I turn one rectangle into a nested tunnel with Offset. This is feature 4 of 69: echo strokes with Spacing Growth, type "come inside" at the centre, place a Volume ball, and export G-code without duplicating paths by hand.
What you'll see in the video
- Add Modifier → Lines → Offset on both lines and shapes
- Tune spacing, round corners, first gap, and spacing growth for nested echoes
- First sketch: nested rectangles around the text "come inside"
- Revised design in the same video: a Volume ball at the centre plus an offset rectangle frame
- Dial spacing growth below 1.0 until the rings feel like they recede in depth
- Export and plot the nested squares with the centre ball
How to use Offset
- Select the layer whose linework you want to transform
- Open Studio → Add Modifier → Lines → Offset
- A modifier node is appended to the layer stack (non-destructive)
- Reorder modifiers in the stack; later modifiers see earlier output
- Tune parameters in the modifier card in the right sidebar; preview updates on the canvas
Menu path: Add Modifier → Lines → Offset
The story behind this plot
This piece started as a simple rectangle. Offset turned it into a tunnel. Nested echoes stack outward with Spacing Growth below 1.0, so each ring sits closer than the last and the squares feel like they recede into depth. In the centre goes the invitation "come inside", and a Volume sphere on its own layer finishes the scene.
One layer for the offset rectangle tunnel, one for the ball, tweak spacing until the perspective clicks, then export G-code and plot on cardstock.
Offset controls
- Offsets: how many echo rings to generate (1-24)
- Spacing: distance between each offset (0.1-30 mm)
- Direction: Both Sides, Left Only, or Right Only
- First Gap: inset before the first offset ring (0-40 mm)
- Spacing Growth: multiply spacing each step (0.5-2x); values below 1.0 pull rings tighter for tunnel depth
- Corners: Sharp (miter) or Round
- Keep Original: retain the source stroke alongside the offsets
- Offset Ink: assign a custom pen colour to offset paths
- Non-destructive stack: tweak or remove the modifier without redrawing
Why I built Offset
I used to copy a path, scale it, repeat dozens of times, and hope the spacing still looked right. Offset does it live as a reversible modifier. I stack 20 nested squares in seconds, dial Spacing Growth to 0.79, and export G-code without leaving Studio.
Key controls
- Direction: both, options: Both Sides, Left Only, Right Only
- Corners: miter, options: Sharp, Round
- Open Path Ends: open, options: Leave Open, Join to Original, Round Cap
- Offsets: 3 (1-24 step 1)
- Spacing: 2mm (0.1-30mm step 0.1)
Tune direction, corners, open path ends, offsets, and spacing in the right sidebar. Open Studio to see every control.
Modifier stack: May add, drop, or reorder paths; selection maps reset for this layer
What I plot with Offset
- Nested geometric patterns, tunnels, and depth effects from a single shape
- Op art and optical illusions combined with text, Volume objects, and other V3 tools
- Echoed outlines on Bambu Lab, Prusa, Creality, and other pen-holder setups
- Layered linework exported as G-code with pen-up travel
Frequently asked questions
How do I offset lines in 3DPlotter?
Select your linework layer, then Add Modifier → Lines → Offset. Tune Offsets, Spacing, Direction, and Spacing Growth in the right sidebar.
How do I create a 3D tunnel effect with Offset?
Place a rectangle, apply Offset with Both Sides and Spacing Growth below 1.0 (e.g. 0.79). Each nested ring sits closer than the last, creating a receding tunnel. Increase Offsets for more depth.
What does Spacing Growth do?
It multiplies the gap between each offset ring. At 1.0 spacing stays even; below 1.0 rings tighten inward (tunnel depth); above 1.0 they spread apart.
Can Offset work on any shape?
Yes. Rectangles, circles, imported SVG paths, freehand strokes, and generator output. Closed shapes produce the cleanest nested echoes.
Does Offset work with multi-pen plotting?
Yes. Set Offset Ink to a custom colour, or use Pen Palette on a layer to split linework by pen.
Is Offset non-destructive?
Yes. Offset is a modifier node on the layer stack. Tweak settings, reorder, or remove it without redrawing the original shape.
Try Offset
Open 3DPlotter Studio, follow the steps above, and export a test plot. Lifetime V3 access is €29.90. Creator Bundle (€39.90) adds Map to Pen Plot, String Art, Wax Seal, and 3D Model to SVG.
More tools: Feature hub · V3 launch
