AutoCAD OFFSET command
Shortcut: OModify
Creates a parallel copy of a line, polyline, arc or circle at a set distance. The backbone of wall, kerb and setback drafting.
Syntax
OFFSET → distance → select object → pick the sideStep by step
- Type O and press Enter.
- Type the offset distance in drawing units, or use T to pick through a point.
- Select the object to offset.
- Click on the side the copy should appear.
- Keep selecting objects to repeat at the same distance, then press Enter.
A 230 mm blockwork wall
Draw the wall centreline as a polyline, run O, enter 115, then offset to each side. Two faces, both parallel, both editable as single polylines.
Common mistakes
- Offsetting in the wrong units because the drawing is in metres rather than millimetres — check with DIST first.
- Using the Erase option unintentionally, which deletes the source object after offsetting.
- Offsetting a spline or ellipse and being surprised by the approximated result.
Questions
How do I offset multiple objects at once in AutoCAD?
OFFSET works one object at a time, but the distance is remembered — keep clicking objects and sides without restarting. For a whole set, use the Multiple option after selecting an object.
Why does offset say the object is invalid?
OFFSET only accepts lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, 2D polylines, xlines, rays and splines. Blocks, text, hatches and 3D solids must be copied instead.