Is it possible to draw a polyline with both straight and curved segments in BricsCAD?
Short Answer
Yes — in BricsCAD, you can draw a polyline with both straight and curved segments using the PLINE command. The standard professional method is to start a polyline, then switch between Line and arc options as you draw. One limitation is that width and arc direction must be managed carefully during creation.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: If Ortho, polar tracking, or the wrong Arc option is active, curved segments can be created in the wrong direction or with unintended tangency. Also, if the target layer is locked, the polyline may fail to create even though the command starts normally.
How to Draw a Polyline with Straight and Curved Segments in BricsCAD
Command: PLINE
Shortcut: PL
Quick Steps:
- Start PLINE from the command line or Ribbon, then pick the first point.
- Click to create straight segments, then type A for the Arc option when you need a curved segment.
- Use the Arc sub-options such as Line to return to straight segments, then press Enter to finish.
Use the built-in Arc/Line toggle during the same PLINE session for the fastest professional workflow.
If needed, set a real option like Width before drawing if the polyline must keep a constant segment width.
Variables & Settings
Key Setting: Arc/Line option inside the PLINE command
Expert Setting: This command option controls whether the next segment is created as a straight line or an arc. Switching at the wrong time is a common reason users get unexpected geometry in mixed-segment polylines.
Why it Fails
- Cause 1 (Geometry): The arc segment is defined from the previous polyline vertex, so picking the next point in the wrong order can flip the arc or create an incorrect radius.
- Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The current layer may be locked or non-editable, preventing the polyline from being placed correctly.
- Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Users often exit the command after drawing a line, then start a separate arc, which creates separate objects instead of one continuous polyline.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
- Quick Fix: Start over with PLINE, then use the A and L options inside the same command to keep all segments in one polyline.
- Manager’s Verdict: Use PLINE whenever you need connected line-and-arc geometry for boundaries, offsets, hatching, or CNC-ready profiles. Avoid drawing separate LINE and ARC objects unless you plan to join and clean them afterward.
FAQ
Can I convert separate lines and arcs into one polyline in BricsCAD?
Yes, use PEDIT or JOIN if the segments touch properly.
Can a polyline arc segment have width in BricsCAD?
Yes, polyline width can apply to arc segments as well.
Can I edit the curved part later?
Yes, you can modify the polyline grips or use polyline editing tools.
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