Line Offset

An offset line object can be created from either a line object or a curved surface. If a curved surface is selected, an offset curved surface will be created.

Usage

1. Selecting Line Offset
   
2. Select Tools > Modify > Offset. Offset is also available from the Toolbox by selecting Modify > Surface > Offset.
   
3. Adjust the settings in Tool Parameters as needed.
   
4. Create the offset line object by clicking and dragging in the appropriate Viewport of the Figure Window.
   
5. In the Tool Parameters select Apply or Apply and Delete Source. Alternatively, press the Return key.
   

Note Before selecting Apply, the Offset settings may be modified in the Tool Parameters.

Curved Surface Offset

1. Select a curved surface.
   
2. From the Menu Bar, select Tools > Modify > Offset. Offset is also available from the Toolbox, under Modify > Surface > Offset.
   
3. Create the offset curved surface by clicking and dragging in the appropriate Viewport of the Figure Window.
   
4. Adjust the settings in Tool Parameters as needed.
   
5. In the Tool Parameters select Apply or Apply and Delete Source. Alternatively, press the Return key.
   

Note The curved surface is offset using a front projection in the clicked viewport.

Offset Tool Parameters

Distance

Sets the offset distance.

Style Group

Direction

Select either Single or Dual for the sides to offset.

Single

The object is offset only in the click-and-drag direction.

Dual

The object is offset on both sides of the original line. Both ends are closed, resulting in one line object.

Edge Style

Sets the type of edge to use for the ends of a Dual offset line. Select between Miter, Bevel, Round 1, and Round 2.

Miter

Creates sharp miter corners.

Bevel

Bevels the corners.

Round 1

In the case of a Dual offset line, adjusts the handles on the ends, creating rounded corners.

Round 2

In the case of a Dual offset line, adjusts the handles on the ends and adds control points, creating rounded corners.

Converge

Create new edges offset from the line without adding new vertices.

See also Line Offset: Converge

Roundness

Sets the amount of rounding, based on 1. Enabled when Round 1 or Round 2 is selected for the Edge Style.

Repetition Settings

These settings are used to repeat the offset operation multiple times.

Count

The number of times to do the Offset operation.

Slope

The offset distance ratio. Enabled when Count is set to 2 or more.

Distance to

Select Nearest Line or Farthest Line for the Offset Distance display. Enabled when Count is set to 2 or more.

Nearest Line

The offset repetition is done with spacing between lines equal to the specified Distance. For example, if Distance is set to 100 with 4 repetitions, the outside line will be 400 away, with spacing of 100.

Farthest Line

The offset repetition is done after dividing the specified Distance by the number of repetitions. For example, if Distance is set to 100 with 4 repetitions, the outside line will be 100 away, with spacing of 25.

Shift Group

Sets the offset height. Enabled when Count is set to 2 or more.

The height

Sets the offset height of the distance.

Slope

Sets the offset height ratio.

Height to

Select Nearest Line or Farthest Line for the Offset Height distance.

Nearest Line

The offset repetition is done with spacing between lines equal to the specified Distance. For example, if Distance is set to 100 with 4 repetitions, the outside line will be 400 away, with spacing of 100.

Farthest Line

The offset repetition is done after dividing the specified Distance by the number of repetitions. For example, if Distance is set to 100 with 4 repetitions, the outside line will be 100 away, with spacing of 25.

Precision Group

Sets the precision of the offset line object.

Allow Split

When enabled, control points are appended to the offset line object, improving the precision of the curve.

Apply

Applies the Offset, leaving the source line object.

Apply and Delete Source

Applies the Offset and deletes the source line object.

Using Scripts to Create Offset Line Objects.

From the Script Window check Record, and then create an offset line object from the Toolbox. A script will be recorded.

Scripts are useful when creating offset lines with the same parameters from multiple objects, or when creating offset lines with the same distance but changing other parameters.

Example: xshade.scene().create_offset_lines(200.0, [0, 1, 0], 0, 2, 1.2, 2, 0.1, 0, 10, 0.3, 0, True, False)

Arguments :
string : optional : If omitted, the default name is used
Arguments :
float : Distance
Arguments :
vec3 : The direction cosine of the coordinate system : [0,1,0] : The XZ plane, [0,0,1] : The XY plane, [1,0,0] : The ZY plane
Arguments :
int : The Offset direction : -1 : Single-sided (counter-clockwise), 0 : Double-sided, 1 : Single-sided (clockwise)
Arguments :
int : Edge Style : 0 : Miter, 1 : Bevel, 2 : Round 1, 3 : Round 2
Arguments :
int : Roundness : between -1 and 3.0
Arguments :
int : Count
Arguments :
int : The Distance Slope : between -1.0 and 1.0
Arguments :
int : The spacing type : 0 : Nearest Line, 1 : Farthest Line
Arguments :
float : The Height when repeating
Arguments :
int : The Height Slope : between -1.0 and 1.0
Arguments :
int : The spacing type : 0 : Nearest Line, 1 : Farthest Line
Arguments :
bool : Allow Split (appending control points) : True : allow, False : do not allow
Arguments :
bool : Delete original shape : True : Delete, False : Do not delete