BricsCAD Keyboard Shortcuts & Commands: Complete List (2026)

BricsCAD keyboard shortcuts are key combinations that run commands instantly instead of clicking through menus. For example, Ctrl + S saves the current drawing, F8 toggles Ortho mode, and F3 toggles entity snaps. BricsCAD includes 70+ default shortcuts that work across Windows, Mac, and Linux, and you can also create your own custom shortcuts and command aliases. This guide lists every default BricsCAD shortcut verified against BricsCAD V26 and includes a free PDF cheat sheet.

What Are BricsCAD Keyboard Shortcuts?

A keyboard shortcut in BricsCAD is a key or key combination that triggers a command directly pressing Ctrl + Z to undo, for instance, is faster than opening the Edit menu. Shortcuts are ideal for toggling settings you change constantly, such as Snap (F9), Grid (F7), and Ortho (F8).

A command alias is different: it’s a short abbreviation you type on the command line, like L for the LINE command or C for CIRCLE. Shortcuts use modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift) and fire instantly; aliases are typed text that you confirm with Enter. Most CAD professionals use both shortcuts for toggles and editing, aliases for drawing commands.

Most-Used BricsCAD Shortcuts

Function Key Shortcuts (F1–F12)

Screen & Interface Shortcuts

Navigation & Nudge Shortcuts

BricsCAD Command Aliases (Most-Used List)

A command alias is a one- or two-letter abbreviation you type at the Command line to run a command for example, typing L and pressing Enter starts the LINE command. BricsCAD stores all aliases in a file called default.pgp (Program Parameters file), and ships with an AutoCAD-compatible alias set so users switching from AutoCAD can keep their muscle memory. Some commands have several aliases: REC, RECT, and RECTANGLE all run the RECTANG command.

Note: These are BricsCAD’s default, AutoCAD-compatible aliases. Because aliases are stored in an editable default.pgp file, your installation may differ if you or a colleague has customized it. To see your own list, type ALIASEDIT at the command line. (Verified mechanism: Bricsys – Command Aliases)

How to Create a Custom BricsCAD Keyboard Shortcut

BricsCAD lets you assign your own key combinations to any command useful for commands you run constantly that don’t have a default shortcut. Here’s how to create one, verified against BricsCAD V26.

Step 1: Open the Customize dialog box.

Type CUSTOMIZE at the command line and press Enter (or right-click any empty area of the toolbar/menu and choose Customize).

Step 2: Go to the Keyboard tab.

In the Customize dialog box, click the Keyboard tab. You’ll see the list of existing shortcuts grouped by menu.

Step 3: Add a new shortcut.

Do one of the following:

• Select a menu group, right-click, and choose Append shortcut the new shortcut is added below the last one.
• Select an existing shortcut, right-click, and choose Insert shortcut the new shortcut is added above the selected one.

The Add keyboard shortcut dialog box appears.

Step 4: Choose the command (tool) to assign.

In the Add keyboard shortcut dialog box, do one of the following:

• Select Add an existing tool, then pick the command you want.
• Select Add a new tool, then create a new tool.

Step 5: Assign your key combination.

In the Properties grid for the new shortcut, click the Key field, then press the keys you want to assign (for example, Ctrl + Shift + F). BricsCAD records the combination.

Step 6: Save and test.

Click OK to close the Customize dialog box. Test your new shortcut in the drawing pressing the keys should run the assigned command immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shortcut to save a drawing in BricsCAD?

Press Ctrl + S to save the current drawing in BricsCAD (it runs the QSAVE command). This works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

What does F3 do in BricsCAD?

F3 toggles entity snaps on and off in BricsCAD. Entity snaps let you snap the cursor precisely to points like endpoints, midpoints, and centers. F4 toggles 3D entity snaps separately.

How do I toggle Ortho mode in BricsCAD?

Press F8 to toggle Ortho mode, which constrains cursor movement to horizontal and vertical only. You can also use Ctrl + L. Turning Ortho on disables Polar Tracking, and vice versa.

Are BricsCAD shortcuts the same as AutoCAD shortcuts?

Most are. BricsCAD ships with an AutoCAD-compatible default set, so common shortcuts (Ctrl + C to copy, Ctrl + Z to undo) and command aliases (L for LINE, C for CIRCLE) match AutoCAD. This is intentional Bricsys designed BricsCAD so AutoCAD users can switch without relearning their workflow. A few BricsCAD-specific keys differ, such as F12 for the Quad cursor menu.

What is the difference between a BricsCAD shortcut and a command alias?

A keyboard shortcut uses modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift) and runs a command instantly for example, Ctrl + S saves. A command alias is a short abbreviation you type at the command line and confirm with Enter for example, typing L runs the LINE command. Shortcuts are best for toggles and editing; aliases are best for drawing commands.

Do BricsCAD keyboard shortcuts work on Mac?

Yes. BricsCAD for Mac uses the same Ctrl-based shortcuts as Windows and Linux (for example, Ctrl + S to save), rather than swapping to the Command key. There are a few Mac-only shortcuts, such as Ctrl + Cmd + F for fullscreen mode and Option + F8 / Option + F11 for the VBA commands.

How do I create a custom keyboard shortcut in BricsCAD?

Type CUSTOMIZE at the command line, open the Keyboard tab, right-click a menu group and choose Append shortcut, select the command to assign, then click the Key field and press your chosen key combination. Click OK to save.

Where can I download the BricsCAD shortcuts PDF?

You can download the complete BricsCAD keyboard shortcuts cheat sheet as a free printable PDF from the link in this guide. It includes all function keys, Ctrl shortcuts, and common command aliases, verified against BricsCAD V26.

Conclusion

Learning BricsCAD keyboard shortcuts is the fastest way to speed up your CAD workflow the few seconds saved on each toggle and command add up over a full project. Start with the dozen function keys (F1–F12) and the core Ctrl shortcuts, then add command aliases for the drawing commands you use most. If you’re coming from AutoCAD, you already know most of them.

Download the free PDF cheat sheet above, keep it next to your workspace, and customize the keys that fit how you work.

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