# How to offset text for laser cutting

![](https://cuttle-content.imgix.net/learn/how-to-offset-text-for-laser-cutting/fb67769af4e280bcacc6e65181e038171c3a5e7a883e8e7f8c91d18b6fe88de2.png?auto=compress,format&q=60&fit=max&w=720&h=720&dpr=2)

[YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksROQD7fc5Q)

If you need to create an expanded outline, or offset, for text or any other shape you can you the **Expand** modifier.

![](https://content.cuttle.xyz/learn/how-to-offset-text-for-laser-cutting/7697840bf12d92f5ecfeb28a0bd11c685378cfa1a1bd87fda784eec27b4a732d.gif)

1.  Select the shape.
2.  Go to the **Modify** menu.
3.  Select **Expand (Offset)**
4.  You can then set the **Distance** to fine tune the offset.

This can be useful for creating a backer piece on a multilayer design.

The **Expand (Offset)** modifier is often used when you need to create a backer for your design. In that case you want to create a copy of the design and apply the modifier to the copy. Additionally sometimes you might want to remove the internal holes of the expanded version using the **Remove Holes** modifier.

## Advanced Tips and Techniques

[YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVFL3YTZ4Xs)

You are not limited to text when using the **Expand(Offset)** modifier, you can use it on any shape and including imported SVG’s.

If you want to change the look of the corners change the **join** option. Corners can be round, mitered or beveled.

![](https://content.cuttle.xyz/learn/how-to-offset-text-for-laser-cutting/cf41b87eb3a051ffe0bd3a951f49b5fbf86bb7cd9c9b613977c03fa3a2dcdb22.gif)

If you frequently create layered designs, the video also demonstrates how to automate this process in Cuttle, including adding a useful guide to help align the layers when you are gluing them together.