How to Stretch a Plan in AutoCAD?

To stretch a plan in AutoCAD, use the STRETCH command. It allows you to modify objects that cross a selection window, moving vertices or endpoints while leaving others intact.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Initiate the Stretch Command: Type STRETCH (or its shortcut S) in the command line and press Enter. Alternatively, go to the Home tab, Modify panel, and select Stretch.

2. Select Objects (Using a Crossing Window): This is the most important part. Use a crossing window to select the portion of the drawing you want to stretch. A crossing window is created by clicking a point and dragging the cursor to the left. The key is that the crossing window should include at least one vertex or endpoint of the objects you want to stretch. Objects completely within the window will be moved; objects that only cross the window will be stretched.

3. Specify Base Point: After selecting the objects, press Enter. AutoCAD will then prompt you for a base point. Click on a point in the drawing to use as the base point for the stretch. This will be the reference point from which the stretch distance is measured.

4. Specify Second Point (Displacement): Specify the second point to define the direction and distance of the stretch. You can do this in a few ways:

   • Click a Point: Click on a new location in the drawing to define the stretch distance and direction visually.
   • Enter Coordinates: Type in the desired displacement using Cartesian (X,Y), Polar (Distance<Angle), Cylindrical, or Spherical coordinates. For example, to stretch an object 5 units in the X direction and 0 units in the Y direction, you would type 5,0 and press Enter. You can also specify an angle and distance, such as 5<0 to stretch 5 units at an angle of 0 degrees.

5. Observe the Stretch: AutoCAD will stretch the objects based on the crossing window selection and the displacement you specified.

Important Considerations:

• Crossing Window is Crucial: Remember that the crossing window is what determines which parts of your drawing are stretched and which are simply moved.
• Ortho Mode (F8): Turning on Ortho mode (press F8) can be helpful for stretching objects in straight lines horizontally or vertically.
• Object Snap (F3): Use object snaps (endpoint, midpoint, intersection, etc.) for accurate stretching, aligning features precisely.
• Stretching Lines vs. Polylines: Stretching a line will only move the endpoint that is within the crossing window. Stretching a polyline works similarly, affecting only the vertices within the crossing window.

By carefully using the STRETCH command and understanding the importance of the crossing window, you can accurately and efficiently adjust your plans in AutoCAD.