How to Offset Entities in SOLIDWORKS

Contents

Offset Entities is a SOLIDWORKS sketch tool that creates a parallel copy of selected sketch geometry, model edges, or faces at a specified distance. It is useful for wall thickness, clearances, slots, outlines, gaskets, lips, and any sketch where you need geometry that follows an existing shape.

The tool is much faster than redrawing a second contour by hand, but the result still needs normal sketch discipline: dimensions, relations, and a clear design intent.

Offset Entities command in SOLIDWORKS — Offset Entities creates sketch geometry at a controlled distance from selected geometry.

Use Offset Entities

Start or edit a sketch.
Go to the Sketch tab and click Offset Entities.
Select the sketch entities, model edges, or face boundary you want to offset.
Enter the offset distance.
Use Reverse if the offset goes to the wrong side.
Choose whether to add dimensions or make the base geometry construction geometry if needed.
Accept the command and inspect the resulting sketch.

Selecting geometry for Offset Entities in SOLIDWORKS — Select the geometry first, then control offset distance and direction.

Offset inside or outside a closed sketch

For closed contours, the offset can go inward or outward. If the preview is on the wrong side, use the reverse direction option. When the offset distance is too large for a tight corner, SOLIDWORKS may create overlapping or failed geometry, so reduce the value or simplify the contour.

Offset direction in SOLIDWORKS — Use Reverse to switch between inside and outside offset directions.

Offset open sketch entities

Offset Entities also works with open lines, arcs, and chains. Current SOLIDWORKS versions include options for cap ends on some open-loop offsets, which can help when building slots or profiles from an open path.

Open sketch offset in SOLIDWORKS — Open sketch entities can be offset when you need a parallel path.

Use offset geometry for cuts and bosses

After creating the offset, close the sketch contour if the feature requires it. Then use the sketch for Extruded Boss/Base, Extruded Cut, Revolve, or another feature. Offset geometry is commonly used to make a wall thickness, clearance gap, gasket outline, or raised border.

Offset sketch prepared for a feature in SOLIDWORKS — Check that the final contour is closed before creating a feature from it.

Common Offset Entities problems

The offset fails: reduce the offset distance or simplify small corners.
The sketch becomes overdefined: remove extra dimensions or relations added by the offset.
The offset goes the wrong way: use Reverse Direction.
The feature will not build: check for open contours, overlaps, or tiny sketch segments.
The offset should only guide the sketch: mark reference geometry as construction geometry.

Troubleshooting offset sketch geometry in SOLIDWORKS — Inspect corners and closed contours after the offset is created.

For related sketch tools, see construction lines in SOLIDWORKS and mirroring sketches in SOLIDWORKS.

Finished offset sketch in SOLIDWORKS — A clean offset sketch should rebuild predictably and match the needed design clearance.

Offset Entities result in SOLIDWORKS — Use dimensions and relations to control the final offset result.

Reference: SOLIDWORKS Help documents Offset Entities as a sketch tool for offsetting selected sketch entities, edges, or model geometry, including cap-end options for some open-loop offsets.