Understanding Selection Sets in BricsCAD Mechanical

Quick answer: In addition to main and column filters, a Bill of Materials can specify a selection set, restricting the table to only parts within it, confirming and expanding the Selection set option covered on this hub’s BOM Manager page.

The Five Selection Set Types

• Entire model (default): every part and subassembly in the current model.
• Subassembly: select a subassembly to act as the BOM’s root component.
• Drawing view: links the table to a specific drawing view, showing only parts included in that view. Worth noting: a part included in the view still shows in the BOM even if it isn’t currently visible within it.
• Layout viewport: links the table to a layout viewport (including a drawing view), showing only parts actually visible in it. This is the key difference from Drawing view above, here, completely hidden parts or parts outside the viewport get excluded entirely, rather than included regardless of visibility.
• Custom selection: select a specific subset of top-level components to show.

Setting or Changing a Selection Set

Set one via the BOM Manager panel, or the corresponding option of BMBOM. Change an existing table’s selection set with Edit selection in the BOM Manager panel, or with BMBOMEDIT.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the practical difference between Drawing view and Layout viewport selection sets? Drawing view includes every part assigned to that view regardless of current visibility; Layout viewport only includes parts actually visible within it, excluding hidden or out-of-frame parts.

Can I limit a BOM to just one subassembly rather than the whole model? Yes, use the Subassembly selection set type, which treats your chosen subassembly as the BOM’s root component.

How do I change the selection set on a BOM table that already exists? Use Edit selection in the BOM Manager panel, or run BMBOMEDIT.

What’s the default selection set for a new BOM table? Entire model, including every part and subassembly currently in the model.