- Add duct, and begin laying out the duct run, as explained in Drawing a Duct Run.
- In the Properties palette, specify the offset:
To... then... offset the new run at a horizontal distance (X or Y direction) from the existing run; both runs are at the same elevation for Horizontal, specify a value for Offset. To offset the new run in a positive X or Y direction from the existing run, enter a positive value. To offset in a negative X or Y direction, enter a negative value. offset the new run at a vertical distance from the existing run; both runs have the same X-Y dimensions, but are at different elevations for Vertical, specify a value for Offset. To offset the new run in a positive Z direction from the existing run, enter a positive value. To offset in a negative Z direction, enter a negative value. - In the drawing, select a point on the existing duct run.
You can use AutoCAD MEP 2026 toolset snaps to select duct connectors, or object snaps to select points on duct geometry.
- Continue selecting points along the duct run.
Note: Drawing a parallel duct run may be easier if you use a 1-line display for the existing duct run. This reduces the potential number of points to pick, and allows you to accurately select transition points. To view a duct system as 1-line, change the current display configuration. The Mechanical - Duct 1-line display configuration included with the default Aecb Model drawing template is configured to show duct segments and fittings as 1-line.