  It is of common knowledge that the direction of easy axis in the finite-size
ferromagnetic sample is controlled by its shape. In the present paper we show
that a similar phenomenon should be observed in the compensated
antiferromagnets with strong magnetoelastic coupling. Destressing energy which
originates from the long-range magnetoelastic forces is analogous to
demagnetization energy in ferromagnetic materials and is responsible for the
formation of equilibrium domain structure and anisotropy of macroscopic
magnetic properties. In particular, crystal shape may be a source of additional
uniaxial magnetic anisotropy which removes degeneracy of antiferromagnetic
vector or artificial 4th order anisotropy in the case of a square cross-section
sample. In a special case of antiferromagnetic nanopillars shape-induced
anisotropy can be substantially enhanced due to lattice mismatch with the
substrate. These effects can be detected by the magnetic rotational torque and
antiferromagnetic resonance measurements.
