How to Chamfer Entities in BricsCAD

Quick answer: CHAMFER connects two non-parallel entities by extending or trimming them, then joining them with a line to create a beveled edge. Two methods are available: distance-distance (specify how far back to trim each entity from their intersection) and distance-angle (specify the chamfer’s length and the angle it forms along the first entity). Chamfering works on lines, polylines, rays, and infinite lines.

The Chamfer System Variables

• CHAMMODE: sets the chamfer method.
• CHAMFERA / CHAMFERB: the first and second distance, for the distance-distance method.
• CHAMFERC / CHAMFERD: the chamfer length and angle, for the distance-angle method.
• TRIMMODE: whether the chamfered entities keep their original length, or get trimmed or lengthened to meet the chamfer line’s endpoints.

Set these in the Settings dialog, under Drawing > Drafting > Entity Modification > Chamfer/Fillet, or use the Settings… option during the CHAMFER command itself.

Chamfering Using the Distance-Distance Method

1. Launch CHAMFER. You’re prompted to select the first entity, or choose chamfer Settings…, Polyline, Angle, Distance, mEthod, Trim, Undo, or Multiple.
2. Optionally choose Settings… to edit the chamfer variables directly.
3. Select the first entity. You’re prompted to select the second entity (hold Shift while selecting to create a corner instead), or choose Directional.
4. Select the second entity; the chamfer is created.

Chamfering Using the Length-Angle Method

1. Launch CHAMFER. You’re prompted to select the first entity, or choose chamfer Settings…, Polyline, Angle, Distance, mEthod, Trim, Undo, or Multiple.
2. Optionally choose Settings… to edit the chamfer variables directly.
3. Select the first entity. You’re prompted to select the second entity (hold Shift while selecting to create a corner instead).
4. Select the second entity; the chamfer is created.

Chamfering All Vertices of a Polyline

1. Launch CHAMFER. You’re prompted to select the first entity, or choose an option including Polyline.
2. Optionally choose Settings… to edit the chamfer variables directly.
3. Choose Polyline. You’re prompted to select a 2D polyline to chamfer.
4. Select the polyline; every vertex chamfers.

With the distance-angle method specifically, the polyline’s direction determines which segment counts as the “first” entity at each vertex. Use the Reverse direction option of PEDIT if you need to change this.

When chamfering a polyline, you can chamfer just two segments or every vertex at once, and with TRIMMODE on, the chamfer line joins directly with the polyline’s segments.

Removing a Chamfer

1. Launch CHAMFER. You’re prompted to select the first entity.
2. Select the first entity. You’re prompted to select the second entity.
3. Hold Shift and select the second entity; the chamfer is removed.

This same method creates a plain corner between two lines, or an end segment of a polyline. Where the two entities intersect, whichever part you click on is what’s kept.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the distance-distance and distance-angle chamfer methods? Distance-distance trims each entity back a specified distance from their intersection. Distance-angle instead uses a chamfer length and an angle measured along the first entity.

Can I chamfer every corner of a polyline in one step? Yes, choose the Polyline option and select the polyline; every vertex chamfers at once.

How do I remove an existing chamfer? Hold Shift while selecting the second entity during the CHAMFER command; this removes the chamfer instead of creating one.

Why does my polyline chamfer differently than expected with the distance-angle method? Check the polyline’s direction, it determines which segment counts as the first entity at each vertex. Use the Reverse direction option of PEDIT to change it if needed.