How to Use Selection Dimensions in BricsCAD BIM

Quick answer: Selection dimensions provide an interface for repositioning an existing BIM element, a wall, column, window, or door, by specifying its distance to reference points. This resolves the “distances to nearest parallel edges” mechanism described more briefly on this hub’s windows and doors insertion page.

The Four Parts of a Selection Dimension

Click an existing BIM element to access its selection dimensions, made up of an origin point, a line, a distance field, and a reference point.

Using Selection Dimensions to Move Entities

1. Optionally enable Top View Mode (TVM) by clicking a story disk in the Story Bar.
2. Select a BIM element; its selection dimensions display.
3. Optionally choose a more convenient reference point: click an existing reference point to select it (it turns grey), then click a different point in the drawing to set that as the new reference point; the distance fields update accordingly.
4. Click a distance field.
5. Optionally press Tab to jump to the next distance field.
6. Type a value and press Enter; the BIM element repositions accordingly.
7. Press Esc to deselect the element.

Selection Dimensions vs Dynamic Dimensions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change which reference point a selection dimension measures from? Yes, click the existing reference point to select it, then click a different point in the drawing to use instead.

What’s the fundamental difference between selection dimensions and dynamic dimensions? Selection dimensions appear after selecting an existing element and let you manually move reference points; dynamic dimensions appear while placing a new element, with origin points that automatically follow the cursor and can’t be repositioned.

How do I move between multiple distance fields quickly? Press Tab to jump from one distance field to the next.

What kinds of BIM elements can I reposition with selection dimensions? Walls, columns, windows, and doors.