Is there a ʼMirrorʼ command that keeps the original object in BricsCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in BricsCAD, the standard way to mirror and keep the source object is to use the MIRROR command and answer No when prompted to erase the source objects. This is the fastest professional workflow for mirrored copies. Limitation: associative constraints or dependent geometry may not behave as expected after mirroring.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If you accidentally answer Yes to the erase prompt, BricsCAD deletes the original object and keeps only the mirrored result. Also, mirroring text, attributes, or dimensions can create unreadable or flipped content depending on your text settings.

How to Keep the Original Object When Mirroring

  • Command: MIRROR

  • Shortcut: MI

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Start MIRROR from the Ribbon: Home > Modify > Mirror, or type MI.
    2. Select the object(s) to mirror, then specify the two points of the mirror line.
    3. At the prompt Erase source objects? [Yes/No], choose No to keep the original and create the mirrored copy.

Variables & Settings

  • System Variable: mirrtext (Default: 0)

  • Expert Setting: When MIRRTEXT=0, text remains readable after mirroring instead of reversing. This is the preferred professional setting when mirrored objects include text, notes, or dimensions.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The mirror axis is picked incorrectly, so the new object appears in the wrong position or overlaps the original.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Selected objects may be on locked layers, preventing proper modification or causing partial selection issues.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The user answers Yes to Erase source objects?, which removes the original instead of keeping both versions.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Run MIRROR again and make sure you answer No at the erase prompt; set MIRRTEXT to 0 before mirroring annotation.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use MIRROR with Erase source objects = No for symmetric drafting, layout detailing, and repetitive geometry. Avoid it for annotation-heavy content unless you verify text and block attribute behavior first.

FAQ

Can I mirror blocks and keep the original in BricsCAD?
Yes, MIRROR works on blocks, and choosing No keeps the source block.

Why is my mirrored text backward?
Your MIRRTEXT setting is likely causing text to reverse.

Is there a separate mirror-copy command in BricsCAD?
No, the standard professional method is MIRROR with Erase source objects = No.

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