What is ʼDynamic Inputʼ in BricsCAD?
Short Answer
Dynamic Input in BricsCAD displays command prompts, dimensions, and coordinate fields directly at the cursor while you draw or edit, instead of relying only on the command line. The most common professional method is enabling DYNMODE so input stays near the crosshair. Limitation: it can slow precision workflows if screen prompts become cluttered.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: Dynamic Input can make users think they are entering absolute coordinates when they are actually entering relative values or temporary dimensions. This commonly causes wrong distances or angles during drafting, especially when Ortho, Polar, or direct distance entry is active.
How to Enable and Use Dynamic Input
Command: DYNMODE
Shortcut: F12
Quick Steps:
- Press F12 to toggle Dynamic Input on, or type DYNMODE in the command line and press Enter.
- Start a common drawing command such as Line from the Ribbon, or type
LINE. - Enter distance, angle, or coordinate values in the cursor tooltip fields; if needed, use the Dynamic Input setting to enable prompt display near the crosshair.
Variables & Settings
System Variable: DYNMODE (Default: 3)
Expert Setting:
DYNMODEcontrols whether pointer input and dimension input appear at the cursor. If set incorrectly, you may see command prompts without editable dimension fields, or no dynamic fields at all. Many users keep it enabled for drafting but reduce it when command-line control is more reliable.
Why it Fails
Cause 1 (Geometry): Dynamic dimension fields can conflict with angled or constrained input, causing users to lock the wrong value while drawing lines or moving objects.
Cause 2 (layers/Locks): If you are editing objects on locked layers, Dynamic Input still shows editable prompts, but the operation may fail or partially complete.
Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Some commands rely more heavily on the command line, so Dynamic Input may not show every option or may hide workflow details users need to complete the command correctly.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
- Quick Fix: If cursor prompts are missing or confusing, type DYNMODE, set it to
3, and test with the LINE command; if needed, toggle F12 off and back on. - Manager’s Verdict: Use Dynamic Input for fast everyday drafting and direct distance entry, but avoid depending on it alone for complex coordinate-driven work, scripting, or commands with many nested options.
FAQ
Does Dynamic Input replace the command line?
No, it supplements the command line but does not replace it.
How do I turn Dynamic Input off in BricsCAD?
Press F12 or set DYNMODE to 0.
Is Dynamic Input useful for precise drafting?
Yes, but only if you understand whether you are entering distance, angle, or coordinate values.
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