Mirror and Offset
Mirror creates a reflected copy. Offset creates a parallel path or shape at a specified distance.
Mirror and OffsetThe Mirror tool reflects selected objects across a custom axis you draw, or snaps to a horizontal or vertical flip in one click. The Offset tool traces a parallel outline of any path at a set distance — inward or outward — without requiring a pre-selection. Use Mirror to produce bilaterally symmetrical layouts from a single hand-drawn half, and use Offset to create consistent planting borders, mowing strips, or path widths from an existing edge.
Offset
Activate the Offset tool. Hover over any path to see the offset preview — the offset side is shown as inward or outward based on cursor position. Click to apply. Set the offset distance and corner style in the tool panel.
Offset corner styles
Three corner styles are available: round (smooth curves at corners), miter (sharp pointed corners), and bevel (flat cut corners).
Keep the original or flip in place
Before drawing the axis, check the Keep Original Object toggle in the tool sidebar. When enabled, the original stays in place and a mirrored copy is created alongside it — ideal for symmetrical layouts. When disabled, the selection is flipped in place with no copy left behind.
Use Quick Flip for instant horizontal or vertical mirroring
For common flips, use the Horizontal or Vertical quick-flip buttons in the tool sidebar. These mirror the selection across its own bounding-box center with no axis to draw. The Keep Original Object toggle applies here too — enable it first if you want a reflected copy rather than an in-place flip.
Activate the Offset tool and hover a path
Switch to the Offset tool — no pre-selection is needed. Move the cursor over any drawn path or shape outline. A dynamic preview appears showing the parallel offset outline. The preview updates in real time as you move the cursor to either side of the path.
Set the offset distance and direction
Type the distance into the Offset Distance field in the tool sidebar, or enter it in your preferred units (meters or feet). The direction — inward or outward — is determined by which side of the path your cursor is on when you click. The preview clearly shows which side will be used before you commit.
Choose a corner style and click to place
Select how corners are handled using the corner style buttons: Round produces smooth curved corners, Miter keeps sharp pointed corners, and Bevel cuts corners flat at a 45-degree angle. Once the preview looks correct, click to place the offset path as a new independent object.
Design one half of a formal or symmetrical garden, then mirror it with Keep Original Object enabled. This ensures perfect geometric alignment and eliminates manual re-drawing of the opposite side.
The Offset tool creates a new path — it does not modify the original. You can offset the same path multiple times to build concentric rings, such as nested planting borders around a central tree or circular feature. A typical lawn-edging strip uses an offset of 0.3–0.5 m.
Mirroring with Keep Original Object disabled permanently repositions the selected objects. If you need to undo, press Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Cmd+Z (Mac) immediately after.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Escape | Cancel current operation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Mirror flipped my object instead of copying it — how do I keep the original?
Enable Keep Original Object in the Mirror tool sidebar before drawing the axis. When this toggle is off, the selection is flipped in place and no copy is created. Turn it on to produce a mirrored copy while leaving the original unchanged.
My offset preview is going the wrong direction. How do I flip it?
The Offset tool reads which side of the path your cursor is on to determine direction. Simply move the cursor to the other side of the path — the preview will immediately switch to the opposite direction. Click once the preview shows the side you want.
Which corner style should I use for Offset?
Use Round for organic shapes like planting beds and lawn curves, where smooth corners look natural. Use Miter for hardscape like patio edges or walkways where crisp, sharp corners are expected. Use Bevel when you want a flat chamfered corner, which is common for formal geometric designs.
Can I mirror objects across an angled axis, not just horizontal or vertical?
Yes. The drag-to-draw method lets you set any axis angle. Click and drag in the direction you want the axis to run — Gardenly3D will mirror across that exact line. The Quick Flip buttons are the only ones limited to 90-degree axes.
Does Offset work on closed shapes like rectangles and circles?
Yes. Offset works on both open paths (polylines, arcs, bezier curves) and closed shapes (rectangles, circles, polygons). On closed shapes, the cursor side determines whether the offset traces inside or outside the boundary.