How to check the distance between two points in BricsCAD?

Short Answer

To check the distance between two points in BricsCAD, use the DIST command, which is the fastest and most common professional method. Pick the first point, then the second point, and BricsCAD reports the distance in the command line. Limitation: this only measures between selected points, not along a path.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If Object Snap is off or snaps to the wrong geometry point, your measured distance can be inaccurate even when the command works correctly. In rotated UCS views, users also sometimes misread distances if they expect a different coordinate orientation.

How to Check the Distance Between Two Points in BricsCAD

• Command: DIST

• Shortcut: DI

• Quick Steps:

  1. On the command line, type DI or launch it from the Ribbon if available under drawing/utilities tools.
  2. Click the first point, then click the second point using Object Snap for accuracy.
  3. Read the reported distance in the command line; BricsCAD also shows Delta X, Delta Y, and angle values.

• Use Object Snap with the Endpoint toggle turned on for precise point selection.

Variables & Settings

• Key Setting: Object Snap (OSNAP)

• Expert Setting: Turn on precise snap modes such as Endpoint, Intersection, or Midpoint before running DIST. This prevents freehand picks and gives reliable measured distances between exact CAD points.

Why it Fails

• Cause 1 (Geometry): The points selected are not true endpoints or intended reference points, especially on overlapping or dense geometry.
• Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Reference objects may be on faded, locked, or visually crowded layers, causing incorrect snap selection.
• Cause 3 (Command/Logic): DIST measures straight-line distance only, so it will not return the total length of arcs, polylines, or routed paths.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

• Quick Fix: Turn on OSNAP, enable Endpoint, then rerun DIST and reselect both points carefully.
• Manager’s Verdict: Use DIST for fast verification, spot checks, and layout work. If you need path length or cumulative measurement, use a geometry-specific tool instead of a straight two-point distance check.

FAQ

How do I measure a polyline length in BricsCAD?
Use Properties or a length-based command instead of DIST.

Can BricsCAD show horizontal and vertical distance separately?
Yes, DIST reports Delta X and Delta Y in the command line.

Why is my distance not snapping correctly?
Object Snap is likely off or using the wrong snap mode.

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