Module 15: Offsetting Objects

Learning Outcomes

When you have completed this module, you will be able to:

  1. Apply the OFFSET command to insert objects parallel to existing objects.
  2. Apply the ID command to establish temporary reference locations.
  3. Describe and apply the object snap mode Perpendicular.

Offsetting

The OFFSET command allows you to create a drawing object parallel to an existing drawing object at a specified distance from the original object. OFFSET is a powerful command and if used when applicable, will change the way you construct objects and improve your drawing productivity. The drawing objects lines, circles, and arcs can be offset plus many others that you will be learning later in the book.

AutoCAD Command: OFFSET

The OFFSET command is used to create a drawing object parallel to an existing drawing object at a specified distance from the original object.

Shortcut: O

Modify Toolbar
Modify Pull-down
Home Ribbon

AutoCAD Command: ID

The ID command is used to return the coordinate location for a point in Model or Paper space.

Shortcut: none

Inquiry Toolbar
Tools Pull-down
Home Ribbon
Figure 15-1
Object Snap Mode – Perpendicular
MUST KNOW: Using the ID command to set a reference point or the lastpoint is a useful drawing tool. Once you pick an ID point, ignore the actual coordinates. On the next command, use an @ to locate a coordinate location from the ID point.

WORKALONG: Offsetting Objects

Step 1

Start a new drawing using the template: 2D English.

Step 2

Save and name the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Workalong 15-1. (Figure Step 2)

Figure Step 2

Step 3

Create the layers: Object and Construction. Set layer: Construction as the current layer.

MUST KNOW: When a drawing object is offset, the newly constructed offset drawing object will reside on the same layer as the original object, regardless of the current layer. If you want the newly created object to be on a different layer than the original object, you will have to change it’s properties after it is offset.

Step 4

Enter the LINE command, as shown below, to create the outline of the object. (Figure Step 4)

Command: L

Specify first point: 4,4

Specify next point or [Undo]: @-2.5,0

Specify next point or [Undo]: @0,5.5

Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @4.5,0

Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @0,-2.5

Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @-2,0

Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: C

Command:

Figure Step 4

Step 5

Enter the commands, as shown below, to draw the circles and fillets. (Figure Step 5A and 5B)

Command: C

Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: (mid) P1

Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <0.1000>: (end) P2

(When possible, it is always better to show AutoCAD a distance rather then entering it on the keyboard.)

Command: C

Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: (mid) P1

Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <0.7500>: D

Specify diameter of circle <1.5000>: 1

Command: F

Current settings: Mode = TRIM, Radius = 0.0000

Select first object or [Undo/Polyline/Radius/Trim/Multiple]: R

Specify fillet radius <0.0000>: 0.75

Select first object or [Undo/Polyline/Radius/Trim/Multiple]: P3

Select second object or shift-select to apply corner: P4

Command: F

Current settings: Mode = TRIM, Radius = 0.7500

Select first object or [Undo/Polyline/Radius/Trim/Multiple]: R

Specify fillet radius <0.7500>: 0.5

Select first object or [Undo/Polyline/Radius/Trim/Multiple]: P5

Select second object or shift-select to apply corner: P6

Command:

Figure Step 5A
Figure Step 5B

Step 6

Use the TRIM command to trim the circle. (Figure Step 6)

Figure Step 6

Step 7

Enter the OFFSET commands, as shown below. (Figure Step 7)

Command: OFFSET

Current settings: Erase source=No Layer=Source OFFSETGAPTYPE=0

Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <Through>: 0.5

(Set the offset distance.)

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P10

(Select the object to offset.)

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P11

(Select which side of the object to offset it on.)

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P12

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P13

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:P14

Command: OFFSET

Current settings: Erase source=No Layer=Source OFFSETGAPTYPE=0

Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <0.5000>: 1.5

(Set the offset distance.)

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P14

(Select the object to offset.)

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>:P15

(Select which side of the object to offset it on.)

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:

Command: OFFSET

Current settings: Erase source=No Layer=Source OFFSETGAPTYPE=0

Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <1.5000>: 2.75

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P16

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo]

<Exit>:P17

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:

Command:

Figure Step 7

Step 8

Using the FILLET command, insert a 0.5 radius fillet on all four corners. (Figure Step 8)

Figure Step 8

Step 9

Enter the OFFSET command, as shown below. (Figure Step 9)

Command: O

Current settings: Erase source=No Layer=Source

OFFSETGAPTYPE=0

Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <Through>: 0.5

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P26

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P27

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P28

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P29

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P30

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P31

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:

Command:

Figure Step 9

Step 10

Using what you already learned, trim the lines to finish the bottom cutout. (Figure Step 10A and 10B)

Figure Step 10A
Figure Step 10B

Step 11

Enter the OFFSET command, as shown below, to offset the inside feature. (Figure Step 11A and 11B)

Command: O

Current settings: Erase source=No Layer=Source OFFSETGAPTYPE=0

Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <Through>: 0.25

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P32

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P33

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P34

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P33

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P35

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P33

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P36

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P33

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P37

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P33

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P38

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P33

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P39

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P33

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P40

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P33

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:

Command:

Figure Step 11A
Figure Step 11B
USER TIP: It is faster to draw circles than it is to draw arcs. To improve your drawing speed, when an arc is required draw a circle instead. Then trim the circle to complete the required arc.

Step 12

Use the ID command to establish a lastpoint. Enter the CIRCLE command immediately following to insert the four circles using the lastpoint as a reference. (Figure Step 12)

Command: ID

Specify point: (end) P41

X = 1.5000

Y = 4.000

Z = 0.0000

(The ID command establishes a known reference point or an @ or lastpoint.)

Command: C

CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: @0.75,1.25

(Now the @ can be used to measure the center of the circle from the end of the line selected in the ID command.)

Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: D

Specify diameter of circle: 0.25

Command: C

CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: @1,0

Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <0.1250>: (Accept the default.)

Command: C

CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: @0,1

Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <0.1250>: (Accept the default.)

Command: C

CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: @-1,0

Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <0.1250>: (Accept the default.)

Command:

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: Using the ID command to set a reference point is a very useful tool for you. Once you pick an ID point, ignore the actual coordinates. On the next command, use an @ to locate a coordinate location from the ID point. Make sure you understand the concept.

Figure Step 12

Step 13

Change the layer of the objects that you want to reside on layer: Object.

Step 14

Freeze layer: Construction and your drawing should appear as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 14)

Figure Step 14

Step 15

Save and close the drawing.

WORKALONG: Drawing Construction Techniques

Step 1

Start a new drawing using the template: 2D English.

Step 2

Save and name the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Workalong 15-2. (Figure Step 2)

Figure Step 2

Step 3

Create the layers: Object and Construction. Set layer: Construction as the current layer.

Step 4

Using Figure Step 2 as an reference, draw lines to construct the perimeter of the object. (Figure Step 4)

Figure Step 4

Step 5

Using what you already learned, trim the lines to complete the outline. (Figure Step 5)

Figure Step 5

Step 6

Enter the ID command, as shown below, to establish a lastpoint. Draw the circle using the reference point you established with the ID command. (Figure Step 6)

Figure Step 6

Command: ID

pecify point: (end) P1

X = 2.0000

Y = 5.5000

Z = 0.0000

(The lastpoint or the @ being established.)

Command: C

Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: @1,1.5

(The center of the circle is now located using the reference point established in the ID command above. These commands must be entered back to back.)

Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <2.6770>: D

Specify diameter of circle <5.3539>: 1 

Command:

Step 7

Enter the OFFSET command, as shown below, to insert the inside offsets. (Figure Step 7)

Command: O

(Shortcut for the OFFSET command)

Current settings: Erase source=No Layer=Source OFFSETGAPTYPE=0

Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <0.00>: 0.75

(Setting the offset distance.)

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: P2

Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: P3

(First the object is selected (P2) and then the side of the object (P3) to place the offset. The location for P3 can be anywhere as long as it is above the line to be offset.)

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:

(With what you already learned, finish the other two offsets as shown in Figure Step 7.)

Command:

Figure Step 7

Step 8

Enter the CIRCLE command, as shown below, to insert a circle by snapping its center to the intersection of the offset lines. (Figure Step 8)

Command: C

Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: (int) P8

(Snap to locate the center of the circle at the intersection of the two offset lines.)

Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <0.5000>: .25

Command:

Figure Step 8

Step 9

Draw a line between the centers of the circles. (Figure Step 9)

Command: L

Specify first point: (cen) P9

Specify next point or [Undo]: (cen) P10

(Draw a construction line by snapping to center point of the circles.)

Specify next point or [Undo]:

Command:

Figure Step 9

Step 10

Extend the construction line to the circle`s circumference. (Figure Step 10A and 10B)

Command: EX

Current settings: Projection=UCS, Edge=Extend

Select boundary edges …

Select objects or <select all>: P11 1 found

Select objects:

(Press enter or space.)

Select object to extend or shift-select to trim or

[Fence/Crossing/Project/Edge/Undo]: P12

Select object to extend or shift-select to trim or [Fence/Crossing/Project/Edge/Undo]:

Command:

Figure Step 10A
Figure Step 10B
AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: The construction line was drawn from center to center and then extended to the circumference of the circle to locate the tangent point for the arc to be inserted. A line between centers locates the tangent point of the arcs.

Step 11

Draw a circle snapping to the center of the large circle for its center location and snapping to the intersection of the construction line and the lower circumference of the small circle for the radius. (Figure Step 11)

Figure Step 11
AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: If possible, always show AutoCAD a measurement instead of entering the number on the keyboard. Always snap to exiting geometry when you do this.

Step 12

Using the same principle that you learned in Step 11, insert the other two circles. Ensure that you snap one circle to the center of the small circle and the other to the intersection of the tangent line and circle circumference. (Figure Step 12A and 12B)

Figure Step 12A
AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: Circles were used rather then arcs because it is easier to draw circles than arcs. Once the circle is drawn, it can easily be trimmed to complete the arc. This is a much faster drawing technique.
Figure Step 12B
AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: In Step 11 and 12, you are showing AutoCAD the radius of the circles by snapping to the intersection of the construction line and circle. Whenever you can, always show AutoCAD and distance rather then typing it on the keyboard.

Step 13

Draw a circle locating its center at the intersection of the large circle’s centerline and the horizontal construction line. (Figure Step 13)

Command: C

Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: (int) P15

Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: .25

Command:

Figure Step 13

Step 14

Using what you already learned, trim the circles to complete the slot. (Figure Step 14)

Figure Step 14

Step 15

Enter the LINE command, as shown below, to draw a line from the center of the larger circle and snapping perpendicular to the inclined line. (Figure Step 15)

Command: L

Specify first point: (cen) P16

Specify next point or [Undo]: perp to P17

(It is much faster to type in the osnap mode perp then setting it in Autosnap.)

Specify next point or [Undo]:

Command:

Figure Step 15

Step 16

Using what you already learned, offset the lines to create top feature. (Figure Step 16)

Figure Step 16

Step 17

Trim the lines to complete the top cutout. (Figure Step 17)

Figure Step 17

Step 18

Change the layer of the objects to layer: Object. Freeze layer: Construction to complete the drawing. (Figure Step 18)

Figure Step 18

Step 19

Save and close the drawing.

Key Principles

Key Principles in Module 15

  1. The OFFSET command is a very useful command. When used at the right times, it will improve your drawing speed and change the way you construct objects in AutoCAD.
  2. When a drawing object is offset, the newly constructed offset drawing object will reside on the same layer as the original object, regardless of the current layer.
  3. The ID command can be used to established a known reference point or an @. The reference point can then be used, in the next command, to measure from.

Lab Exercise 15-1

Time allowed: 40 minutes.

Drawing Name Template Units
AutoCAD 2D Lab 15-1 2D English Inches
Layering Scheme
Layer Name Objects on Layer Color
Construction Construction objects 253
Object All objects Red

Step 1

Draw the object shown in the figure using the layering scheme. (Figure Step 1A and 1B)

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: Do not delete the construction lines.

 

Figure Step 1B Completed Drawing

Step 2

Set the insertion units and check the drawing’s accuracy.

Step 3

Turn layer: Key off and freeze layer: Construction.

Step 4

Save and close the drawing.

AUTHOR’S CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: The following steps are the construction technique suggested by the author to help you learn how to construct objects using AutoCAD. It is only the suggested method and if you can complete the drawing accurately using a different construction technique, that is what is important. You may want to compare your construction technique with the authors.

AUTHOR’S CONSTRUCTION HINTS: Do your best to complete the lab exercise drawing without using the following hints. If you get stuck and cannot complete it on your own, use the following hints to help you.

Hint 1

Draw the line perpendicular to inclined line and then offset the inclined line. Draw a circle with its center located at the intersection of the lines. Offset the perpendicular line using the radius of the circle as the distance and trim. (Figure Hint 1)

Figure Hint 1

Hint 2

Insert offset lines as construction lines to locate the centers of the three circles. Then draw the lines tangent to the circles. (Figure Hint 2)

Figure Hint 2

Hint 3

The figure shows the construction lines. (Figure Hint 3)

Figure Hint 3

Lab Exercise 15-2

Time allowed: 60 minutes.

Drawing Name Template Units
AutoCAD 2D Lab 15-2 2D Metric Millimeters
Layering Scheme
Layer Name Objects on Layer Color
Construction Construction objects 253
Object All objects Red

Step 1

Draw the object shown in the figure using the layering scheme. (Figure Step 1A and 1B)

Figure Step 1A

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: Do not delete the construction lines.

Step 2

Set the insertion units and check the drawing’s accuracy.

Step 3

Turn layer Key off and freeze layer Construction.

Step 4

Save and close the drawing.

AUTHOR’S CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: The following steps are the construction technique suggested by the author to help you learn how to construct objects using AutoCAD. It is only the suggested method and if you can complete the drawing accurately using a different construction technique, that is what is important. You may want to compare your construction technique with the authors.

Figure Step 1B
Completed Drawing

AUTHOR’S CONSTRUCTION HINTS: Do your best to complete the lab exercise drawing without using the following hint. If you get stuck and cannot complete it on your own, use the following hint to help you.

Hint 1

See the figure and the following seven steps:

Figure Step 1

Step 1

Draw a construction line from the center of the bottom circle to the center of the upper circle.

Step 2

Extend the line to the upper circumference of the circle.

Step 3

Draw circles using the intersection of the tangent line and circle to show AutoCAD the radius.

Step 4

Draw the bottom circle at the intersection of the construction circle and line.

Step 5

Trim the circles.

Step 6

Draw the inner circles.

Step 7

Offset the arcs and trim to complete. (Figure Hint 1)

Lab Exercise 15-3

Time allowed: 40 minutes.

Drawing Name Template Units
AutoCAD 2D Lab 15-3 2D English Inches
Layering Scheme
Layer Name Objects on Layer Color
Construction Construction objects 253
Door All lines Blue

Step 1

Set the LIMITS as follows:

The lower left corner to: 0.0,0.0

The upper right corner to: 100,150

Step 2

Enter the ZOOM Extents command.

Step 3

Draw the object shown in the figures using the layering scheme. (Figure Step 3A, 3B, and 3C)

Figure Step 3A
Figure Step 3B Exterior Door
Figure Step 3C
Completed Drawing

Step 4

Set the insertion units and check your drawing with the key. Turn layer: Key off and freeze layer: Construction.

Step 5

Save and close the drawing.

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Introduction to Drafting and AutoCAD 2D Copyright © 2021 by Wally Baumback is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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