Offset entities in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Offset entities lets you create a new shape that is a fixed distance away from an existing shape. This helps when you want to make a parallel line or curve without redrawing it by hand.

When you want to create a border around a shape for a design feature.

When you need to make a smaller or larger version of a sketch shape.

When you want to create a path for a cut or extrusion that follows the original shape but shifted.

When you want to add consistent spacing between parts in a sketch.

When you want to quickly create parallel lines or curves for construction.

Steps

Step 1: Open

- Sketch tab

You see the sketch tools available for editing your drawing

Step 2: Select

- Entities to offset in the sketch

The selected lines or curves highlight to show they are chosen

Step 3: Click

- Offset Entities button in the Sketch toolbar

The Offset Entities property manager opens on the right side

Step 4: Type

- Distance box in the Offset Entities property manager

The offset preview updates showing the new shape at the typed distance

Step 5: Choose

- Direction option (left or right) in the property manager

The offset shape moves to the chosen side of the original entities

Step 6: Check or uncheck

- Cap ends option if you want to close open curves

Open curves are either closed with lines or left open based on your choice

Step 7: Click

- OK button in the property manager

The offset entities are created and added to your sketch

Before vs After

Before

Sketch shows a single closed rectangle shape with four lines

After

Sketch shows the original rectangle plus a new rectangle offset 0.2 units outside it

Settings Reference

Distance

📍 Offset Entities property manager

Sets how far the new offset shape is from the original

Default: 0.1 units

Direction

📍 Offset Entities property manager

Chooses which side of the original entities the offset will be created

Default: Right

Cap ends

📍 Offset Entities property manager

Decides if open curves get closed with straight lines at the ends

Default: Unchecked

Common Mistakes

Trying to offset entities that are not connected or are open without capping ends

The offset may create gaps or fail because the shape is not continuous

Ensure the original entities form a closed loop or check the Cap ends option to close open curves

Using a negative distance without checking the direction

The offset may appear on the opposite side than expected

Use positive distance and select the correct direction to control offset side clearly

Summary

Offset entities creates a new shape parallel to an existing one at a set distance.

You can control the distance, direction, and whether open curves are closed.

Make sure your original sketch entities are suitable for offset to avoid errors.