What is ʼVP Freezeʼ (Viewport Freeze) in BricsCAD?
Short Answer
VP Freeze in BricsCAD lets you freeze a layer in one layout viewport without hiding it in other viewports or model space. The most common professional method is through the layer states/Layer panel using VPLAYER or viewport layer controls. It is ideal for sheet-specific visibility. Limitation: it only works in paper space viewports.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: VP Freeze only affects the currently selected layout viewport, so it is easy to freeze layers in the wrong viewport if the viewport is not active first. A locked or non-active viewport is a very common reason users think VP Freeze is not working.
How to Use VP Freeze in BricsCAD
Command: VPLAYER
Shortcut: No default shortcut
Quick Steps:
- Go to a Layout tab, then double-click inside the target viewport to make it active.
- Run VPLAYER, then choose the Freeze option.
- Select the layer name to freeze in the current viewport, or pick an object on that layer, then press Enter.
Real setting or option: use the Current viewport option so the freeze applies only to the active viewport, not all viewports.
Variables & Settings
Key Setting: In the Layers panel or Layer Explorer, use the VP Freeze column/property for the active viewport.
Expert Setting: This property freezes a layer only in the selected paper space viewport. It is different from global layer Freeze or Off, which affects visibility everywhere.
Why it Fails
Cause 1 (Geometry): You are working in model space instead of inside a layout viewport, so viewport-specific freezing cannot be applied.
Cause 2 (Layers/Locks): The wrong viewport is active, or the viewport is locked and you are editing layer visibility without confirming the target viewport.
Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The layer was globally turned Off or Frozen instead of VP Frozen, so the result affects all viewports and model space, not just one sheet view.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
Quick Fix: Double-click inside the correct layout viewport, run VPLAYER, choose Freeze, and use Current viewport before selecting the layer.
Manager’s Verdict: Use VP Freeze for sheet-specific presentation, such as hiding annotations, furniture, or discipline layers on selected details. Avoid using global Freeze when only one viewport needs different visibility.
FAQ
What is the difference between Freeze and VP Freeze?
Freeze hides a layer everywhere, while VP Freeze hides it only in one selected layout viewport.
Can I VP Freeze a layer in model space?
No, VP Freeze is a paper space viewport feature only.
Can I unfreeze a VP Frozen layer later?
Yes, use VPLAYER with the Thaw option or turn off the VP Freeze property in the layer controls.
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