Efficiency in AutoCAD often comes down to how well you use the "Modify" tools. Instead of drawing every line from scratch, professional engineers rely on the OFFSET command to generate parallel copies of objects at specific distances.

Whether you are creating wall thicknesses, concentric circles, or parallel piping routes, the Offset command is your go-to tool for accuracy and speed.

目次

• What is the Offset Command?
• How to Launch the Command
• Step-by-Step: How to Offset Objects
  • 1. Creating Multiple Offsets with the Same Distance
  • 2. Offsetting with a Different Distance
• Handling Complex Geometry: Polylines and Circles
• Convert and Collaborate with Ease

What is the Offset Command?

The OFFSET command creates a new object at a specified distance from a selected object or through a specified point. It works on lines, arcs, circles, and 2D polylines.

How to Launch the Command

There are two ways to start the Offset command.

Quick Launch Options: Ribbon: Home Tab > Modify Panel > Offset icon.

Keyboard Shortcut: Type OFFSET (or just O) and press Enter.

Step-by-Step: How to Offset Objects

The process follows a simple 3-step logic: Distance → Object → Side.

1. Creating Multiple Offsets with the Same Distance

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1. Launch the command.（This time we'll launch it from the Home tab.）
   
2. Specify distance: Type your desired value (e.g., 10) and press Enter.
   
3. Select the source: Click the object you want to copy (Line A).
   
4. Specify the side: Click in the drawing area on the side where you want the new object to appear.
   
5. Repeat: To create more lines with the same distance, simply click the newly created object (Line B) and then click the side for Line C.
   
   
6. Similarly, create lines C and D. Pro Tip: Use the Multiple option (type M after selecting the object) to keep clicking on one side to generate several offsets without re-selecting the source object every time.

You have successfully created equally spaced offsets.

In addition to individual lines, you can select a polyline to offset the entire shape at once.

2. Offsetting with a Different Distance

If your next offset requires a different measurement, you must reset the distance:

1. Press Enter or Esc to end the current command.
2. Press Enter again to restart the Offset command.
3. Enter the new distance value (e.g., 30) and press Enter.
   
4. Select your object and click to place the offset.
   

You have successfully created an offset at a different distance.

Handling Complex Geometry: Polylines and Circles

The Offset command isn't just for straight lines.

Circles: Offsetting a circle creates a concentric circle.

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