Beams may be offset, which automatically inserts rigid links to connect them to their previous support point, or deletes rigid links if the new location is supported. Only supported beams can be offset.

The Offset Beam command can be initiated either from the Layout - Beams - Offset menu or from the toolbar.

There are three options for offsetting beams. One end of the beam can be moved to a new location, one end can have its coordinates incremented by a specified amount, or one or both ends can be moved parallel to the beam line by a specified amount.

The Specify new location option allows you to offset one end of a beam.

1. Select this and click Offset.
2. Select a beam as prompted.
3. Select a beam end as prompted.
4. Select a new location for the beam end, either by clicking on a snap point, or entering appropriate values in the keyboard entry box.
5. The beam end will be offset to the new location.

The Increment current coordinates option allows you to offset one end of a beam by a specified amount.

1. Select this an enter the desired offset amount in the X and Y fields.
2. Click Offset.
3. Select a beam as prompted.
4. Select a beam end as prompted. The beam end is immediately offset by the specified amount.

The Parallel offset option allows you to offset one or both ends of a beam by a specified amount, parallel to the current beam centerline.

1. Select this and entered the desired distance in the Distance field.
2. Select either One End or Both Ends as desired.
3. Click Offset.
4. Select a beam as prompted.
5. If One End was selected, select a beam end as prompted.
6. Two parallel guide lines will appear, parallel to the chosen beam at the offset distance specified. Click anywhere along either of the parallel guide lines to indicate the direction of the offset. One or both ends (depending on the selected option from the dialog) will be offset the given amount.

In all cases, if the new location is unsupported, a rigid link will be added to the offset beam end connecting it from its previous location to the new one. If that beam end already had a rigid link, the rigid link will remain connected to its original support point. If the new location is supported, and a rigid link previously existed at that end of the beam, the rigid link will be deleted.

The Maintain Global Orientation option under Adjust secondary beams in the Options box will attempt to maintain the global orientation of the secondary beams as long as possible. There may be framing geometry that will make this impossible. If it is not possible to maintain the orientation of the beam without disconnecting framing, the framing will be preserved and the beam will be reoriented. With this option, it is possible that beams will become too small. The lengths of beams are checked with each move. If the move results in a beam less than 6" in length, the user is given the option to delete that beam.

The Maintain Relative Spacing option under Adjust secondary beams in the Options box will maintain the % distance from the beam's support, thus preserving the relative spacing of beams on a girder. Beams will change orientation. This option is similar to how the Move Grids feature deals with secondary beams.