How to Change Dimensions in AutoCAD?

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If you are working with AutoCAD, you may find yourself needing to change the dimensions of your drawings. Whether it’s adjusting the length, width, or height of an object, AutoCAD provides several ways to modify dimensions. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to change dimensions in AutoCAD.

Method 1: Using the Scale Command

The Scale command in AutoCAD allows you to resize objects proportionally. To change dimensions using the Scale command:

  1. Select the objects that you want to resize.
  2. Access the Scale command by typing “SCALE” in the command line and pressing Enter, or by clicking on the Scale icon in the Modify panel.
  3. Specify a base point or use a reference point as a scaling reference.
  4. Enter the scale factor or specify a new length, width, or height for your objects.
  5. Press Enter to complete the scaling operation.

Note: The Scale command resizes objects proportionally. If you want to resize objects non-proportionally, you can use different scale factors for each axis (X, Y, and Z).

Method 2: Using the Stretch Command

The Stretch command in AutoCAD allows you to stretch selected objects within a specified boundary. To change dimensions using the Stretch command:

  1. Select the objects that you want to stretch.
  2. Access the Stretch command by typing “STRETCH” in the command line and pressing Enter or by clicking on the Stretch icon in the Modify panel.
  3. Create a selection window around the area where you want to stretch your objects.
  4. Specify the stretch destination by clicking on a point inside or outside the boundary.
  5. Drag the objects to their new positions to stretch them.
  6. Press Enter to complete the stretching operation.

Note: The Stretch command only works within a specified boundary. Objects outside the boundary will not be affected.

Method 3: Using Grips

Grips are small squares or circles that appear when you select an object in AutoCAD. They allow you to easily modify an object’s dimensions. To change dimensions using grips:

  1. Select the object whose dimensions you want to change.
  2. Click on one of the grips that appear on the object.
  3. Drag the grip to adjust the dimensions of the object.
  4. Release the mouse button to apply the changes.

Note: The availability and functionality of grips depend on the type of object you are working with. Some objects may have multiple grips for different types of modifications, such as stretching, rotating, or scaling.

Method 4: Using Properties Palette

The Properties palette in AutoCAD provides a convenient way to change various properties of selected objects, including their dimensions. To change dimensions using the Properties palette:

  1. Select the object whose dimensions you want to modify.
  2. Open the Properties palette by typing “PROPERTIES” in the command line and pressing Enter or by clicking on the Properties icon in the Home tab of AutoCAD ribbon.
  3. In the Properties palette, locate and modify the desired dimension properties, such as Length, Width, or Height.

Note: The Properties palette allows you to modify various other properties of objects, such as color, layer, line type, etc.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have explored different methods to change dimensions in AutoCAD. Whether you prefer using the Scale command, Stretch command, grips, or the Properties palette, AutoCAD offers a range of tools to help you modify your drawings efficiently. Experiment with these methods and choose the one that suits your workflow best.