Offset
Create offset contours of geometry in the drawing
Written by Jacob Hartman
Updated at August 28th, 2026
Table of Contents
At a Glance
The Offset tool creates one or more new shapes that run parallel to selected geometry at a specified distance.
Offsets can be created:
- Outside the selected shape
- Inside the selected shape
- As a single offset or multiple evenly spaced offsets
- With Round or Square corner handling
The original geometry remains unchanged. A live preview shows the result before the offsets are created.
Parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Offset Distance | Sets the distance between the original shape and the first offset, and between additional offsets. |
| Number | Sets how many offset copies are created. |
| External / Internal | Selects whether offsets are created outside or inside the selected geometry. |
| Round / Square | Controls how corners are formed on the offset geometry. |
| Weld Offsets | Joins overlapping offset geometry together. Available when using Square corners. |
| Corner Option | Controls how sharp corners are handled when creating Square offsets. |
| Offset Multiplier | Controls the amount of corner trimming when the multiplier-based corner option is used. |
| Apply | Creates the offset geometry shown in the preview. |
| Close | Exits the tool without creating the previewed offsets. |
Overview
The Offset tool creates parallel copies of existing geometry. It is useful when you need borders, inset outlines, repeated parallel contours, or other geometry positioned at a consistent distance from an existing shape.
The original geometry is not modified. Each offset is created as new geometry in the drawing.
Creating an Offset
- Select the shape or shapes you want to offset.
- Start the Offset tool.
- Enter the desired Offset Distance.
- Set Number to the number of offset copies you want to create.
- Choose External or Internal to determine which side of the selected geometry receives the offset.
- Choose Round or Square corner handling.
- Review the offset in the drawing.
The preview updates automatically as the settings are changed.
8. Click Apply when the preview matches the result you want.
The offset geometry is added to the drawing and becomes the active selection. The original geometry remains unchanged.
Internal and External Offsets
The External / Internal setting controls the direction in which the offset is generated.
External creates the new geometry outside the selected shape.
Internal creates the new geometry toward the inside of the selected shape.
For a closed shape, this generally means increasing or decreasing the size of the resulting outline while maintaining the specified offset distance.
Creating Multiple Offsets
Set Number higher than 1 to create a series of parallel offsets.
Each additional offset is separated from the previous one by the value entered in Offset Distance.
For example, an Offset Distance of 0.25 inches with Number set to 3 creates three successive offsets, each spaced 0.25 inches apart.
Round and Square Corners
The corner setting determines how Ibex handles corners as the new offset geometry is calculated.
Round creates rounded transitions around corners.
Square preserves sharp corner behavior and enables additional options for controlling how those corners are constructed.
When using Square corners, the Corner Option controls how extended sharp corners are handled. Depending on the selected option, the corner can be left unchanged or trimmed based on the offset distance or Offset Multiplier.
Welding Offset Geometry
Enable Weld Offsets when overlapping Square offset geometry should be joined together.
This option is useful when neighboring offset areas intersect and you want the result treated as combined geometry rather than separate overlapping sections.
Changing the Selection
While using the Offset tool, right-click to clear the current selection and choose different geometry.
If no geometry is selected, right-click again to exit the tool.
Self-Intersecting Geometry
If the selected geometry contains self-crossing loops that prevent a valid offset from being calculated, Ibex identifies the problem areas in red.
Correct the intersecting geometry before attempting to create the offset again.
Result
Clicking Apply adds the previewed offsets to the drawing as new, independent shapes. The source geometry remains unchanged, allowing both the original and offset geometry to be used independently.
