How to Measure in BricsCAD

Quick answer: DIST reports the distance and angle between two points, and together with AREA, MASSPROP, ID, and LIST, covers most measuring needs in BricsCAD. Results print to the Command line, or the Prompt History window (F2) if the Command line is closed.

The Measuring Commands

AREA, MASSPROP, ID, and LIST are covered in more detail on the drawing information page; briefly, AREA finds area and perimeter (or length) of 2D entities, MASSPROP reports mathematical properties of 3D solids and 2D regions, ID reports a picked point’s coordinates, and LIST lists a selected entity’s properties. DIST is the one specifically for measuring: it reports the distance and angle between two points.

Measuring Distance Between Two Points

1. Run DIST. You’re prompted for a starting point.
2. Identify the first point. You’re prompted for a second point (or to choose Multiple points).
3. Hover over the second point using an appropriate entity snap. With Dynamic Input on, the distance shows live in the dynamic dimension field.
4. Click to confirm the second point. BricsCAD prints the distance, the angle in the XY plane (α), the angle from the XY plane (β), and the delta X, Y, and Z, all in drawing units, relative to the current coordinate system.

Measuring Distance Across Multiple Points

1. Run DIST. You’re prompted for a starting point.
2. Identify the first point. You’re prompted for a second point or to choose Multiple points.
3. Choose Multiple points.
4. Identify the second point. BricsCAD shows the distance between the two points, then prompts for the next.
5. Identify the next point. BricsCAD shows the running total distance across all points so far, then prompts again.
6. Keep adding points, then press Enter or right-click to finish.

Measuring the Length of a Single Entity

Click the entity, then read its Length field in the Properties panel.

Combining the Lengths of Multiple Entities

AREA isn’t just for areas, it can sum the lengths of several linear entities together too:

1. Run AREA. You’re prompted to select a first point, or choose to find the area of one entity, add areas together, or subtract areas.
2. Choose Add areas together.
3. Choose add Entities to area.
4. Select the first linear entity. BricsCAD reports its area and length, plus the running total length and area, then prompts for another.
5. Select the second linear entity, and its figures get added to the running totals the same way.
6. Keep selecting entities, or press Enter or right-click to stop.

This works for lines, polylines, arcs, circles, ellipses, elliptical arcs, and splines.

Measuring the Area of a Single Entity

Click the closed entity, then read its Area and Length fields in the Properties panel.

Measuring Area by Specifying Points

1. Run AREA. You’re prompted to select a first point, or choose one of the other options.
2. Click the first point. You’re prompted for the next.
3. Click the second point. A dashed outline appears dynamically as you continue.
4. Keep adding points, then press Enter or right-click. BricsCAD reports the area and perimeter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between DIST and AREA for measuring things? DIST measures the straight-line distance and angle between two points. AREA measures area and perimeter, or, using its Add areas together option, can also sum up the total length of several linear entities.

How do I quickly check a single entity’s length without running a command? Click it and read the Length field in the Properties panel directly.

Can I combine the lengths of curved entities, not just straight lines? Yes, arcs, circles, ellipses, elliptical arcs, and splines can all be included alongside lines and polylines when combining lengths with AREA.

Where do I see the results if my Command line is closed? Press F2 to open the Prompt History window, then press it again to close it.