CAD productivity: the secret lies in the commands few people know
Most BricsCAD users work with a fraction of what the program can do. The five BricsCAD commands below cut repetitive drafting time the most, and almost nobody uses them. See also why teams pick BricsCAD as a DWG alternative. Many BricsCAD users only work with basic commands — line, copy, move, trim — without discovering powerful functions that can save minutes or even hours on every project.
In architecture and engineering offices, where time matters, mastering these hidden commands is a huge advantage.
Here are five BricsCAD commands that are extremely useful but surprisingly underused.
1. BIMPATCH: update details without redrawing
One of the most valuable commands for users working with BIM inside BricsCAD.
It allows you to update 2D details generated from the 3D model without recreating the entire drawing.
Perfect for:
- plans that change often,
- quick revisions,
- construction drawings where precision matters.
With BIMPATCH, small model edits no longer require redoing the whole documentation set.
2. QSELECT: intelligent selection in seconds
QSELECT lets you select entities based on specific criteria, such as type, color, layer, thickness, or geometry.
Useful for tasks like:
- modifying a full layer with hundreds of objects,
- selecting only one type of block in a large drawing,
- applying global properties in a single step.
Essential for anyone working with heavy DWG files.
3. BMREPLACE: replace components without breaking the model
For users working with parametric components, this command is indispensable.
BMREPLACE allows you to replace a block or 3D component with another, automatically maintaining its position, constraints and references.
Benefits include:
- fast updates of repeated elements,
- global changes across assemblies,
- fewer manual mistakes.
Very useful in mechanical engineering and detailed BIM workflows.
4. ARRAYPATH: place objects along paths or curves
This command distributes objects along a curve, path or boundary.
Great for architects, designers and anyone working with repetitive elements.
Common applications:
- railings,
- lighting,
- furniture,
- structural or decorative elements.
ARRAYPATH eliminates the need to manually copy dozens of objects.
5. FLATSHOT: fast 2D views from 3D models
FLATSHOT generates a clean 2D projection from a 3D model in seconds.
It produces crisp outlines, hidden lines and editable geometry — without complicated steps.
Ideal for:
- construction details,
- early-stage documentation,
- technical presentations.
A huge time-saver for anyone switching between 3D and 2D.
Conclusion
BricsCAD is incredibly powerful, but its true potential emerges when users master advanced commands that automate work and reduce repetitive tasks.
BIMPATCH, QSELECT, BMREPLACE, ARRAYPATH and FLATSHOT can turn complex tasks into quick, simple actions. The full command reference and the differences between Lite, Pro, BIM and Mechanical are documented on the vendor site, Bricsys.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the BIM or Mechanical version for these BricsCAD commands?
Some require it (BIMPATCH and BMREPLACE, for example), but most run in Pro. Checking the edition before standardising a workflow avoids surprises.
Do these commands exist in AutoCAD?
Some have equivalents, but BricsCAD typically performs them with fewer steps, and a few have no direct counterpart.
Are they suitable for heavy DWG files?
Yes — QSELECT and ARRAYPATH are especially helpful on large drawings, because they replace manual selection across thousands of entities.
Can these commands be customised?
Yes. You can create aliases, keyboard shortcuts and custom toolbars so the whole team uses the same sequence on every project.
Where can a studio get BricsCAD licensing in Latin America?
Aufiero Informática distributes BricsCAD across Latin America, with local support, licensing in local currency and regional commercial terms.
