Offset Plane

Offset Plane creates a new reference plane at a specified distance from an existing planar face or construction plane. Use Offset Plane to establish datum references for stacked features, parallel sketches, and controlled spacing in parametric models.

Options

Plane

Select an existing plane to offset from. You can choose:

Planar faces on your solid bodies
Previously created offset planes
Sketch planes
Standard datum planes (XY, YZ, XZ)

Offset

How far to move perpendicular from the source plane:

Positive values - Offset in the direction of the face normal (outward from solid)
Negative values - Offset opposite the face normal (inward toward solid)
Zero - Creates a coincident plane

Examples:

offset = 10mm creates a plane 10mm away from the source
offset = -5mm creates a plane 5mm in the opposite direction

Design Applications

Feature Stacking

Create sketches at precise heights for layered features:

Offset 25mm from base to create pocket datum
Offset 10mm above surface for boss placement
Establish multiple parallel work planes for architectural levels

Assembly References

Define mating planes at controlled clearances:

Offset from mounting face by gasket thickness
Create reference plane at bearing seat location
Establish datum for fastener engagement depth

Parametric Spacing

Maintain design intent with explicit offsets:

Wall thickness references (offset by wall dimension)
Structural member spacing (offset by standard intervals)
Layer boundaries in multi-layer assemblies

Workflow Tips

Reference Geometry

Offset planes are construction geometry (not solid bodies). They:

Appear as semi-transparent reference surfaces
Serve as sketch planes for subsequent features
Do not affect mass properties or manufacturing outputs
Can be shown/hidden independently

Parametric Updates

Changing the offset distance updates the plane position, automatically adjusting dependent sketches and features. This enables rapid design iteration while maintaining spatial relationships.

Found a typo?