So-called 'groups' are groups of objects which can be moved, copied, deleted ,
rotated and mirrored simultaneously.
Groups are defined using 'win add to group' in the main menu (add group in window).
Groups are painted purple and can be flashed several times using 'showgroup'
(if you are not sure whether an object belongs to a group or not).
If a group already exists, single devices and nets can be added using
'add to group' . Single devices can be removed from a group using 'ungroup'.
'clear group' destroys (doesen't delete) a group, so that each of the former
members of the group can be treated individually, again.
Groups are destroyed automatically before each save process.
'copy group', 'move group' und 'delete group' copy, move and delete groups.
However, you can also use the normal copy, move and delete commands.
'Rotate' and 'Mirror' may also be performed on groups just as on
single devices.
If the grouping is not sufficient for rearranging groups of devices, the 'stretch' command may help you, especially if there are connections inside a group of objects which have to be preserved. Stretching does not work on groups described before. Stretching is performed on objects inside a stretch area. This stretch area is created immediately after pushing the mainmenu->stretch button.
'Stretch' first defines a set of devices and nets which have to be stretched. Then, you can define a stretch line which indicates the distance by which all devices within the defined stretch set will be moved.
Unlike normal moving, 'stretch' will selectively move parts of nets so that the connectivity is preserved.
This is the theory. However, stretching sometimes fails , so
it is strongly recommended to save the schematic before doing a stretch.
The definition of the stretch set works as follows:
First (if you have selected 'stretch') all device boxes (which are normally invisible) will be shown. With the left and right mouse button, you can define a closed polygon around the devices you want to stretch. Note that all four corners of the device box have to lie inside the polygon if the device is to be moved. Net parts which completely lie inside the stretch polygon will be moved. Net parts which lie partly inside, partly outside the strech polygon will be partly stretched, which means, the part inside will be moved, and the part outside remains in its old place. After having closed the polygon with a click of the right mouse button, you can define the stretch line. After doing this, the stretch set is moved horizontally or vertically by the horizontal or vertical component of the stretch line. Even if the stretch line is not perfectly drawn horizontally or vertically, SPICECAD will decide whether it is more vertical or more horizontal.
Nets will be stretched if their orientation is equal to the stretch direction, and if one point lies inside the stretch polygon and the other outside. Nets will be moved if both points lie inside the polygon.
You should try this command to learn how it works before you actually go ahead and use it. The stretch command is very powerful, which means, it has the power to destroy the whole schematic if you do something wrong. You better save the schematic before you stretch it. Not doing it could probably stretch your nerves.