Is the ʼMatch Propertiesʼ tool available to copy formatting in BricsCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — BricsCAD includes a match properties tool for copying formatting between objects, using the MATCHPROP command. The fastest professional method is to start MATCHPROP, select the source object, then click the destination objects to transfer properties like layer, color, linetype, and text style. It does not reliably transfer every object-specific setting.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: MATCHPROP can copy more properties than expected, including layer, linetype scale, and text-related settings, which may unintentionally override office standards. It also will not fix incompatible object behavior when source and target object types support different property sets.

How to Copy Formatting in BricsCAD

  • Command: MATCHPROP

  • Shortcut: MA

  • Quick Steps:

    1. On the Ribbon, go to Home > Properties panel and launch Match Properties, or type MA.
    2. Select the source object with the formatting you want to copy, then press Enter if prompted.
    3. Click the target object or objects to apply the properties, then press Enter to finish.

  • Use the Settings option in the command to control which properties are copied, so you do not overwrite unwanted values like layer or linetype.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Settings option inside MATCHPROP

  • Expert Setting: This option lets you choose which properties are included in the transfer, such as color, layer, linetype, lineweight, hatch, and text-related properties. Use it before batch-applying properties to mixed objects, especially in controlled production drawings.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): Source and target objects may not share the same editable property types, so some properties cannot be transferred between unlike objects.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): If target objects are on locked layers, BricsCAD may block the property change or only apply part of it.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): MATCHPROP only copies supported properties; it does not convert object type, repair annotation behavior, or reproduce all style dependencies.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Run MATCHPROP, use the Settings option first, and disable categories you do not want copied before selecting multiple target objects.
  • Manager’s Verdict: MATCHPROP is the right tool for fast graphic cleanup and standards correction, but avoid using it blindly on annotation-heavy or mixed-object selections.

FAQ

Can MATCHPROP copy layer properties in BricsCAD?

Yes, if layer transfer is enabled in the command settings.

Can I use Match Properties on multiple objects at once?

Yes, after selecting the source object, you can select multiple destination objects.

Does MATCHPROP work on text and dimensions?

Yes, but only for supported properties, and results depend on the target object type.

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