Applying an offset and deleting the original

[T1936]

One of the processes I find I am doing very often is applying a very small offset (.002") to a rectangle. My goal is to be left with only the larger rectangle, I do not need the original one. It is a bit "fiddly" to do the offset (using the offset tool) and then have to go back and delete the individual lines of the original shape. I have looked endlessly for a way around this extra step.

Using the move tool will move the line and not copy it, but it is more effort to use this tool, and then rejoin all the corners than it is to delete the lines using the offset tool.

This applies to the Sketch tools and Draft. I am using SE12.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Tim

 

[fredericmenage]

Hi,

Just a suggestion which I'm pretty sure you can use with V12.

If in the draft environment, you could try to have your original rectangle in one color and the offseted copy in another one (just change the color at the beginning of the offset command), then use smart select by clicking on one of the lines of your original rectangle to select easily the other three sides of your original to be able to delete it.

In any case, the idea to offset whithout keeping the original is a good one to submit to UGS for an enhancement request.

Fred

 

[T1936]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have tried this, and it does work, but still is a bit time consuming (I am offsetting several hundred pieces) What I have found works, but is a bit of a work around, is to group the items first, do the offset, and then delete the group.

I am very surprised that there isn't a simple check box to allow the original to be deleted or kept, seems like a HUGE oversight to me! Hard to believe I am the only one who has this issue....

Oh well.

 

[fwc]

Hi

How about changing the length of the lines instead of using the offset option?

Regards
fwc

 

[beachcomber]

Another option is to use layers.
Create a new layer and make it the active layer before you do the offset.
The offset elements will then be placed on the new layer.
Make the original layer active, hide the new layer and delete the original elements.
It might not save many clicks but at least you can multi-select the original elements with a box.
This method will only work in draft, not in part sketcher.