How to Measure Entities in BricsCAD

Quick answer: MEASURE places markers, points or blocks, at a specified interval along an entity’s length or circumference, starting from whichever endpoint is closest to where you click to select it. Works on lines, polylines, arcs, circles, ellipses, elliptical arcs, and splines; rays and infinite lines can’t be measured.

Measuring an Entity Using Points

1. Launch MEASURE.
2. Select an entity.
3. Either type a value, or specify two points; points place along the entity at that interval.

Point visibility depends on PDMODE, the same variable covered on this hub’s drawing points page.

Placing Blocks at a Specified Interval Along an Entity

1. Launch MEASURE.
2. Select an entity.
3. Choose the insert Blocks option.
4. Optionally choose the ? option to list the blocks available in the drawing.
5. Type the name of a block.
6. Choose whether to align the blocks with the entity or not.
7. Either type a value for the segment length, or specify two points; blocks place along the entity at that interval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does MEASURE start placing markers along an entity? From whichever endpoint is closest to the point you clicked to select the entity.

Why can’t I see the points MEASURE placed on my entity? Check PDMODE, which controls how (and whether) points display.

Can I measure a ray or an infinite line? No, only lines, polylines, arcs, circles, ellipses, elliptical arcs, and splines can be measured.

What’s the difference between aligned and non-aligned blocks when measuring? Aligned blocks rotate to follow the entity’s direction at each placement point; non-aligned blocks keep their original orientation regardless of the entity’s shape.