Offset Tool

Use the Offset Tool to create copies of lines and faces at a uniform distance from the originals. You can offset edges of faces either inside or outside of the original face. Offsetting a face will always create a new face. Activate the Offset Tool from the Modification Toolbar or from the Tools menu.

Keyboard Shortcut: F

Offsetting a Face

The most common use of the Offset Tool is to offset the edges that bound a face. To perform a face offset:

1. Select the Offset Tool. The cursor will change to two offset corners.
2. Click on the face to be offset.

3. Move the mouse cursor to define the offset dimension. The offset distance is displayed in the VCB. You can offset either within or outside of the face; on rectangular face or circular face.

Note - Press the Esc key at any point during the operation to start over.

4. Click to finish the offset operation.

Offsetting Lines

You can also select and offset connected, co-planar, lines (and arcs) for an offset. To offset lines:

1. Select the Select Tool. The cursor will change to an arrow.
2. Select the lines to be offset. You must select two or more connected lines, and all your lines must be coplanar.

3. Select the Offset Tool.
4. Click on one of your selected line segments. The cursor will automatically snap to the nearest line segment.
5. Move the cursor to define the offset dimension.

6. Click to finish the offset operation.

Tip - You can click once on the selected line segments, drag to set the offset while holding down the mouse button, and release the button to accept.

Note - Offsetting an Arc entity will create a Curve entity that cannot be edited. The original Arc, however, can still be edited after this operation.

Repeating an Offset Operation

Double-clicking on another face immediately after a offset operation will automatically apply another offset operation, of the same amount, to the face.

Specifying Precise Offset Values

The VCB at the bottom right corner of the SketchUp window displays the length of the offset in the units as specified under the Units panel of the Model Info dialog box, while offsetting entities. You can also specify an exact offset during, or immediately after, an offset operation.

Note - You can type values in the VCB using an alternate measuring system than the default system. SketchUp will convert the value to the default system. For example, you can type in 3' 6" even if you are using metric system as your default.

Entering an Offset Value

You can specify a new offset length during or directly following an offset operation. To enter an offset value during an offset operation:

1. Select the Select Tool. The cursor will change to an arrow.
2. Select the lines to be offset. You must select two or more connected lines, and all your lines must be coplanar. You can use the Ctrl and/or Shift key to change your selection.
3. Select the Offset Tool.
4. Click on one of your selected line segments. The cursor will automatically snap to the nearest line segment.
5. Move the mouse to define the offset dimension.
6. Click your mouse to accept the offset lines.
7. Type the positive or negative offset value (such as 20' or -35mm) in the VCB and press Enter or Return.