimted
E
EditShot eshot
...
...
ate EAttEdit
Ellipse el
el Ellipse
Erase
e, delete
Erase
...
xb ExpBlocks
Explode x
x Explode
exp
exp, dwfout
ExportDwf edwf
166
Export
...
AutoCAD Command
AutoCAD Alias
Bricscad Alias
Bricscad Command
ExportDwfx edwfx
...
ExportPdf epdf
...
-ExportToAutocad aectoacad
...
...
uc, dducs
ExpUcs
Extend ex
ex Extend
ExternalReferences er
Extrude ext
...
ext Extrude
F
Fillet f
f Fillet
Filter
fi
fi
FlatShot fshot
Filter
...
G
GeographicLocation
geo
GeographicLocation
GeomConstraint gcon
...
Gradient gd
...
...
g Grid
-Group -g ...
Group g ...
H
-Hatch
-h
-h, -bh
-Hatch
Hatch
h, bh
h, bh
Hatch
HatchEdit he
11
HatchToBack
he HatchEdit
hb
Hide hi
...
hi Hide
HidePalettes poff
...
I
...
idpoint ICAD Id
im
ImageAdjust iad
iad
ImageAdjust
ImageAttach iat
iat
ImageAttach
ImageClip icl
icl ImageClip
Import imp
imp Import
-Insert -i
-i -Insert
Insert
i, ddinsert
i, ddinsert, inserturl
Insert
...
insal InsertAligned
InsertObj io
io InsertObj
167
AutoCAD Command
AutoCAD Alias
Bricscad Alias
Bricscad Command
Interfere inf
inf Interfere
Intersect in
in Intersect
11
IsolateObjects
isolate
...
...
is Isoplane
J
Join j ...
L
-Layer -la
-la -Layer
Layer
la, ddlmodes
la, ddlmodes,
explayers ICAD
Layer
LayerState
las
LayerState
las, lman
...
setlayer
LayMcur
ICAD
-Layout lo ...
Leader
lead
le, lead
Lengthen
len
len, editlen
Leader
Lengthen
ICAD
...
lighting Light
ll LightList
Line
l, 3dline
Line
-Linetype
-lt, -ltype
-lt
-Linetype
Linetype
lt, ltype, ddltype
lt, ddltype,
expltypes ICAD
Linetype
List
li, ls
List
Ltscale lts
Lweight
lts LtScale
lw, lineweight
...
M
Markup msm ...
11
MatBrowserOpen
MatchProp
168
mat, rmat
...
ma, painter
MatchProp
ma
MaterialMap setuv
setuv MaterialMap
Materials
Materials
Measure me
...
MeasureGeom mea
...
MeshCrease crease
...
MeshRefine
...
refine
MeshSmooth smooth
...
MeshSmoothLess less
...
MeshSmoothMore more
...
MeshSplit split
...
MeshUncrease uncrease
...
AutoCAD Command
AutoCAD Alias
Bricscad Alias
Bricscad Command
Mirror mi
mi Mirror
Mirror3d
3m, 3dmirror
3dmirror
Mirror3d
MLeader mld
...
MLeaderAlign mla
...
MLeaderCollect mlc
...
MLeaderEdit mle
...
MLeaderStyle mls
...
MLine ml ...
Move m
m Move
...
MSpace ms
ms MSpace
-MText -t ...
MText
mt, t
MView mv
mt, t
MText
mv MView
N
NavSMotion motion
...
NavSMotionClose motioncls
...
NavSWheel wheel
...
NavVCube cube
...
NewShot nshot
...
NewView nview
...
...
ddnew NewWiz
O
Offset o
o Offset
...
undelete, unerase
Oops
Open
op
Open
Options
op, preferences
Options
...
ortho, or
Orthogonal
-Osnap
-os, esnap
-OSnap
openurl, dxfin
-os
Osnap
os, ddosnap
os, ddosnap,
Osnap
ddesnap, setesnap ICAD
P
-Pan -p ...
Pan
p, -p
Pan
-Parameters -par
...
Parameters par
...
-PartialOpen partialopen
...
PasteSpec pa
PasteSpec
pa
169
AutoCAD Command
AutoCAD Alias
Bricscad Alias
Bricscad Command
PEdit
pe
PLine
pl
Plot
print, dwfout
...
PlotStamp ddplotstamp
Point
po
...
po Point
11
PointCloud
pc
...
11
PointCloudAttach
pcattach
...
11
PointCloudIndex
pcindex
...
PointLight freepoint
Polygon pol
...
pol Polygon
PolySolid psolid
...
Preview
pr,pre
pre, ppreview
Preview
Properties
ICAD
PropertiesClose prclose
prc
PSpace ps
ps PSpace
PublishToWeb ptw
PropertiesClose
...
-Purge -pu
-pu -Purge
Purge pu
pu Purge
Pyramid pyr
pyr Pyramid
Q
QLeader le
...
...
n QNew
...
qt QText
QuickCalc qc
...
QuickCui qcui
...
Quit
exit
exit Quit
QvDrawing qvd
...
QvDrawingClose qvdc
...
QvLayout qvl
...
QvLayoutClose qvlc
R
Rectang
170
rec, rectangle
Redraw r
r Redraw
RedrawAll ra
ra
Regen re
re Regen
RegenAll rea
rea RegenAll
Region reg
reg Region
...
ri Reinit
-Rename -ren
-ren -Rename
RedrawAll
AutoCAD Command
AutoCAD Alias
Bricscad Alias
Bricscad Command
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
...
Rotate ro
ro Rotate
...
3r, 3drotate
RPref
setrender RPref
rpr
Rotate3d
S
Save saveurl
sa Save
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
vscurrent
sha, shade
ShadeMode
SheetSet ssm
...
ShowPalettes pon
...
...
freehand
Slice sl
sl Slice
Sketch
Snap sn
sn Snap
Solid
so
Spell
sp
sp Spell
ICAD
Spline spl
spl Spline
SplinEdit spe
spe SplinEdit
Standards sta
...
Stretch s
s Stretch
...
font* -Style
Style
st, ddstyle
Subtract su
su Subtract
171
AutoCAD Command
AutoCAD Alias
...
Bricscad Alias
Bricscad Command
sun SunProperties
11
SurfBlend
blendsrf
...
11
SurfExtend
extendsrf
...
11
SurfFillet
filletsrf
...
11
SurfNetwork
networksrf
...
11
SurfOffset
offsetsrf
...
11
SurfPatch
patch
...
11
SurfSculpt
createsolid
...
T
Table tb ...
TableStyle ts
...
Tablet ta
ta Tablet
...
-t -Text
Text
tx
dt, dtext
Text
th
ti, tm
Thickness
...
...
ti Time
Tolerance tol
tol Tolerance
Toolbar to ...
ToolPalettes tp
...
Torus tor
tor Torus
Trim tr
tr Trim
U
Ucs dducs ...
UcsMan
Union uni
...
uni Union
UnisolateObjects
unhide, unisolate
...
-Units
-un
-un -Units
Units
un, ddunits
un, ddunits
Units
V
...
vba VbaIde
-View -v
-v -View
View
v, ddview
v, ddview,
expviews ICAD
View
172
ViewPlay vplay
...
-VisualStyles -vsm
...
AutoCAD Command
AutoCAD Alias
Bricscad Alias
VisualStyles
vs, vsm
Bricscad Command
...
...
vl VpLayer
VPoint
-vp
VPorts
viewports
...
VsCurrent vs
...
W
-WBlock -w
...
WBlock
WBlock
w, acadwblockdialog
...
closeall WCloseAll
Wedge we
we Wedge
...
wi WmfIn
...
wo WmfOut
X
XAttach xa
xa XAttach
-xb XBind
XClip
xc
clip XClip
XLine
xl
-XRef -xr
-xr -Xref
XRef
xr
Z
Zoom z
z Zoom
3
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
...
173
AutoCAD Command
AutoCAD Alias
Bricscad Alias
Bricscad Command
3dScale 3s ...
3dWalk
174
3dnavigate, 3dw
...
appendix D
Cross-reference of
AutoCAD & Bricscad
Keystrokes and Buttons
THIS APPENDIX COMPARES the default shortcut keystrokes and buttons defined by AutoCAD and
Bricscad. They are sorted into the following groups:
1. Keystrokes used in the drawing area
Function keys
Ctrl keys
Shift keys
Other keys
Mouse buttons
Tablet buttons
Keystrokes new to Bricscad V12 are shown in blue. Both CAD programs can define new shortcuts
and buttons, and modify existing ones. Keystroke shortcuts are customized in the following ways:
To learn how to customize Bricscad, see the Customizing Bricscad ebook available for purchase
from the www.Bricsys.com Web site.
175
Function Keys
AutoCAD Action
AutoCAD
Command(s)
Keystroke
Shortcut
Bricscad
Command(s)
Bricscad Action
Help
F1
Help
...
Shift+F1 ...
TextScr
F2
GraphScr
...
-Osnap
TextScr
GraphScr
Shift+F2
CliState
F3
Osnap T
Shift+F3
StatBar
3dOsnap
F4
Tablet T
...
Shift+F4
ScrollBar
Isoplane
F5
Isoplane
Shift+F5 ...
...
F6
UcsDetect
Coordinate T
GridMode
F7
Grid T
OrthoMode
F8
Orthogonal T
... ...
Shift+F8
VbaMan
Displays VBA Manager dialog box
Runs VBA macros
VbaRun
Alt+F8
VbaRun
SnapMode
F9
Snap T
SnapType
F10
SnapType
PolarMode
F11
PolarMode
... ...
Shift+F11
AddInMan
Displays the Add-in Manager dialog box
Opens the VBA editor, not included with 2010-12
VbaIde
Alt+F11
VBA
176
Ctrl Keys
AutoCAD Action
AutoCAD
Command(s)
Shortcut
Keystroke
Bricscad
Command(s)
Bricscad Action
Overrides LockUI
...
Ctrl ... ...
Selects sub-objects
Properties
Ctrl+1
PropertiesOff
Properties
PropertiesOff
Ctrl+2
Explorer
Ctrl+3
... ...
Ctrl+4 ...
...
Ctrl+6 ...
...
Ctrl+7 ...
...
Ctrl+8 ...
...
CommandLine Ctrl+9
CommandLineHide
(ai_SelAll) *
Ctrl+A
**
Ctrl+Shift+A ...
...
SnapMode
Ctrl+B
Snap T
CopyClip
Ctrl+C
CopyClip
CopyBase
Ctrl+Shift+C
CopyBase
UcsDetect Ctrl+D
Isoplane
Ctrl+E
Isoplane
OsMode
Ctrl+F
-Osnap T
GridMode
Ctrl+G
Grid T
PickStyle
Ctrl+H
PickStyle
HidePalettes
Ctrl+Shift+H ...
...
Coords
Ctrl+I
SelGrips All
... ...
Coords
Ctrl+Shift+I ...
...
177
AutoCAD Action
AutoCAD
Command(s)
Shortcut
Keystroke
Bricscad
Command(s)
Bricscad Action
... ...
Ctrl+J
;
Repeats the last command
Displays the Hyperlink dialog box
Hyperlink
Ctrl+K
Hyperlink
OrthoMode
Ctrl+L
Orthogonal T
...
Ctrl+M
;
Repeats the last command
Displays the Select Template dialog box
New
Ctrl+N
New
Open
Ctrl+O
Open
Plot
Ctrl+P
QuickProperties
Ctrl+Shift+P
OpmState
Quit
Ctrl+Q
Quit
^V **
Ctrl+R
^V
Qsave
Ctrl+S
QSave
SaveAs
Ctrl+Shift+S
SaveAs
Tablet
Ctrl+T
Tablet T
SnapType
Ctrl+U ...
...
PasteClip
Ctrl+V
PasteClip
PasteBlock
Ctrl+Shift+V
PasteBlock
... ...
Ctrl+Alt+V
PasteSpec
Displays the Paste Special dialog box
Toggles selection cycling
...
Ctrl+W ...
...
CutCut
Ctrl+X
CutClip
Redo
Ctrl+Y
Redo
Ctrl+Z
Layout Set
Ctrl+PageUp ...
Layout Set
Ctrl+PageDown ...
Esc
Ctrl+[
^C
Esc
Ctrl+\
^C
178
Shift Keys
Note: Shift keys are temporary overrides in AutoCAD. Shift key-combinations are not supported by Bricscad.
AutoCAD Action
AutoCAD
Command
Shortcut
Keystroke
Bricscad
Command
Bricscad Action
Orthographic
Ortho
Shift
OsMode
Shift+A ...
...
-OSnap Cen
Shift+C ...
...
-OSnap Non
Shift+D ...
...
-Osnap End
Shift+E ...
...
Shift+L
-OSnap Mid
Shift+M ...
...
-OSnap End
Shift+P ...
...
PolarMode
Shift+Q ...
...
OsnapOverride
Shift+S ...
...
-OSnap Mid
Shift+V ...
...
NavSWheel
Shift+W ...
...
AutoSnap
Shift+X ...
...
UcsDetect
Shift+Z ...
...
-OSnap Cen
Shift+, ...
...
OsnapOverride
Shift+; ...
...
AutoSnap
Shift+. ...
...
-OSnap Off
Shift+ ...
...
PolarMode
Shift+] ...
...
UcsDetect
Shift+/ ...
...
... ...
179
Other Keys
AutoCAD Action
AutoCAD
Command
Keystroke
Bricscad
Command
Bricscad Action
Erase
Erase
...
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
Del
Keystroke
Bricscad Action
Enter or Spacebar
Enter or Spacebar
Esc
Cancels the command or option
Up
Down
Left
Right
Moves cursor to the right
Home
Moves cursor to the start of the command line
End
Del ...
Backspace
Ctrl+C
(Right-click selected text, and then choose Copy from the shortcut menu)
Ctrl+P
Ctrl+X
180
...
Mouse Buttons
AutoCAD customizes the definitions of mouse buttons in the Mouse Buttons and Double-click Actions
nodes of its Customize User Interface dialog box.
Bricscad customizes mouse and double-click buttons in the Mouse tab of the Customize dialog box (new
to Bricscad V12).
AutoCAD Action
Mouse Button
Bricscad Action
Picks objects*
1 (left)
Picks objects
2 (right)
3 (center)
4 ...
5 ...
6 ...
7 ...
8 ...
9 ...
10 ...
Wheel
Double-click 1 (left)
Shift+2 (right)
Rotates viewpoint in 3D
...
Ctrl+1 (left)
Rotates viewpoint in 2D
Ctrl+2 (right)
Rotates viewpoint in 3D
Swivels viewpoint in 3D
Ctrl+3 (middle)
...
Zooms viewpoint in 3D
Ctrl+4
...
Note:
*) The actions of the pick button (#1) and wheel cannot be customized.
181
Tablet Buttons
AutoCAD customizes the definitions of stylus and puck buttons in the Tablet Buttons node of its Customize
User Interface dialog boxs Legacy section.
Bricscad customize buttons in the Digitizer Buttons node of the Customize dialog boxs Tablet tab. The action
of Button 1 cannot be changed. By default, however, no tablet menu (or partial CUI) is loaded by Bricscad with
the default profile, and so the entries under Digitizer Buttons and Tablet Menus are empty, initially.
182
AutoCAD Action
Tablet Button
Bricscad Command
Bricscad Action
Picks objects
...
Picks objects
$p0=GRIPS $p0=*
$p0=SNAP $p0=*
^c
'_snap;_t
'_orthogonal;_t
'_grid;_t
'_isoplane;;
10
'_tablet;_t
Shift+2
$p0=SNAP $p0=*
183
184