By John Flanagan
Introduction: Using Grip Editing In AutoCAD.
You can reshape, move or manipulate objects using different types of grips and grip modes. The following objects have multi-functional grips that offer object-specific and in some cases, grip-specific options:
- 2D objects: Lines, polylines, arcs, elliptical arcs, splines and hatch objects
Using grips in AutoCAD can really speed up drafting. Just hovering over grips gives you editing options:
Stretch and Lengthen Options
Length and Angle Options
Activate a grip by left clicking on it. It turns dark red. In the example below the line length can now be edited. Press the tab key on your keyboard and you can edit the angle of the line.
Access Modify Tools
When you left click on a grip and then right click on the same grip, the modify tools appear. This saves time by not having to constantly select modify tools from the ribbon.
Hold Shift and Activate Two Grips
To select more than one grip, press and hold the Shift key and then select the appropriate grips. Grips on text, block references, midpoints of lines, centres of circles and point objects move the object rather than stretching it.
Click and drag on one grip and the whole line moves and the object is stretched. These selected grips maintain their geometric relationships.