Can I draw a polygon with a specific number of sides in BricsCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in BricsCAD, you can draw a polygon with a specific number of sides using the POLYGON command, which is the standard professional method. Enter the number of sides, then define the polygon by center/radius or edge. One limitation: the command creates only regular polygons, not irregular multi-sided shapes.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If you choose the wrong creation method—Inscribed, Circumscribed, or Edge—the final polygon size will not match your intended across-flats or across-corners dimension. This is a common accuracy mistake in fabrication and layout work.

How-to

  • Command: POLYGON

  • Shortcut: POL

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Type POLYGON in the command line, or go to Ribbon > Draw panel > Polygon.
    2. Enter the required number of sides, then specify the polygon center point or choose the Edge option.
    3. If using center-point creation, choose Inscribed in circle or Circumscribed about circle, then enter the radius.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Inscribed / Circumscribed / Edge

  • Expert Setting:

    • Inscribed sizes the polygon by the distance from center to vertices.
    • Circumscribed sizes it by the distance from center to the midpoint of each side.
    • Edge is best when you already know one exact side length or orientation.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The wrong sizing option was used, so the polygon does not match the needed real-world dimension.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The current layer is locked or not editable, preventing the polygon from being created.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): POLYGON only creates regular polygons, so it cannot produce unequal side lengths or custom angles.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Restart POLYGON and use the correct option—usually Edge for exact side control or Circumscribed for precise across-flats sizing.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use POLYGON for fast, accurate regular shapes in 2D drafting. Avoid it when the design requires non-uniform sides, parametric edits, or irregular geometry.

FAQ

Can I change the number of sides after creating the polygon?

No, not directly; you usually need to redraw it with POLYGON.

Can I make a polygon from a known side length in BricsCAD?

Yes, use the Edge option in the POLYGON command.

Can BricsCAD create irregular polygons with the POLYGON command?

No, POLYGON only creates regular polygons with equal sides.

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