What is ʼNearestDistanceʼ for dynamic dimensions in BricsCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

NearestDistance for dynamic dimensions in BricsCAD is the distance value BricsCAD calculates to the nearest valid geometric reference while you edit or create geometry, typically during DYNMODE-enabled dynamic input. The most common professional method is to use Dynamic Input with object snaps active. Limitation: it depends on valid snap targets and nearby geometry.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: NearestDistance is not a standalone command you run manually in BricsCAD. A common failure is assuming it will appear or update correctly when Object Snap is off, Dynamic Input is disabled, or the nearest object is on a locked/reference layer that cannot be edited as expected.

How to Use Dynamic Dimensions with Nearest Distance

  • Command: DYNMODE

  • Shortcut: F12

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Press F12 or type DYNMODE to enable Dynamic Input, or go to the Status Bar > DYN toggle.
    2. Start a common editing command such as MOVE, COPY, or GRIP edit, then hover near geometry with Object Snap enabled from the Status Bar > OSNAP.
    3. Watch the dynamic dimension/input field use the nearest geometric reference distance, then enter the value directly if needed and confirm.

Variables & Settings

  • System Variable: DYNMODE (Default: 3)

  • Expert Setting: DYNMODE controls whether pointer input and dynamic dimensions appear near the cursor. If it is off, NearestDistance behavior in dynamic dimensions will not display interactively, even if the command itself is otherwise working.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): There is no valid nearby snap point or reference object close enough for BricsCAD to calculate a useful nearest distance.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The reference geometry is on a locked, frozen, or hard-to-snap layer, so the dynamic dimension does not behave as expected.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Dynamic Input is off, or the active command does not expose dynamic dimensions in that editing context.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Turn on DYNMODE and OSNAP, then repeat the edit using a standard command like MOVE or grip editing near clean snap-ready geometry.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use it for fast visual editing and alignment work, but avoid relying on it alone for critical production dimensions when exact typed values or constraints are required.

FAQ

Is NearestDistance a separate BricsCAD command?

No, it is a dynamic-dimension behavior, not a standalone command.

Does NearestDistance work without Object Snap?

No, in most practical cases you need valid snap references for reliable nearest-distance behavior.

Can I use it during grip editing?

Yes, dynamic dimensions commonly appear during grip edits when Dynamic Input is enabled.

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