In AutoCAD, two commonly used commands are ‘Stretch’ and ‘Lengthen’. These commands are often confused with each other, but they serve different purposes when it comes to modifying objects in a drawing. Understanding the difference between these commands is important for efficient and accurate drafting.
Stretch Command
The ‘Stretch’ command in AutoCAD allows you to modify the size of an object while maintaining its overall shape. It is particularly useful when you want to extend or reduce the length of an object without distorting its proportions.
To use the ‘Stretch’ command, follow these steps:
- Select the objects you want to modify.
- Type ‘STRETCH’ in the command line or access it from the Modify menu.
- Specify a base point or displacement for stretching.
- Select the objects again to stretch them.
- Press Enter or right-click to complete the command.
The ‘Stretch’ command is commonly used for modifying lines, polylines, arcs, and other similar geometric entities. It allows you to stretch an object by picking specific points or by specifying a distance directly. This flexibility makes it a powerful tool for making precise modifications while retaining the object’s original shape.
Lengthen Command
The ‘Lengthen’ command in AutoCAD is used to increase or decrease the overall length of an object without affecting its shape. Unlike the ‘Stretch’ command, which preserves proportions, the ‘Lengthen’ command modifies only one dimension of an object while keeping its other characteristics intact.
To use the ‘Lengthen’ command, follow these steps:
- Select the objects whose length you want to modify.
- Type ‘LENGTHEN’ in the command line or access it from the Modify menu.
- Specify a new length for the objects.
The ‘Lengthen’ command is commonly used for modifying lines, polylines, and arcs. It allows you to increase or decrease the length of an object by specifying a new value directly. This command is particularly useful when you need to make precise measurements or adjustments without distorting the overall shape of an object.
Key Differences
The main difference between the ‘Stretch’ and ‘Lengthen’ commands lies in their effect on an object’s shape. The ‘Stretch’ command maintains the overall shape while changing its size, while the ‘Lengthen’ command modifies only one dimension of an object without affecting its other characteristics.
To summarize:
- Stretch: Modifies size while preserving shape
- Lengthen: Modifies length while preserving other characteristics
Understanding these differences will help you choose the appropriate command based on your drafting needs. Whether you need to extend or reduce an object’s length while maintaining its shape (Stretch), or modify only one dimension without affecting other properties (Lengthen), AutoCAD provides these powerful tools to streamline your design workflow.