AutoCAD OFFSET Command: How to Draw Parallel Lines and Curves
Creates a parallel or concentric copy of an object at a specified distance.
- Command
- OFFSET
- Aliases
- O
- English name
- Offset
The AutoCAD OFFSET command creates parallel copies of lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, splines and polylines at a specified distance. Start it with OFFSET or the alias O. For circles and arcs the result is a larger or smaller concentric copy.
OFFSET is one of the fastest ways to draw wall thicknesses, curbs, ducts or cable routes. Once you enter a distance, you can keep offsetting one object after another with the same value.
How to use it
- Type OFFSET or O and press Enter.
- Type the offset distance and press Enter.
- Select the object to offset.
- Click on the side where the copy should go.
- Continue selecting objects, or press Enter to finish.
Options
- Distance
- The distance between the original and the copy. The value is remembered for the next use.
- Through
- Creates the copy through a point you pick instead of at a typed distance.
- Erase
- Sets whether the source object is erased after it is offset.
- Layer
- Places the copy on the source object's layer (Source) or on the current layer (Current).
- Multiple
- Repeats the offset from the last copy, creating a series of parallel copies at the same distance.
Notes and tips
- For closed polylines, the OFFSETGAPTYPE system variable controls how corner gaps are filled (0 extend, 1 fillet, 2 chamfer).
- Join connected lines into a single polyline with PEDIT or JOIN to offset them in one step.
- The current Erase, Layer and OFFSETGAPTYPE settings are shown on the command line when OFFSET starts.