How to Use Model Space Viewports in BricsCAD

Quick answer: Model space can be divided into multiple tiled viewports, each showing a different view of the current drawing. Only one is current at a time, but all update simultaneously as you work, and only the current one can be printed. VPORTS creates and manages them.

What Can Be Set Per Viewport

Each viewport can have its own coordinate system (WCS or UCS), grid display, and snap settings, independent of the others.

Working with Multiple Viewports

• Click inside a viewport (when no command is active) to make it current.
• The current viewport’s border highlights; drag a viewport’s border to resize it.
• The cursor only appears in the current viewport.
• You can start a command in one viewport and finish the operation in a different one.

Joining Adjacent Viewports

Two viewports can be joined if they share an edge of equal length.

1. Run VPORTS.
2. Choose the Join option. You’re prompted to select the dominant viewport, defaulting to the current one.
3. Click the dominant viewport, or press Enter to accept the current one. Its border highlights, and you’re prompted to select the viewport to join with it.
4. Click that viewport to confirm. The two merge into one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can different viewports use different coordinate systems? Yes, each viewport can have its own WCS or UCS, along with its own grid display and snap settings.

Can I join any two viewports together? Only if they share an edge of equal length; run VPORTS and choose the Join option to combine them.

Can I start drawing in one viewport and finish in another? Yes, a command started in one viewport can be finished in a different one.

How do I resize a viewport? Drag its border directly.