Offset and Outline both create a new shape around shapes you already have. They're useful for borders, backing plates and cutout lines, such as the edge of a sign.
- Offset: Makes a wider or narrower copy of a shape, a set distance away from it.
- Outline: Draws one shape around a whole selection of shapes.
Opening Offset or Outline
Select one or more shapes, then either:
- Open the Edit menu (1) and choose Offset or Outline (2), or
- Right-click the selection and choose Offset or Outline.
Offsetting a shape
Offset creates a new shape by widening or shrinking the shape you selected. The original shape stays as it is. A purple preview shows the new shape as you change the settings.
- Choose Offset. The Offset Shape window opens.
- Enter the Distance (1) between the original shape and the new one.
- Choose the Direction (2): Outward to make the new shape bigger, or Inward to make it smaller.
- Click Apply (3).
Outlining shapes
Outline draws one new shape around everything you selected. Choose Outline, pick a Style, then click Apply. A purple preview shows the outline before you apply it.
1. Rubber Band
Snaps tight around your selection, skipping over any dents, like a rubber band stretched around the shapes.
2. Shrink Wrap
Pulls in tight around your selection, following every dent and filling any holes.
3. Gap size (Shrink Wrap only)
Sets how closely the outline follows your shapes. Gaps narrower than this are bridged over, and wider ones are followed. Use a smaller gap size to trace more detail, or a larger one for a smoother outline.
| Helpful Tip: Offset and Outline pair well with an Outline Bit. Set the new shape to cut on the outside of the line, and use a sturdier outline bit to cut your project free from the stock. |