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↔️ Extend Shrink

Extend Shrink performs intuitive directional extension and shrinking of multiple elements simultaneously, facilitating multiple element modifications that typically require multiple individual operations.
Version 1.1 | Specials

Overview​

While Revit's standard element modification methods require individual drag-and-drop operations, align tools, or the counterintuitive "Trim Multiple Elements" command, this tool addresses those limitations by providing directional extend and shrink operations for multiple elements simultaneously. This enables efficient modification of walls, conduits, beams, and other linear elements with simple directional commands, eliminating the need for auxiliary elements or repetitive individual modifications.

Key Features​

Usage includes:

  • Directional Control: Four-direction operation support (left, right, up, down) for precise element modification.
  • Dual Operation Modes: Both extend and shrink capabilities for each direction.
  • Multi-Element Processing: Handle multiple elements simultaneously instead of individual modifications.
  • Universal Element Support: Works with various element types including walls, conduits, beams, and other linear elements.

Requirements​

Before using Extend Shrink, ensure your environment meets the following prerequisites:

 Autodesk Revit: From version 2020 to newest.
 NonicaTab: NonicaTab Pro.

Video​

Usage​

Understanding Standard vs. Enhanced Element Modification​

  1. Standard Revit Methods:
    • Individual Drag-and-Drop: Manually extend/shrink each element individually
    • Align Tool: Select faces repeatedly for each element alignment
    • Trim Multiple Elements: Counterintuitive interface with confusing trim vs. extend behavior
    • Auxiliary Element Workarounds: Create temporary walls, use modify tools, then delete auxiliary elements
    • Time-Intensive Process: Multiple clicks and operations for each element modification
  2. Enhanced Modification (This Tool):
    • Directional Commands: Simple left, right, up, down directional operations
    • Batch Processing: Modify multiple elements simultaneously with single command
    • Intuitive Interface: Clear extend vs. shrink options for each direction
    • No Auxiliary Elements: Direct modification without temporary element creation

Basic Element Modification Workflow​

  1. Navigate to NonicaTab Pro → Extend Shrink.
  2. Select Target Elements: Choose multiple elements requiring modification (walls, conduits, beams, etc.).
  3. Choose Operation Direction and Type: The interface provides eight main operation options:
    • Extend Left/Right: Extend elements in horizontal directions
    • Shrink Left/Right: Shrink elements in horizontal directions
    • Extend Up/Down: Extend elements in vertical directions
    • Shrink Up/Down: Shrink elements in vertical directions

Directional Operation Execution​

  1. Horizontal Operations:
    • Extend Right: Extends all selected elements to match the longest element's right boundary
    • Shrink Right: Shrinks all selected elements to match the shortest element's right boundary
    • Extend Left: Extends all selected elements to match the longest element's left boundary
    • Shrink Left: Shrinks all selected elements to match the shortest element's left boundary
  2. Vertical Operations:
    • Extend Up: Extends all selected elements to match the highest element's upper boundary
    • Shrink Up: Shrinks all selected elements to match the lowest element's upper boundary
    • Extend Down: Extends all selected elements to match the lowest element's lower boundary
    • Shrink Down: Shrinks all selected elements to match the highest element's lower boundary
  3. Operation Logic: The tool automatically identifies the reference element (longest/shortest) and modifies all other selected elements to match that boundary.

FAQ​

Revit's "Trim Multiple Elements" can be counterintuitive and doesn't clearly distinguish between extending and shrinking operations. This tool provides clear directional commands (left, right, up, down) with explicit extend or shrink options, making the operation more predictable and intuitive.

For extend operations, the tool automatically uses the longest element in your selection as the target. For shrink operations, it uses the shortest element as the target. This eliminates the need to manually select reference elements or create auxiliary geometry.

The tool works with various linear elements including walls, conduits, ducts, pipes, beams, columns, and other elements that have directional length properties. It's particularly useful for MEP systems and structural framing coordination.

No, each operation applies the same modification type (extend or shrink) to all selected elements in the chosen direction. For mixed operations, you would need to perform separate operations with different element selections.

This tool eliminates repetitive individual operations when working with multiple elements. Instead of dragging each element individually or using the align tool repeatedly, you can modify 9, 15, or more elements simultaneously with a single directional command.

Use this tool when you need to align multiple elements to consistent boundaries, during design development when layouts change, for MEP coordination, or any time you have multiple linear elements that need similar length adjustments. It's particularly valuable for systematic coordination tasks.