How to Stretch Objects in AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

In AutoCAD, use the STRETCH command to lengthen or shorten parts of objects by selecting a crossing window and specifying a base point and displacement. This command moves selected vertices or endpoints while keeping the rest of the object fixed.

Syntax

The basic syntax for the Stretch command in AutoCAD is:

• STRETCH - Activates the stretch tool.
• Select objects using a crossing window (drag from right to left).
• Specify a base point - the point from which you will stretch.
• Specify a second point or displacement to define how far and in which direction to stretch.

Only the parts of objects inside the crossing window will be stretched.

autocad command

Command: STRETCH
Select objects: (use crossing window)
Specify base point or displacement: (pick point)
Specify second point of displacement: (pick point)

Output

Selected parts of objects stretch according to the displacement specified.

Example

This example shows how to stretch the right end of a line 5 units to the right.

autocad command

Command: LINE
Specify first point: 0,0
Specify next point: 10,0
Command: STRETCH
Select objects: (drag crossing window around point 10,0)
Specify base point or displacement: 10,0
Specify second point of displacement: 15,0

Output

The line endpoint at (10,0) moves to (15,0), stretching the line by 5 units to the right.

Common Pitfalls

• Using a window selection instead of a crossing window: Stretch only works with crossing windows (drag right to left). Using a normal window (left to right) selects whole objects and will not stretch parts.
• Not selecting the correct base point: The base point is the anchor for stretching. Picking the wrong base point can cause unexpected movement.
• Trying to stretch objects that cannot be stretched: Some objects like circles or arcs may not stretch as expected; use other commands like scale or grip editing.

autocad command

Wrong way:
Command: STRETCH
Select objects: (drag window left to right)
Result: Entire objects selected, no partial stretch.

Right way:
Command: STRETCH
Select objects: (drag crossing window right to left)
Result: Only parts inside window selected and stretched.

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Tip
1	Type STRETCH and press Enter	Activates stretch mode
2	Select objects with crossing window (right to left)	Only parts inside window will stretch
3	Specify base point	Anchor point for stretch movement
4	Specify second point or displacement	Defines stretch direction and length
5	Press Enter to finish	Completes the stretch operation

Key Takeaways

Use the STRETCH command with a crossing window selection to stretch parts of objects.

Always drag selection from right to left to create a crossing window for stretching.

Pick the correct base point to control how the object stretches.

Stretch works best on lines, polylines, and similar objects, not on circles or arcs.

Practice with simple shapes to understand how stretching affects object geometry.