Offsetting Objects

The Offset tool either creates a duplicate object offset from the original, or offsets the selected object from its original location. Use this tool to easily create parallel objects, such as lines and walls. Also use it to produce a larger or smaller version of closed objects, such as ovals and connected walls. NURBS surfaces are offset by the offset distance along the surface normal direction.

The Offset tool can be used with the following objects (see the Design Series User’s Guide for information about the Design Series objects).

 

VectorWorks Fundamentals Objects

 

Open 2D objects (arcs, lines, polylines)	Closed 2D objects (circles, ovals, rectangles, polylines, polygons)
NURBS curves	NURBS surfaces
Walls	Revision clouds

VectorWorks Design Series Objects

 

Hardscapes	Massing models	Property lines
Seating layouts	Site modifiers	Spaces
Stipples	Plants	Redlines

The Offset tool has six modes, which are also options in the Offset Tool Preferences dialog box.

There are two options for selecting objects to offset: either pre-select one or more objects with the 2D Selection or 3D Selection tool, or select one object at a time after selecting the Offset tool.

The 2D conversion res field, on the Edit tab of the VectorWorks Preferences dialog box, adjusts the degree of smoothing. The higher the conversion resolution, the higher the degree of smoothing, which produces a more accurate offset of objects. For more information on 2D conversion resolution, refer to Setting VectorWorks Preferences.

 

To offset one or more objects:

1.	Select the object(s) to be offset, if desired.

2.	Click the Offset tool from the Basic palette.

3.	Click Offset Preferences from the Tool bar.

The Offset Tool Preferences dialog box opens.

 

Parameter	Description
Method
Offset by Distance	Places the offset object at the specified Distance from the original location (same as selecting the Tool bar button)
Offset by Point	Places the offset object at a distance specified by a mouse click (same as selecting the Tool bar button)
Selection
Click on Objects to Offset	Offsets objects selected with the Offset tool (same as selecting the Tool bar button)
Offset Selected Objects	Offsets objects selected with the 2D Selection or 3D Selection tool (same as selecting the Tool bar button)
Duplication
Duplicate and Offset	Creates a duplicate of the object at the offset location (same as selecting the Tool bar button)
Offset Original Object	Moves the original object to the offset location (same as selecting the Tool bar button)
Wall Offset
Offset from Center Line	Offsets walls from the center line of the wall’s original location
Offset from Nearest Edge	Offsets walls from the nearest edge of the wall’s original location
Smooth Corners	Rounds sharp corners in the offset object

4.	Specify the desired preferences and click OK.

5.	Depending on the offset preferences, do one of the following:

 

Offset Method	Description
Offset by Distance
Click on Objects to Offset	Select the object to be offset; the object is highlighted. Click to specify the offset location relative to the selected object, and to place the offset object. To continue offsetting objects, click another object to highlight it, and then click again to indicate the offset location.
Offset Selected Objects	Click in the drawing to specify the offset location relative to the originally-selected object, and to place the offset object. The offset object is now selected; to offset from that object, click again to indicate the offset location.
Offset by Point
Click on Objects to Offset	Select the object to be offset; the object is highlighted. Move the mouse to adjust the offset preview if necessary, and then click to place the offset object. To continue offsetting objects, click another object to highlight it, and then click again to indicate the offset location.
Offset Selected Objects	Click to set the offset point (move the mouse to adjust the offset preview if necessary), and then click again to place the offset object. The offset object is now selected; to offset from that object, click again to indicate the offset location.

Depending on the offset preferences, either a duplicate object or the original object is placed at the offset location.