How to offset vectors in Vectric software | Offset and Layout Tools

Overview

This video demonstrates how to offset vectors in Vectric software using the Offset and Layout tools. It covers offsetting closed and open vectors, controlling offset distance and direction, and using options like sharp corners, deleting the original, and auto-selecting the new vector.

Steps

1. Navigate to the Drawing tab → Offset and Layout → Offset tool.
2. Select the vector you want to offset.
3. Set the Distance field to the desired offset value (e.g., 0.3 inches).
4. Choose the offset direction:
   • Outwards / Right
   • Outwards / Left
   • Inwards / Right
   • Inwards / Left
5. Click the Offset button to create the new offset vector.
6. For open vectors, check the start node direction first:
   • Enter Node Editing Mode (N on keyboard, or right-click → Node Editing).
   • The green node marks the start point.
   • Imagine standing on the start point looking along the vector: Left and Right are relative to that direction.
7. If desired, enable options such as:
   • Create offset corners that are sharp
   • Delete original vector
   • Select new vector

Key Points / Warnings

• The offset creates a new vector at the specified distance from the original.
• Inwards and Outwards are relative to closed vector geometry.
• Left and Right directions depend on the vector’s start node – especially important for open vectors.
• The sharp corners option preserves sharp corners when offsetting; without it, corners may be rounded.
• Delete original removes the source vector after offsetting.
• Select new automatically selects the newly created offset vector, useful for repeated offsets.
• Open vector offset direction is determined by the start node orientation, which also affects toolpathing behavior.