Is there a ʼGroupʼ command to link objects without making a block in BricsCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in BricsCAD, the standard way to link objects without creating a block is the GROUP command. It lets multiple objects select and move together while keeping each object editable as its original type. Limitation: groups do not provide block-style reuse, insertion, or attribute behavior.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: Groups are selection-based only, so editing one object does not automatically constrain or synchronize the others. A common failure is thinking a group behaves like a block, then exploding or copying geometry and losing expected consistency across repeated items.

How to Use the Group Command in BricsCAD

  • Command: GROUP

  • Shortcut: G

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Type GROUP or go to the Ribbon if your workspace shows grouping tools, then start the command.
    2. Select the objects you want to link together and press Enter.
    3. In the group options, assign a name if needed and keep the group selectable in normal object selection workflows.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Group selection toggle

  • Expert Setting: If group selection is enabled, clicking one member selects the whole group. If disabled, you can pick and edit individual objects without ungrouping first. This is the key practical setting when groups seem hard to modify.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): Users expect grouped objects to behave parametrically or stay aligned, but a group does not enforce geometric relationships.

  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): If some grouped objects are on locked layers, the group may select but not fully edit or move as expected.

  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): A group is not a block, so it cannot provide block definitions, repeated updates, or attribute support across multiple instances.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Use UNGROUP to remove the selection link, edit the objects, then run GROUP again if needed.

  • Manager’s Verdict: Use groups for temporary coordination of unrelated objects during drafting and revision work. Avoid them when you need repeated content, standardization, or global updates — use blocks instead.

FAQ

Can I edit one object inside a group without exploding it?
Yes, if group selection is turned off, you can select individual members directly.

Is a group the same as a block in BricsCAD?
No, a group only links selection behavior; a block creates a reusable defined object.

Can I rename or manage groups later?
Yes, use group management options to review, rename, or remove existing groups.

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