The “Offset” tool

With the “Offset” tool, we draw a figure 2D with the same shape as the figure on which you are using the tool, where the distance to each edge of the figure is the same.

A few examples makes this clear.

In the first example I want to replicate a cube, or rather replicate the edges of the upper surface. The distance between the edges must remain the same for each edge.

Click the “Offset” tool in the tool bar.

Click the first time on an edge, no matter what, the copying surface (1).

Drag or move the cursor inside or outside, depending on what you want to do, and then a second time.

You can also use the VCB box if you want to set a specific distance. In this case, I wish the edge at 30cm from the first edge, so I type 30 and click the Enter key the keyboard (2).

This gives me a new surface in the top face where the distance between the edges is 30 cm.

We can edit this second plane like any other plane in SketchUp. For example, push with the Push / Pull tool.

 

You do not have to copy all edges of a figure with the “Offset” tool, you can just select a few edges with the selection tool, select the “Offset” tool option in the toolbar and copy the selected edges with an equal spacing from the edges in the same way that you have learned in the previous part of this lesson.

Example:

 

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