Stretching Entities

Command: STRETCH

The size and shape of entities can be changed by stretching them. You select an area in your drawing using either a rectangular window or a polygon, then you specify a base point and a displacement point. All points and nodes inside the selected area will be moved over the specified distance. As a result, entities that cross the window or polygon boundary are stretched; those completely within the window or polygon are simply moved.

The Copy option of the Grips Editing commands allows to create multiple copies of the entities being stretched, moved, rotated, mirrored or scaled.

To stretch entities

1. Do one of the following:

   • Click the Stretch tool button () on the Extend/Stretch flyout of the Modify toolbar.
   • Choose Stretch in the Modify menu.
   • Type stretch or S in the command bar and press Enter.

   You are prompted: Select entities to stretch by crossing-window or crossing-polygon:

   A prompt menu displays:
   
   

2. (option) Choose Crossing window in the Stretch prompt menu, then define the stretch area by a rectangular window.

3. (option) Choose Crossing polygon in the Stretch prompt menu, then define the stretch area by a polygon.

4. (option) Repeat steps 2 and 3 to expand the stretch area.

5. (option) Choose Remove in the Stretch prompt menu to select entities in the stretch area that must not be stretched.

6. (option) Choose Add in the Stretch prompt menu to add previously remove entities to the selection of entities that must be stretched.

7. Right click to conclude the selection of entities.
   You are prompted: Base point of displacement.

8. Specify the base point.
   The selection stretches dynamically.
   You are prompted: Second point of displacement.

9. Do one of the following to specify the second displacement point.

   • Click the displacement point.
   • Use Direct Distance Entry: type the displacement distance, then press Enter.
     The distance is measured in the cursor direction.
     Use ORTHO or POLAR TRACKING to constrain the movement of the cross hairs.

The selection is stretched.

Stretching entities using grips

1. Click the entity you want to stretch.
   The entity grips display.

2. Click a grip to activate it.
   The grip is attached to the drawing cursor.

3. Press and hold the Shift key to select multiple grips, then release the Shift key and move one of the selected grips.

4. Click to relocate the grip.
   The grip is released from the drawing cursor.