Offset

The offset tool creates a parallel entity. Below are examples of offsets of a circle, square and line:



With circles, ellipses, arcs, and rectangles, the offset is created either closer to or further from the center point. Because of this, the offset will be a different size.


Lines are simply copied to the location of the offset.


One situation in which offsets are useful is drawing corner sinks. In the example below, line 1 is the outer edge of the cabinetry. To create a 1 ½ inch overhang, a 1 ½ inch offset was drawn (line 2). Line one can now be deleted and lines can be drawn connecting line 2 to the rest of the countertop.



The create an offset, first click on the offset tool and enter the desired offset distance. Next, select the source entity and then the side on which the offset is to be placed. You may now either exit out or specify another entity to offset with the same distance.


Offset Quick Reference

Command

offset

Alias

o

Toolbar

 

Menu bar

Modify⇢ Offset

Command Window Example

Creates a 1 ½ unit offset. 

: offset
Specify distance>> 1-1/2
Specify source entity>> <select entity to offset>
Specify side for destination>> <click on the side you wish to create the offset>
Options: Exit, Undo or
Specify source entity>> <press enter to exit, or select another entity to create more offsets>