How do I change an object's dimensions (free scale) once rotated without distorting?

[schudy]

Hi all, can anyone help me please!?

I would like to know if there is a way to change an objects dimensions/shape withouth distorting it once it has been rotated?

Before rotation is seems so easy, select the object/s with the V seletion tool and then drag one of the corners to the desired shape/size - everything stays together and changes size proportionally. 

But that same object/group of objects or lines, once rotated seems impossible to easily change size/dimensions withouth distorting.

any ideas?

[Ton Frederiks]

Does pressing the Shift key help?

[schudy]

Thank @Ton Frederiks , yes pressing shift key works if you are only wanting to change the scale and keep all dimensions in proportion.  But I am wanting to change the "shape" of it.  See the image below.  I want to be able to easily make the black line shape taller or wider, but just parralell / perpendicular along the outer box lines, while keeping the lines all the same in proportion to each other - does that make sense?  before rotating it, it was easy, just grab a corner with selction tool and move it in any direction.

(this "object" is actuall a box and then two lines drawn inside, which are then all Grouped together.  Not sure if a compound connected path would behave differently or if its even possible to have a complex line drawn like that and all be connected as a single object?)

[Ton Frederiks]

I see, maybe the easiest way is to note the angle, rotate the box in a horizontal position, scale an rotate back.

But maybe someone else comes up with something smarter.

[Kurt Gold]

Another way: In the Smart Guides section of the application preferences turn on the Alignment Guides option.

Then, with the Direct Selection tool drag a marquee around the right or the left part of the rotated group, click on a segment or an anchor point and start dragging to the left or to the right. The alignment guide should now assist you to get the correct angle.