Offset a curve or curve-on-surface

Creates a copy of a curve that is offset from the original (every point on the copy is a specific distance from the corresponding point on the original).

1. Pick one or more curve(s) or curve(s)-on-surface.
2. Choose Object Edit > Offset.

   An approximation of the new curve(s) appears.

   
   Note

   The direction of the curve determines which side the offset first appears on.

3. Do any of the following:
   • Drag the left and right to change the offset distance.
   • Type a number to set the offset distance exactly.
   • Select additional curves (or de-select them) by holding the key while clicking them or using a pick box.
4. Click the Offset button.

Offset surfaces

When offsetting surfaces using Object Edit > Offset, the surfaces are grouped based on topology, and an arrow lets you choose the direction of the offset for each group, so that all surfaces in a group are offset in the same direction, regardless of their initial orientation.

(See Normals and surface orientation for more information on surface orientation).

Offset several surfaces in the same direction simultaneously

1. Select the surfaces you want to offset.
2. Choose Object Edit > Offset.

   Surface sets are created based on topology. Each set shows an offset preview of a different color with an arrow indicating the unified direction of the offset.

   
   Note

   The Topology Distance (in Preferences > Construction Options) is used to determine which surfaces form a unified set that must be offset in a single direction.

3. Optionally do one of the following:
   • Click on an arrow to modify the offset direction for a set.
   • Change the offset distance (with the mouse or the keyboard).
   • Select additional surfaces (or de-select them) by holding the key while clicking them or using a pick box.

   The offset preview updates.

4. Click the Offset button.

   The offset surfaces are created and grouped.

   

Offset multiple surfaces while maintaining continuity

Use Surface Edit > Claymate. Note that Claymate is not included with all Alias products.

1. Pick the surfaces you want to offset.
2. Choose Surface Edit > Claymate.

   The Claymate Options window appears.

3. Turn the Claymate Offset option on, then click Go.

   The Claymate Control window appears.

4. Set the Offset Distance in the Claymate Control window.
5. Pick any other surfaces you want to offset, then click Go.