How Do I Resize a Rectangle in AutoCAD?

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Resizing a rectangle in AutoCAD is a fundamental skill that every CAD user should master. Whether you need to adjust the dimensions of an existing rectangle or create a new one with specific size requirements, AutoCAD provides several tools and techniques to achieve this.

Using the Stretch Command

One of the easiest ways to resize a rectangle in AutoCAD is by using the Stretch command. This command allows you to stretch or shrink an object while maintaining its original shape. To use the Stretch command, follow these steps:

  1. Select the rectangle you want to resize by clicking on it.
  2. Type STRETCH in the command line or access it from the Modify panel.
  3. Specify a base point by clicking on one of the corners or edges of the rectangle.
  4. Select one or more points inside or outside the rectangle that define the stretching direction and distance.
  5. Pull or push the selected points to resize the rectangle as desired.
  6. Press Enter when you have achieved the desired size.

This method allows you to resize rectangles proportionally as well as non-proportionally, depending on your needs. You can also use grips to stretch rectangles directly without using commands. Simply select a grip, drag it inwards, outwards, or along an axis, and release when satisfied with the new size.

Using Grips for Direct Editing

In addition to using commands like Stretch, AutoCAD provides grips that allow for direct editing of objects. These grips are small squares that appear at each corner and midpoint of a rectangle when selected. To resize a rectangle using grips:

  1. Select the rectangle by clicking on it.
  2. Click and drag any of the corner or midpoint grips to adjust the size.
  3. Release the mouse button when you have achieved the desired size.

This method is quick and intuitive, making it ideal for making minor adjustments or experimenting with different sizes. However, it may not be as precise as using commands like Stretch.

Using the Scale Command

If you need to resize a rectangle by a specific scale factor, you can use the Scale command in AutoCAD. This command allows you to resize an object relative to a base point or by specifying a scale factor. Here’s how:

  1. Select the rectangle you want to resize.
  2. Type SCALE in the command line or access it from the Modify panel.
  3. Select a base point by clicking on one of the corners or edges of the rectangle.
  4. Type a scale factor (e.g., 2 for doubling the size) or specify two reference points for scaling.
  5. Press Enter when you have entered all the required information.

The Scale command offers precise control over resizing objects and allows you to maintain proportional dimensions. It is particularly useful when you need to enlarge or reduce multiple rectangles uniformly.

Conclusion

Resizing rectangles in AutoCAD is an essential skill that can greatly enhance your productivity as a CAD user. Whether using commands like Stretch and Scale, or utilizing direct editing through grips, AutoCAD provides multiple options for resizing rectangles based on your specific requirements. Experiment with these techniques and find what works best for your workflow!