How to Stretch Entities in BricsCAD

Last updated: July 20, 2026. Verified against Octave’s official V26 documentation.

Quick answer: STRETCH changes the size and shape of entities. Select an area with a crossing window or polygon, then specify a base point and a displacement point; every point and node inside that area moves by the specified distance. Worth knowing clearly: entities that cross the window or polygon boundary get stretched, while entities completely within it just move, since all their points are already inside.

Stretching Entities

1. Launch STRETCH. You’re prompted to select entities to stretch by, choosing Crossing window, Crossing Polygon, Remove, Add, or selection options.
2. Use a crossing window or polygon to specify the points you want moved: specify the bottom right corner; a green rectangle displays dynamically as you’re prompted for the opposite corner.
3. Specify the top left corner; the count of entities in the set displays, and you’re prompted again to select entities.
4. Either use another crossing window or polygon to add or remove points from the selection, or right-click or press Enter to confirm the current selection. You’re prompted for the base point of displacement.
5. Specify a point; the selected points move with the cursor. You’re prompted for the second point of displacement.
6. Specify a point to confirm the stretch distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between an entity that stretches and one that just moves? It depends on whether it crosses the selection boundary. An entity entirely inside the crossing window or polygon moves as a whole; one that crosses the boundary gets stretched instead.

Can I add or remove points from my selection before confirming the stretch? Yes, use another crossing window or polygon to add or remove points before right-clicking or pressing Enter to confirm.

Does STRETCH work with a polygon-shaped selection, or only a rectangular window? Both, you can use either a crossing window or a crossing polygon to define the selected area.

How is the stretch distance actually determined? By the base point and second point of displacement you specify, the distance and direction between them defines how far the selected points move.