Stretch Command Question

[tennis4you]

I am trying to learn AutoCAD coming from 12 years of MicroStation and I have a question on the stretch command.

 

In MicroStation you are able to draw a shape/fence of any shape what-so-ever and stretch anything that the fence/shape went through. From what I can see so far in AutoCAD, I can only draw a rectangle and stretch anything that goes through that shape. Is there a way to create a more complex shape in AutoCAD and stretch based on the more complex shape or are we limited to a rectangle?

 

Being able to stretch based on a a more complex shape is a very powerful tool, I use it dozens of times a day, I am praying that AutoCAD has a way to do this?

 

Thanks!!!

[eldon]

If you can see the command line, it does give the option of selecting by crossing window or crossing polygon.

 

The command line has its uses.

[Coosbaylumber]

Way back when I used Micro-station, as our whole firm did, and...

 

I do not remember but how does M-S handle such a command? Does it apply proportionately or in total? I mean how does it handle arcs and txt? Only a little bit of addition for each curve, or a total stretch all at one time? such that polylines no longer connect?

 

I still have a M-S demo tape for an earlier version here someplace.

 

 

Wm.

[tennis4you]

MicroStation will not stretch text, it will move the text if it is completely inside of the shape though. Arcs just get messed up if the shape that is defining the stretch goes through the middle of it.

 

Eldon - Thanks, I see it now. But... When I type "stretch" and hit enter, I can only ever seem to draw a true rectangle. How can I get it to draw a shape with more sides to define the stretch?

 

Thanks!

[eldon]

I usually type "cp" at the command line, and then I can form the crossing polygon

[tennis4you]

Yup, that did it, thanks! That will be a huge help! I am starting my own firm in 3 weeks and after 12 years of using MS, I think I am going to make the switch. Never used AutoCAD so this is a bold move. I pick up CAD stuff quickly, but I need to see it done to really soak it in.

[ReMark]

Keep in mind that you have several sources for assistance with your switch to AutoCAD. Within AutoCAD itself is the Help command. Tied into help are cross-references to the AutoCAD User's Guide and Customization Guide. Online resources include AutoCAD Help sites like CADTutor, The Swamp, AutoCAD Everything and the CADforum. There is also the AutoCAD Users Group International (AUGI) and the AutoDesk-centric resources of the AutoDesk website itself as well as AutoDesk Exchange and AutoDesk University. The AutoDesk website includes its own forums too. Don't rule out buying a good after-market book about AutoCAD from such notable authors as Ellen Finkelstein, George Omura or Jon McFarland just to name a few.