Can I display the command history window in BricsCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in BricsCAD, you can display the command history window using the TEXTSCR command, which is the fastest and most common professional method for reviewing previous command-line input and output. It opens the text screen so you can inspect command history quickly. Limitation: it is a read-only history view, not a dockable live palette.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: The command history window only shows what is still stored in the current session buffer. If your command line history was cleared or BricsCAD was restarted, older entries may no longer be available.

How to Display the Command History Window

  • Command: TEXTSCR

  • Shortcut: F2

  • Quick Steps:

    1. In the drawing area, press F2 or type TEXTSCR on the command line and press Enter.
    2. Review the expanded text screen showing recent command history and prompts.
    3. Press F2 again to return to the normal drawing view and command line.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: In Settings, adjust the Number of lines in command line history so more command output is retained in the session buffer.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): Large or complex operations can flood the command line with output, pushing earlier history out of the visible buffer.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): If a command failed because objects were on locked layers, the history may show repeated warnings but not resolve the issue itself.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Users often expect a persistent command log, but TEXTSCR only displays the current command session history, not a permanent saved record.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Press F2 and increase the command history line setting in Settings if important prompts disappear too quickly.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use TEXTSCR for quick troubleshooting and command review during live drafting, but do not rely on it as a long-term audit trail for project documentation.

FAQ

Can I copy text from the BricsCAD command history window?
Yes, you can select and copy visible text from the text screen.

Does F2 work the same as TEXTSCR in BricsCAD?
Yes, F2 is the standard shortcut to toggle the text screen.

Can I save the command history automatically to a file?
Not directly from TEXTSCR alone; it is mainly for on-screen review of session history.

.

Related Posts: