Making parallel copies

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 set by the SELECTIONMODES system variable, the OFFSET command accepts:
  • an edge of a 3D solid if the Select Edges option is set.
  • the outline of a 3D solid face if the Select Faces option is set.
  • enclosed boundaries if the Select Detected Boundaries option is set.
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

  1. Launch the OFFSET command.

    You are prompted: Enter offset distance or [Through point/Erase/Layer] <Through point>:

  2. Do one of the following:
    • Press Enter to accept the current distance.
    • Type a new distance in the Command line.
    • Define a new distance by specifying two points.

    You are prompted: Select entity/subentity or [Exit/selection options (?)] <Exit>:

  3. Select a linear entity.

    A preview of the parallel copy is displayed depending on the current cursor position with respect to the selected entity.

    You are prompted: Select side for parallel copy or [Both sides/Multiple]:

  4. Click a point.

    The parallel copy is created.

    If OFFSETERASE = ON, the original entity is deleted.

  5. You are prompted: Select entity/subentity or [Undo/Exit/selection options (?)] <Exit>:

  6. Do one of the following:
    • Select another entity.
    • Press Enter to stop.

Making a parallel copy through a point

  1. Launch the OFFSET command.

    You are prompted: Enter offset distance or [Through point/Erase/Layer] <Through point>:

  2. Do one of the following:
    • Press Enter to accept the default Through point option (= when last used).
    • Choose the Through point option.

    You are prompted: Select entity/subentity or [Exit/selection options (?)] <Exit>:

  3. Select a linear entity.

    The parallel copy is dynamically displayed.

  4. Click a point to create the parallel copy.

    If OFFSETERASE = ON, the original entity is deleted.

    You are prompted: Select entity/subentity or [Undo/Exit/selection options (?)] <Exit>:

  5. Do one of the following:
    • Select another entity.
    • Press Enter to stop.