The planar deformation of amorphous poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was performed by stretching and by forging under comparable conditions at a series of constant temperatures, 80, 90, 100, and 110-degrees-C. The highest planar draw ratios of 4.5 X 4.5 and 3.5 X 3.5 were obtained by forging and stretching, respectively. Samples were studied before and after deformation by wide angle x-ray scattering (WAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), density measurements, and elastic recovery at 100-degrees-C. A distinct difference in efficiency of draw between these two techniques is found, as judged mainly by the strain-induced crystallization. The forging is more effective than stretching in achieving stabilized planar draw under comparable process conditions.