0:03 When you need to expand or contract a series of edges, reach for the offset tool.

0:10 To start, we can offset a single surface, which effectively works on all the edges of that surface.

0:19 Click once on the surface and move the cursor inward or away from that face and click to finish.

0:29 You can also pre-select specific edges for the offset tool, though the edges must all be connected and on the same plane.

0:40 Hold the Shift key while selecting edges, to add-to, or subtract-from, your selection.

0:47 Now you can offset just these edges.

0:53 Like other tools, you can start an offset, then type in an exact distance.

0:59 For example, I might offset this window frame outward by 3", or one of these window surfaces inward by 1".

1:07 The offset tool will also remember the last distance you used, which is currently 1 inch for me, so double-clicking on other surfaces will offset that same amount.

1:21 By default, offset will resolve overlapping edges, removing them.

1:27 If you wish to maintain all edges however, you can override this function by pressing the Alt key on Windows, or the Command key on a Mac.

1:38 One more tip that will help you use the offset tool.

1:42 As always, you can infer to other geometry, but the inference will be to the initial edge you click on, so it matters which edge you choose.

1:54 Let’s say I was trying to align this door frame to the windows on this wall,

1:59 I might start the offset from this top edge to align with the side window,

2:04 or, to align with the window above the door, I’d start the offset from a different edge.