Making Parallel Copies

Command: OFFSET

The Offset command creates a copy of linear entities and align 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.

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

  1. Do one of the following:

  2. Click the Offset tool button () on the Modify toolbar.

  3. Choose Offset in the Modify menu.

  4. Type offset in the command bar.

The command bar reads: Offset: Through point/Erase/<Distance> <current distance>:

A prompt menu displays:

  1. (Option) Choose Erase in the prompt menu or type E, then press Enter.
    Respond Yes at the command prompt to erase the source entity.

  2. Do one of the following:

  3. Press Enter to accept the current distance.

  4. Type a new distance in the command bar.

  5. Define a new distance by specifying two points.

The command bar reads: Select Entity.

  1. Select the entity.
    The command bar reads: Both sides/<Side for parallel copy>:

  2. Click the side for the parallel copy.
    The parallel copy is created.
    The command bar reads: Select Entity.

  3. Do one of the following:

  4. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to create more parallel copies.

  5. Right click or press Enter to stop.

Making a parallel copy through a point

  1. Do one of the following:

  2. Click the Offset tool button () on the Modify toolbar.

  3. Choose Offset in the Modify menu.

  4. Type offset in the command bar.

The command bar reads: Offset: Through point/<Distance> <current distance>:

  1. Choose Through point in the context menu or type T, then press Enter.
    The command bar reads: Select entity:

  2. Select the entity.
    The command bar reads: Through point:

  3. Specify the point to create the parallel copy through.
    The parallel copy is created.
    The command bar reads: Select entity:

  4. Do one of the following.

  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to create ;ore parallel copies.

  6. Right click or press Enter to stop.

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