Parallel Lines

In this Task

• Parallel lines are created by offsetting a line at a specific distance.

Associated Tasks

• Locking a data field.

Before you Start

• Create a suitable zoom magnification using the Zoom In or Zoom Out tool.

Take Note

• Locking the data field of the Offset field ensures the distance remains fixed. A new offset value can be input each time a parallel line is required.

Parallel Lines

Ribbon : Draw | Draw 2D | Line | Parallel

Default Menu : Draw | Line | Parallel

Palette : Sketch | Line | Parallel

Creates a parallel line at a specified offset distance from an existing line.The distance is input into the Offset field of the Inspector Bar.The Offset data field can be locked when a fixed offset distance is required.The newly created line is inserted onto the current layer.

Select the Parallel tool from the menu options above.

Use the keyboard TAB key to access the Offset field, then input 10. Make sure the field is locked by activating the padlock shown below.

Select the horizontal base line shown in the illustration below, then move the cursor above this line and left click to indicate the approximate position.

TAKE NOTE

The locked offset field ensures the offset will be 10 from the base line.

Select the base horizontal line to offset

The result is shown below.

Horizontal base line offset at 10

TAB to the Offset field again, this time inputting 8. Left click onto the vertical line at the right edge of the sketch, then moving the cursor to the left, left click to indicate the approximate position of the new line. The result is shown below.

Newly offset lines shown in bold, above

Select the newly offset line, then create another offset of 8 to the left of the new line, shown below.

TAKE NOTE

The value in the Offset field remains the same until a new value is input.

2 vertical offsets of 8; 1 horizontal offset of 10

The Escape keyboard key cancels any command. Use the Esc keyboard key to finish the Offset sequence.