Is there an ʼObject Snap Trackingʼ feature in BricsCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — BricsCAD includes Object Snap Tracking, typically used by turning on OTRACK together with running object snaps to project temporary alignment paths from snap points. This is the fastest common professional method for locating precise points without construction geometry. Limitation: it only works reliably when valid object snaps are available.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: Object Snap Tracking often appears “broken” when running object snaps are off or when polar tracking/Object Snap Tracking toggles are disabled in the status bar. It can also fail on locked or inaccessible reference geometry inside certain external reference workflows.

How to Use Object Snap Tracking in BricsCAD

  • Command: OTRACK

  • Shortcut: [F11]

  • Quick Steps:

    1. On the Status Bar, turn on OTRACK and make sure OSNAP is also enabled; if needed, right-click OSNAP to choose snap modes like Endpoint or Midpoint.
    2. Start a drawing command such as Line from the Ribbon or by typing LINE.
    3. Hover over an object snap point to acquire it, move the cursor away until the tracking path appears, then intersect tracking paths or click the desired point.

Variables & Settings

  • System Variable: OTRACKPATH (Default: 50)

  • Expert Setting: This controls the alignment path display length used by object snap tracking. If the path feels too short or hard to see on large drawings, increasing this value can make tracking visually clearer.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The object does not contain a usable snap point for the active OSNAP modes, so no tracking point can be acquired.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Reference objects may be on layers that are off, frozen, or difficult to snap to in the current display state.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): OTRACK is off, OSNAP is off, or the active command is not currently asking for a point where tracking can be used.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Press F11 to enable OTRACK, then right-click OSNAP on the Status Bar and enable Endpoint and Midpoint before restarting the point-pick command.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use Object Snap Tracking for fast 2D precision layout without extra construction lines; avoid relying on it when snap sources are unclear or the drawing environment is heavily layered or visually cluttered.

FAQ

Does Object Snap Tracking work without OSNAP?
No, it depends on object snap points to acquire tracking references.

Can I use Object Snap Tracking with Polar Tracking?
Yes, they are commonly used together for faster aligned point placement.

Why don’t I see the tracking line in BricsCAD?
OTRACK may be off, OSNAP may be off, or no valid snap point was acquired first.

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