How to use the ʼQuadʼ cursor menu in BricsCAD (or how to turn it off)?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — you can use the BricsCAD Quad cursor menu by hovering over selectable entities and choosing context tools, or turn it off if it interrupts drafting. The most common method is through QUADDISPLAY or the Settings dialog. One limitation: the Quad depends on object detection under the cursor.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If selection preview or Quad display settings are misconfigured, the Quad may seem broken even when BricsCAD is working normally. On dense drawings, hover-triggered tools can also slow object picking and cause accidental command launches.

How to Use or Turn Off the Quad in BricsCAD

  • Command: QUADDISPLAY

  • Shortcut: [type QUADDISPLAY]

  • Quick Steps:

    1. At the command line, type QUADDISPLAY and press Enter.
    2. Enter 1 to turn the Quad on, or 0 to turn it off.
    3. Hover over an object in the drawing area and, if enabled, use the context tools shown in the Quad cursor menu.

Variables & Settings

  • System Variable: QUADDISPLAY (Default: 1)

  • Expert Setting: This variable controls whether the Quad cursor menu appears when you hover over entities. Set it to 1 for normal use, or 0 to fully disable it. You can also review Quad behavior in Settings > Program Options > Display > Quad.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The cursor is not hovering long enough over a valid entity, so BricsCAD does not trigger the Quad.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Objects on locked layers may limit editing options shown in the Quad, making it appear incomplete.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): An active command can suppress normal Quad behavior, especially during selection-dependent workflows.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Type QUADDISPLAY, set it to 1, then test by hovering over a simple unlocked line or polyline.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use the Quad for fast editing and context commands in production drafting, but turn it off in heavy drawings or when users prefer command-line-driven workflows.

FAQ

How do I turn off the Quad in BricsCAD?

Type QUADDISPLAY and set it to 0.

Why does the Quad not appear when I hover?

The object may not be selectable, the hover delay may be too short, or Quad display may be off.

Can I customize what the Quad shows?

Yes, BricsCAD includes Quad-related options in Settings for display and behavior.

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