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Manual / Modify

OFFSET - Parallel Copies

Create parallel lines or shapes at a fixed distance from the original, on one side or both.

What it does

OFFSET creates a copy of a Line, Arc, Circle, or Polyline at a set distance. Polyline corners keep the same distance all the way around.

Where to find it

  • Ribbon: Draw › Modify › Offset
  • Command line: OFFSET (Alias O)

Steps

  1. Type O and press Enter. Offset distance (B <d> = both sides) <5>:
  2. Type a distance, for example 10, and press Enter (or B 10 to create both sides).
  3. Click the object.
  4. Offset: click the side to offset toward. Click the side you want (inside or outside).
  5. Keep clicking more objects. Press Esc to finish.

OFFSET asking for the distance on the Command line
OFFSET asking for the distance on the Command line

Polyline offset inward by 10 mm
Polyline offset inward by 10 mm

Shortcut: OFFSET 10 enters the distance first. Then select the object, press Enter, and click the side.

Option Meaning
<distance> Offset one side, toward the side you click
B <distance> Both sides – creates both copies without clicking a side
Empty Enter Use the previous distance

Try it: Acrylic photo frame for a 6 x 4 inch print

The front plate of a frame for a 152 x 102 mm (6 x 4 inch) photo. One rectangle and one OFFSET give you the window, with a 6 mm lip all round to hold the print.

  1. Frame plate: REC, 0,0, @180,130, Esc.
  2. Type O and press Enter. Type 20 and press Enter.
  3. Click the rectangle, then click anywhere inside it. A 140 x 90 window appears 20 mm inside. Press Esc.
  4. Hanging holes: C, 25,120, 3, Esc, and C, 155,120, 3, Esc.

Photo frame plate with a window offset 20 mm inside
Photo frame plate with a window offset 20 mm inside

Challenge: Cut a second plate as a mat: offset the window 8 mm inwards for a smaller photo.

See also