How do you create offset curves in both directions simultaneously?

Creating offset curves in both directions simultaneously is effectively achieved by utilizing the Symmetric Offset feature. This functionality allows you to generate parallel curves evenly spaced away from the original curve in both directions at once.

When you enable the Symmetric Offset, the tool calculates the distance from the curve in both directions concurrently, producing two offset curves that maintain the same distance from the original. This is particularly useful in design situations where a symmetrical output is desired, such as in mechanical components or architectural elements, as it saves time and ensures consistency.

The other methods, such as simply selecting the curves twice, adjusting dimension settings, or creating separate offsets for each direction, could lead to additional steps or less accurate results, as they require either manual intervention or additional computations. By using the Symmetric Offset, you streamline the process and enhance the efficiency of your design workflow in NX.