How to customize BricsCAD®’s User Interface

When it comes to CAD software, efficiency and productivity are paramount. BricsCAD® is known for its versatility and powerful tools, but one of its standout features is its customizable User Interface (UI). Tailoring BricsCAD to fit your specific needs not only makes the software more intuitive but also significantly enhances your workflow. In this guide, we will walk you through various ways to personalize your BricsCAD UI for an optimal CAD experience.

---

Why Customize BricsCAD’s User Interface?

Customizing BricsCAD’s UI allows you to:

• Optimize productivity by arranging tools you frequently use.
• Reduce clicks and time spent navigating menus.
• Create a workspace tailored to specific projects or user preferences.
• Streamline tasks by adding shortcuts and toolbars.

---

Step 1: Understanding BricsCAD Workspaces

BricsCAD comes with multiple predefined workspaces, such as:

• Drafting: Best for 2D drawing.
• Modeling: Ideal for 3D design.
• Mechanical: Focuses on mechanical design tools.
• BIM: Optimized for Building Information Modeling.

Each workspace is designed with specific tools and panels, but you can switch between them or modify them to suit your requirements. To change workspaces:

1. Click on the Workspace icon in the status bar.
2. Select the workspace that best fits your current project.

---

Step 2: Customizing the Toolbars and Panels

Toolbars and panels are essential elements of the BricsCAD interface. To customize them:

• Add/Remove Toolbars:
  1. Right-click on an empty area of the toolbar.
  2. Choose Customize from the context menu.
  3. Check or uncheck toolbars to show or hide them.
• Docking and Floating Panels:
  • Drag any panel to a new position to dock it on any side of the screen or let it float freely.
  • Right-click the title bar of the panel and select Auto-Hide if you want it to collapse when not in use.

---

Step 3: Using the Customize Command

The CUSTOMIZE command is your gateway to advanced customization. Here’s how to use it:

1. Type CUSTOMIZE in the command line and press Enter.
2. The Customize dialog box will appear, showing options for Workspaces, Toolbars, Ribbon, Menus, and Keyboard Shortcuts.
3. Make changes as needed:
   • Workspaces: Create, modify, or delete workspaces.
   • Toolbars: Add or remove commands from existing toolbars.
   • Ribbon: Customize tabs, panels, and buttons for a streamlined interface.
   • Menus: Rearrange menu items to prioritize frequently used commands.
   • Keyboard Shortcuts: Assign or change hotkeys for quicker access to tools.

---

Step 4: Customizing the Ribbon Interface

The ribbon interface is a popular feature for organizing commands into tabs and panels. To personalize it:

1. Open the Customize dialog box (CUSTOMIZE command).
2. Go to the Ribbon section.
3. Drag and drop commands to add them to existing tabs or create new tabs and panels.
4. Save your changes to see the updated ribbon layout.

---

Step 5: Creating Custom Commands and Macros

If you frequently perform repetitive tasks, creating custom commands or macros can save time. Here’s how:

1. Open the Customize dialog box.
2. Navigate to the Command tab.
3. Click on New Command and assign it a name and macro.
4. Drag the new command to a toolbar, ribbon panel, or menu for easy access.

Example Macro: To automate a series of commands, you can create a macro like:

mathematicaCopy code^C^C-LAYER;MAKE;NewLayer;COLOR;Red;;LINE;

This macro will create a new layer named “NewLayer”, set its color to red, and activate the line tool.

---

Step 6: Adjusting Display Settings for Better Visibility

Tweaking display settings can improve your comfort while working for long hours:

• Themes: Switch between Light and Dark modes using the SETTINGS dialog box.
• Colors: Customize background colors, grid lines, and other elements to reduce eye strain.
• Font Size: Adjust the font size of the command line, tooltips, and labels to make text more readable.

---

Step 7: Backing Up and Importing Customizations

After customizing your BricsCAD UI, it’s wise to back up your settings in case you need to transfer them to another system:

1. Type CUIEXPORT in the command line.
2. Save the .cui file to your preferred location.
3. To import settings on another machine, use the CUIIMPORT command.

---

Conclusion

By customizing BricsCAD’s User Interface, you can create a workspace that’s tailored to your workflow and project needs. Whether you’re a drafter, designer, or engineer, personalizing the UI will not only make your work more enjoyable but also boost your efficiency.

Start customizing today and transform the way you work with BricsCAD!

---

Do you have any other questions or need assistance with BricsCAD features? Let us know in the comments below