Michael’s Corner

Michael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

This month…

From the Vault

Originally published May 2006

The Stretch Command

One of AutoCAD's coolest, fundamental commands is Stretch. The golden key to the command, however, is to remember that it only cares about endpoints. That's it. To that end, you must use the Crossing window.

The way I explain it in my classes is like this: Each line has two endpoints or "feet" The crossing window is the "boat" If you have both feet in the boat, that line will simply move to the new position. If, however, you have a foot on the boat and a foot on the "dock" (a location anywhere outside of the boat), that line will stretch when the boat is repositioned.

Instructions to Stretch Linework

1. Launch the Stretch command.
2. Create a Crossing window around the portion of the objects to stretch (remember the "boat").
3. Press Enter after selecting the objects.
4. Specify a basepoint. (If you know the numeric value by which you want to stretch the object, click anywhere for the basepoint.)

5. Turn on Ortho, then move your cursor in the direction of the change. In this example, I moved my cursor left.
6. Enter the desired distance; in this example, 4'6.

This works great to reposition walls, doors windows, notches, change the shape of slots… anything that you simply need to stretch. Enjoy!

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