Command: OFFSET
The Offset command creates a copy of linear entities and aligns them parallel to the original entities at a specified distance. You can make parallel copies of arcs, circles, ellipses, elliptical arcs, lines, two-dimensional polylines, rays and infinite lines.
Depending on the selected options in the Selection Modes toolbar, the Offset command allows to create a parallel copy of:
-
an edge of a 3D solid if the Select Edges option (
) is set.
-
the edges of a 3D solid face if the Select Faces option (
) is set.
-
detected boundaries if the Select Detected Boundaries option (
) is set.
Making parallel copies of curved entities creates larger or smaller curves, depending on which side of the original entity you place the copy. For example, placing a parallel copy of a circle outside the circle creates a larger concentric circle; positioning the copy inside the circle creates a smaller concentric circle.
NOTE |
The OFFSETGAPTYPE settings variable controls how potential gaps between segments are treated when closed polylines are offset. |
Making a parallel copy at a specified distance
-
Do one of the following:
- Click the Offset tool button (
) on the Modify toolbar.
- Choose Offset in the Modify menu.
- Type offset in the command bar.
You are prompted: Offset: Through point/Erase/<Distance> <current distance>:
A prompt menu displays:
- Click the Offset tool button (
-
(Option) Choose Erase in the prompt menu or type E, then press Enter.
Respond Yes at the command prompt to erase the source entity. -
Do one of the following:
- Press Enter to accept the current distance.
- Type a new distance in the command bar.
- Define a new distance by specifying two points.
You are prompted: Select Entity.
-
Select the entity.
You are prompted: Both sides/<Side for parallel copy>: -
Click the side for the parallel copy.
The parallel copy is created.
You are prompted: Select Entity. -
Do one of the following:
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 to create more parallel copies.
- Right click or press Enter to stop.
Making a parallel copy through a point
-
one of the following:
- Click the Offset tool button (
) on the Modify toolbar.
- Choose Offset in the Modify menu.
- Type offset in the command bar.
You are prompted: Offset: Through point/<Distance> <current distance>:
- Click the Offset tool button (
-
Choose Through point in the context menu or type T, then press Enter.
You are prompted: Select entity: -
Select the entity.
You are prompted: Through point: -
Specify the point to create the parallel copy through.
The parallel copy is created.
You are prompted: Select entity: -
Do one of the following.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 to create more parallel copies.
- Right click or press Enter to stop.
Making a parallel copy of a 3D solid edge
Make sure the Quad is active and the Select edges button () in the Selection Modes toolbar is pressed.
-
Move the cursor over the edge of the solid.
When the edge highlights, choose Parallel () in either the 2D Editing or the Direct Modeling command group in the Quad .
The parallel copy is created dynamically. -
Do one of the following:
- Type a distance in the dynamic entry field.
- Snap to a point.
Making a parallel copy a 3D solid face
Make sure the Quad is active and the Select Faces button () in the Selection Modes toolbar is pressed.
-
Move the cursor over the face of the solid.
When the face highlights, choose Parallel () in either the 2D Editing or the Direct Modeling command group in the Quad .
The parallel copy is created dynamically. -
Do one of the following:
- Type a distance in the dynamic entry field.
- Snap to a point.
Making a parallel copy of a detected boundary
Make sure the Quad is active and the Select Detected Boundaries button () in the Selection Modes toolbar is pressed.
-
Move the cursor inside the boundary.
When the boundary highlights, choose Parallel () in either the 2D Editing or the Direct Modeling command group in the Quad .
The parallel copy is created dynamically. -
Do one of the following:
- Type a distance in the dynamic entry field.
- Snap to a point.