OFFSET Command:

AutoCAD Command List

The OFFSET command allows you to copy selected entities (lines, arcs, circles, plines or others) and place the copy at a specific distance from the original or through an existing position on another element (such as the endpoint of a line, center of a circle, etc.). An OFFSET item will be parallel or concentric to its original.

To access the Offset command you can:

type offset at a Command: prompt

OR

type of at a Command: prompt

OR

select the Offset button on the Drawing toolbar.


--Prompt: Specify offset distance or through <through>: Press Enter to select the default of through (for through a position on another entity) or type a value for the distance you want the offset to be from the original.

--Prompt: Select object to offset or <exit>: Place the cursor on the element you wish to copy and click the LEFT mouse button. The selected object will change to a dashed line. Only one feature can be selected.


If Through was selected:

-Prompt: Specify through point: Use an Osnap, an Absolute Coordinate, a Relative Rectangular Coordinate, or Relative Polar Coordinate to select the point to place the offset object through.





If a distance was typed at the prompt:


--Prompt: Specify point on side to offset: With the LEFT mouse button, click on the side of the original where you want the parallel copy located. See the FIGURE below.




NOTE: The last prompt will continue until you press Enter TWICE to get back to a Command: prompt and exit the Offset command.

Offset copies of lines are always parallel to the original.
Offset copied of an arc or circle are always CONCENTRIC with the original.

Return to the AutoCAD Command List.