Offset an Object (Concept)

Create and Modify Objects > Change Existing Objects > Modify Objects > Copy, Offset, or Mirror Objects >

Offset an Object

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Concept

Procedure

Quick Reference

Offset an object to create a new object whose shape parallels the shape of the original object.

OFFSET creates a new object whose shape parallels the shape of a selected object. Offsetting a circle or an arc creates a larger or smaller circle or arc, depending on which side you specify for the offset.

A highly effective drawing technique is to offset objects and then trim or extend their ends.

You can offset

Lines
Arcs
Circles
Ellipses and elliptical arcs (resulting in an oval-shaped spline)
2D polylines
Construction lines (xlines) and rays
Splines

Special Cases for Offset Polylines and Splines

2D polylines and splines are trimmed automatically when the offset distance is larger than can otherwise be accommodated.

Closed 2D polylines that are offset to create larger polylines result in potential gaps between segments. The OFFSETGAPTYPE system variable controls how these potential gaps are closed.