Expand or Shrink Objects

Constant distance offsetting

These commands work on objects selected with the Transform Tool (arrow) or in the Objects Inspector.

These commands are accessible via main menu > Transform > Offset in Selection/Transform mode.

Both Expansion and Shrinkage are constant distance offsetting functions. Offsetting refers to the process of creating a new shape or path that is a uniform distance away from an existing shape or path.

Expand Objects enlarges selected objects by offsetting their contours. It is intended for the creation of an overlay with a constant width between adjacent objects. The Expand Objects command does not provide the same result as a normal enlargement.

Shrink Objects reduces the size of selected objects by offsetting their contours. The Shrink Objects command does not provide the same result as a normal size reduction. You can use it to make a fill opening smaller in order to create an overlay between the opening and another object that covers it.

Besides the Amount parameter, which defines the offset distance, the expansion/shrinking functions use the Corner parameter, which defines how sharp corners of the objects are truncated or smoothed.

Corner treatment (left to right): round, sharp, cut, chamfered, smooth.

Constant distance offsetting versus Basic scaling

Constant distance offsetting and basic enlargement or shrinkage are two different techniques for resizing vector objects. They work in unique ways and produce different visual outcomes, especially with detailed shapes and sharp corners. Here's how they compare:

Basic Enlargement or Shrinkage (Scaling)

• This method increases or decreases the size of an object uniformly from a specific poin-usually the center.
• Every point along the shape's outline moves proportionally outward or inward, maintaining the object's original shape and proportions.
• For example, a perfect circle stays a circle, just bigger or smaller. A rectangle with a 2:1 ratio keeps that same ratio when scaled.
• Corners behave consistently - sharp corners stay sharp, and rounded ones retain their curves, just resized. Both the angles and radii are scaled evenly.

Constant Distance Offsetting

• Instead of scaling uniformly, this technique creates a new outline that remains a fixed distance from the original path all the way around.
• Think of it like drawing a border around the shape.
• The shape may not scale evenly - corners and intricate curves can look quite different because the offset stays the same regardless of shape complexity.

In Embroidery Digitizing

Constant distance offsetting is especially useful for:

• Underlay stitching: By offsetting a fill area inward, you can create a foundation layer that helps stabilize fabric before the main stitching.
• Outlining: Offsetting contours can be used to add outline stitches around filled shapes.
• Creating overlaps: Fabric often shifts slightly during stitching. Overlaps ensure that overlapping elements stay connected in the stitch-out inspite of the fabric distortion.

Simple scaling, on the other hand, is a quick way to resize designs or individual components without changing the stitch density or distorting relationships between parts. It's useful when you want everything to grow or shrink evenly.