How to make lines perfectly horizontal or vertical in BricsCAD?
Short Answer
Yes — in BricsCAD, the fastest professional way to make lines perfectly horizontal or vertical is to use ORTHO while drawing or editing. Turn Ortho mode on so cursor movement is constrained to 0° and 90°, then create or adjust the line. Limitation: Ortho only constrains input direction, not already-skewed geometry automatically.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: If Object Snap Tracking or polar tracking is active, users sometimes think Ortho is failing when the cursor is actually being influenced by another tracking aid. Also, if the line is on a locked layer, you will not be able to correct it even though the command appears available.
How to Make Lines Perfectly Horizontal or Vertical in BricsCAD
Command: ORTHO
Shortcut: F8
Quick Steps:
- Press F8 or click Ortho on the Status Bar to turn it on.
- Start the LINE command from the Ribbon or type
LINE, then pick the first point. - Move the cursor left/right for a horizontal line or up/down for a vertical line, then click the second point.
Use the Ortho toggle on the Status Bar and make sure it is visibly enabled before placing the next point.
Variables & Settings
System Variable: ORTHOMODE (Default: 0)
Expert Setting: When
ORTHOMODE=1, cursor movement is constrained to horizontal and vertical directions during command input. If it is0, line direction is unrestricted unless another tracking mode is controlling input.
Why it Fails
- Cause 1 (Geometry): The line was already drawn at a slight angle; Ortho does not retroactively straighten existing geometry.
- Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The object is on a locked layer, so grip-editing or correction will fail.
- Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Polar or snap tracking is being used instead of true orthogonal constraint, causing non-vertical or non-horizontal input.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
- Quick Fix: Turn on ORTHO with
F8, then redraw the segment with LINE or edit it using grips while Ortho is active. - Manager’s Verdict: Use Ortho for fast production drafting whenever geometry must stay strictly horizontal or vertical. Avoid relying on freehand cursor movement for precision layout work.
FAQ
How do I straighten an existing line in BricsCAD?
Use grips with ORTHO turned on and move one endpoint horizontally or vertically.
Is Polar Tracking the same as Ortho in BricsCAD?
No, Polar Tracking allows preset angles, while Ortho restricts movement to 90-degree directions only.
Can I make vertical and horizontal lines without typing angles?
Yes, turn on ORTHO and place the next point by cursor direction.
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