Can I switch between open drawings using tabs in BricsCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in BricsCAD, you can switch between open drawings using file tabs, which is the fastest and most common professional method for managing multiple files. Use the FILETAB command to show drawing tabs and click the tab you want to activate. One limitation is that tabs may be hidden in your current workspace or settings.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If file tabs are turned off, you may think only one drawing is open even when several files are loaded in the session. In some customized workspaces, the tab bar can also be hidden, which confuses users switching between documents.

How to Switch Between Open Drawings Using Tabs

  • Command: FILETAB

  • Shortcut: No default shortcut

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Type FILETAB on the command line to display drawing tabs if they are hidden.
    2. Look at the top of the drawing area and locate the file tab bar.
    3. Click the required drawing tab to make that open drawing current.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: File Tabs display toggle in the interface

  • Expert Setting: If file tabs are hidden, run FILETAB to turn them on. If you want more screen space, use FILETABCLOSE to hide the tab bar, but this makes drawing switching less visible.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The drawing area is too compressed by palettes or docked panels, so the file tabs are not visible on screen.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): A locked or managed workspace profile may hide interface elements, including the file tab bar.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Users run FILETABCLOSE or work in a workspace where tabs are disabled, so clicking between open drawings is no longer available.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Run FILETAB and then click the visible drawing tab you need.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use file tabs for day-to-day switching between a few open drawings; if you work with many files, combine tabs with keyboard cycling to stay efficient.

FAQ

Can I hide drawing tabs in BricsCAD?
Yes, use FILETABCLOSE to hide them.

Can I switch drawings without tabs?
Yes, you can use document switching from the Window menu or keyboard-based cycling if available.

Do file tabs show all open drawings?
Yes, they display each currently open drawing in the active BricsCAD session.

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