Understanding the Stretch Function in Vectorworks
Stretching objects in Vectorworks is an essential technique for designers seeking to modify shapes and sizes efficiently. This guide outlines a step-by-step process for utilizing the stretch function to achieve the desired adjustments to your objects.
Step 1: Selecting Your Objects
Begin by choosing the objects you intend to stretch. This can include any selected polygon, polyline, or shape within your design workspace. Ensure that you select all the vertices or object segments that you wish to modify.
Step 2: Activating the Reshape Tool
Navigate to the Basic palette on your screen and select the Reshape tool. This tool is crucial for altering the geometry of your chosen objects. After selecting it, look for the option labeled Move Polygon Handles on the Tool bar; this will allow you to adjust individual points within your selection.
Step 3: Creating a Selection Marquee
To define which parts of your object you want to transform, create a rectangular marquee by clicking and dragging around the specific vertices. This selection method allows you to highlight multiple points at once, making it easy to resize or manipulate them without affecting the entire structure.
Step 4: Making Adjustments
Once your vertices are selected, click and drag them to the new positions. The beauty of the stretch function is that it only moves the selected vertices while leaving the rest of the object intact. You can stretch, compress, or alter the shape with precision simply by dragging the handles to your desired location.
Step 5: Finalizing the Changes
After adjusting the vertices as needed, click outside the object or select a different tool to finalize your changes. This action will lock in the new shape of your object. Always review your modifications to ensure that they meet your design requirements.
Alternative Stretch Method: Using the Stretch Command
Vectorworks also offers an alternative method via the Stretch command, which can be more useful for specific scenarios.
1. Select the objects you wish to stretch using the crossing selection method, ensuring that your selection encompasses at least one vertex.
2. Press Enter to confirm your selection.
3. Next, move the selected points to their new locations by either entering a specific offset distance or dragging them manually.
This method is particularly effective for precise adjustments, as it allows for multiple vertices to be shifted simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I stretch multiple objects at once in Vectorworks?
Yes, you can stretch multiple objects simultaneously by selecting all the relevant vertices or shapes before employing the Stretch or Reshape tools.
2. What types of objects can I stretch in Vectorworks?
You can stretch various object types, including polylines, polygons, and other customized shapes created within Vectorworks.
3. Is there a way to revert changes made while stretching an object?
If you need to undo changes, you can use the Undo command (Ctrl + Z on Windows or Cmd + Z on Mac) to revert your last action, which is very useful during the editing process.
