How to Rotate Views in BricsCAD

Quick answer: BricsCAD offers several commands for rotating a 3D view in real time, plus dialog-based and preset alternatives. View rotation commands aren’t meant for 2D work though, use PLAN or the LookFrom control instead to restore a top view there.

The View Rotation Commands

Command	What it does
`RTROT` (Real-Time Constrained Sphere)	Rotates 3D drawings in real time
`RTROTCTR` (Real-Time Sphere Center)	Freely rotates 3D drawings in real time, about a centre point you define
`RTROTF` (Real-Time Free Sphere)	Freely rotates 3D drawings in real time
`RTROTX`, `RTROTY`, `RTROTZ`	Rotates 3D drawings in real time about the screen X, Y, or Z axis respectively
`DDVPOINT` (Dynamic Dialog View Point)	Sets 3D viewpoints or the plan view through a dialog
`PLAN`	Restores the plan (top) view
`VPOINT`	Changes the 3D viewpoint

Two Things Worth Knowing

If CONTINUOUSMOTION is set, rotation keeps going on its own once started, you’ll need to press Esc to stop it, rather than it settling automatically.
View rotation commands aren’t intended for 2D work. Use PLAN, or the LookFrom control, to restore a top view instead.

Rotating a View Freely

Launch RTROT, RTROTF, RTROTX, RTROTY, or RTROTZ. The cursor shape changes to match the command.
Hold down the left mouse button and move the mouse.
Optionally right-click for a context menu: Exit, Pan (switches to RTPAN), Zoom (switches to RTZOOM), Constraint Sphere (switches to RTROT), or Sphere (switches to RTROTF), the same menu available while panning or zooming.
Press Esc to exit.

Using Preset Viewpoints with DDVPOINT

Switch off Perspective mode before starting.

Launch DDVPOINT. The Set Viewpoint dialog opens.
Click the Angle Precision button to choose 45°, 15°, or 5° increments; the Horizontal and Vertical panes divide accordingly.
Click an angle in either pane; the view orientation updates immediately.
Optionally click Plan to restore the plan (top) view.
Optionally click Previous repeatedly to step back through earlier viewpoints.
Click OK to keep the current view, or Cancel to restore the original one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use RTROT to get back to a top view while working in 2D? No, view rotation commands aren’t meant for 2D work. Use PLAN or the LookFrom control instead.

Why does my view keep rotating after I release the mouse button? Check CONTINUOUSMOTION. If it’s set, rotation continues on its own until you press Esc, rather than stopping automatically.

What does DDVPOINT actually stand for? Dynamic Dialog View Point, it opens the Set Viewpoint dialog for choosing 3D viewpoints or the plan view.

What’s the difference between RTROT and RTROTF? RTROT is constrained; RTROTF rotates freely. Both work in real time, but RTROTF gives you more freedom of movement.