790 AutoCAD and Its Applications—Basics Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Assigning a Stretch Action Figure 26-10 illustrates the process of adding a stretch action to the bolt symbol example. Access the Stretch action option and pick the Shaft Length parameter. Then specify a parameter point to associate with the action. Move the crosshairs near the appropriate parameter point to display the red snap marker, and pick to select. Alternatives include selecting the sTart point option to pick the start point of the linear parameter or the Second point option to select the endpoint. If you plan to use grip editing to control the block, and added a single grip, specify the point with the grip. Next, create a window to defi ne the stretch frame. This is the same technique you apply when using the STRETCH command. See Figure 26-10A. Then pick the objects to stretch, including the associated parameter. You do not need to use a crossing window, because the previous operation defi nes the stretch. However, crossing selection is often quicker. See Figure 26-10B. Press [Enter] to place the action icon. Test and save the block, and exit the Block Editor. The dynamic block is now ready to use. Using a Stretch Action Dynamically Figure 26-11 shows the bolt block reference selected for editing. The linear param- eter grip is a light blue arrow at the far end of the bolt shaft. The insertion base point specifi ed when the block was created appears as a standard unselected grip. Select the parameter grip and stretch the shaft to the new length. Use dynamic input to view the stretch dimension, and enter an exact length value in the distance fi eld. You can also use the Properties palette to defi ne the distance. PROFESSIONAL TIP P R OFESSIONAL TIP The dynamic input distance fi eld is a property of the linear parameter, allowing you to enter an exact distance. To get the best results when using a linear parameter, it is important that you locate the fi rst and second points correctly. Ribbon Block Editor Action Parameters Stretch Type BACTIONTOOL Stretch stretch action: An action used to change the size and shape of block objects with a stretch operation. Figure 26-10. Assigning a stretch action to a linear parameter. A—Specify the parameter and parameter grip, and create a window for the stretch frame. B—Select the objects to be included in the stretch action. 2. Pick near the parameter point 4. Pick the second point for the stretch frame 5. Pick the first point of the crossing window 6. Pick the second point of the crossing window 3. Pick the first point for the stretch frame 1. Pick the linear parameter A B