Is there a tool to find and replace text in BricsCAD?

Short Answer

Yes — BricsCAD includes a reliable find and replace text workflow using the FIND command. This is the most common professional method for locating and replacing text in single-line text, multiline text, and some annotation content directly in the drawing. It may not catch text inside every block attribute workflow automatically.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: Find and replace in BricsCAD can miss text that lives inside block attributes, external references, or locked content depending on how the drawing is built. A common failure is replacing visible note text but leaving title block attributes unchanged, which creates inconsistent deliverables.

How to Find and Replace Text in BricsCAD

• Command: FIND

• Shortcut: Ctrl+F

• Quick Steps:

  1. Open the drawing, then go to the Find dialog with Ctrl+F or type FIND on the command line.
  2. In Find what, enter the text to search for, then enter the new text in Replace with.
  3. Use Replace or Replace All, and check options such as Match case or Whole word only if needed to control the result.

Variables & Settings

• Key Setting: Match case / Whole word only

• Expert Setting: These options control search precision. Turn on Whole word only to avoid changing partial strings inside larger notes or tags, and use Match case when drawing standards require exact uppercase or lowercase text replacement.

Why it Fails

• Cause 1 (Geometry): The text may actually be an attribute, dimension text override, or text nested in a block, so standard find/replace does not affect every visible string the same way.
• Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Text on locked layers or in protected referenced content may be found but not edited as expected.
• Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Using Replace All without Whole word only can unintentionally modify part numbers, sheet notes, or tag strings that contain the same characters.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

• Quick Fix: Run FIND, enable Whole word only, and test with Replace before using Replace All.
• Manager’s Verdict: Use FIND for general drawing note updates and spec text changes. Avoid relying on it alone for title blocks, attributes, or xref-based annotation—those should be checked separately.

FAQ

Can FIND replace text inside block attributes in BricsCAD?
Not always reliably; attribute-based text often needs separate editing.

Can I search only for exact text matches?
Yes, enable Whole word only and Match case in the Find dialog.

Does FIND work in xrefs?
No, not as a direct edit method for external reference content; edit the source file instead.

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