What Are Offset Paths?
Offset paths create a larger or smaller version of your shape by expanding or contracting it evenly. Perfect for creating borders, shadows, outlines, and layered effects.
Select Your Path
Click on the path or shape you want to offset. This works with any closed path, including text that has been converted to paths, shapes, and custom drawn paths.
Open Path Properties
With your path selected, open the Properties panel on the right. Look for the 'Path' section which contains offset controls.
Set Offset Distance
Enter the offset distance in the offset field. Positive values create an outward offset (larger), negative values create an inward offset (smaller). Use the preview to see the result before applying.
Choose Offset Side
Select 'Outward' to expand the shape (for borders/shadows) or 'Inward' to shrink it (for inset effects). The preview shows the result in real-time.
Apply the Offset
Click 'Apply Offset' to create the new path. The original path remains, and a new offset path is created. You can now style it differently with different colors or effects.
Common Use Cases
• Shadow layers: Create an outward offset, place behind original, use darker color • Borders: Create outward offset for a border effect • Inset designs: Use inward offset for decorative inner borders • Multi-layer effects: Create multiple offsets at different distances for depth
Pro Tips
• Use preview mode to test different offset distances before applying • Offset paths are perfect for creating registration layers in multi-color designs • Combine with boolean operations for more complex effects • Convert text to paths before offsetting for best results