Extend or Trim Lines/Elements

You can adjust the length of a line or an element via a dialog box. This allows you not only to change the length in general, but also to extend the line or element to another object.

To do this, right-click the line or element to open the object shortcut menu. There, select the Extend/ trim line or Extend/ trim element function.

The editing functions are also available in the Tools menu under the options Modify Lines → Extend or trim lines or Modify Elements → Extend or trim elements.

Alternatively, use the list button or in the CAD toolbar.

Dialog Box "Extend/Trim Line"

The following options are available in the 'Extend/ trim by' list:

• Length: Changes the total length of the line or element to the user-defined dimension.
• Offset: Extends/shortens one or both sides of the line or element by the offset dimension Δ. A negative value shortens this side(s).
• To next element / next line: Extends the line to the nearest element or the nearest line, which intersects the line of the element or line.
• To selected element: Extends the line or element to another element, whose number is to be specified or defined graphically using the button. The perpendicular point to the element is defined by the 'Distance'.
• To selected line: Extends the line or element to another line, whose number is to be specified or defined graphically using the button. The perpendicular point on the line is defined by the 'Distance'.
• To location: Extends the line or element to any location, whose coordinates are to be specified or defined graphically using the button.
• To selected point: Extends the line or element to a point, whose number is to be specified or defined graphically using the button.

In the 'Line/element side to modify' list, specify in which direction the length change is to be made:

• Both: Causes a bilateral adjustment. The total length L is either referenced to the center of the line or element, or the line or element is extended on both sides by the offset Δ – or up to the two next lines or elements.
• Start: The length of the line or element is adjusted only on the side of the start point.
• End: The length of the line or element is adjusted only on the side of the end point.

In addition, lines can be extended with the Graphically extend function. The function is available in the CAD toolbar via the button. Clicking the left side of the line to be extended extends it to the left; otherwise, it extends to the right – in each case up to the intersection with the next line. If the ALT key is held down, the existing line is not extended; instead, a new line is created up to the intersection.

Furthermore, lines can be shortened with the Graphically trim function. The function is available in the CAD toolbar via the button. Clicking the left side of the line to be shortened shortens it on the left; otherwise, on the right – in each case up to the intersection with the next line.