How to Execute Commands in BricsCAD
Quick answer: BricsCAD gives you five ways to launch any command: type it in the Command Line, pick it from a menu, click its toolbar button, click its Ribbon icon, or choose it in the Quad. Many commands also have short aliases, and once a command is running, it often offers several options you can choose between rather than just following a single fixed prompt.
Five Ways to Launch a Command
- Type the command in the Command Line
- Choose it from a menu
- Click its toolbar button
- Click its icon in the Ribbon
- Choose it in the Quad
If the command line is closed, keyboard entry and prompts show in the Status Bar instead.
Command Aliases
Many commands have a short alias you can type instead of the full name; for example, typing L launches the LINE command. If AUTOCOMPLETEMODE‘s Enable flag is on, a suggestion list of matching commands, system variables, and user preferences appears as you type; press Enter to accept the highlighted match, or click one in the list.
Choosing Command Options
Once a command is running, it often offers several options in the Command line or Status Bar, and sometimes a prompt menu too, rather than just a single fixed action. To choose one:
- Press Enter to accept the default option, shown between angle brackets
<>at the end of the prompt. - Click the option directly in the Command line.
- Click it in the prompt menu, if one’s showing.
- Type the option’s capitalised letter and press Enter, or right-click.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the fastest way to launch a command if I know its name? Type it, or its alias if it has one, directly in the Command Line.
How do I know what a command’s default option is? It’s shown between angle brackets <> at the end of the command prompt. Press Enter to accept it.
Can I choose a command option without using the Command line? Yes, click it directly in the prompt menu if one’s showing, or type its capitalised letter and press Enter or right-click.
What happens to command prompts if I’ve closed the Command line? They display in the Status Bar instead.