OFFcenter

Off-center is an adjective describing something that is not located at the exact center of a reference object or system. The term can describe position, balance, or symmetry, and is often used interchangeably with "not centered" or "eccentric" in everyday language, though eccentric has more technical uses in mathematics and machinery.

In geometry and physics, an off-center point lies at a nonzero distance from the center of a shape or mass. For a circle, any point other than the center is off-center; for ellipses or more complex bodies, "off-center" can describe asymmetry between axes, centers of mass, or focal points. The distance from center is called the offset; a fixed offset is common in design and engineering.

In design and typography, off-center composition intentionally shifts elements away from the middle to create tension, movement, or focal points. In publishing, off-center alignment refers to text or images aligned away from the page margin to achieve a particular look.

In mechanical engineering, parts may be designed off-center to produce eccentric motion, such as an off-center cam or crankpin. Holes, gears, or shafts may be offset to alter leverage, balance, or timing. In production and manufacturing, intentional offsets control assembly tolerances or functional clearances.

Off-center concepts also appear in everyday language to describe anything lacking symmetry or perfect centrality, from artwork and layouts to seating, packaging, and user interface design. Related terms include offset and eccentric, both of which describe deliberate or observed displacement from a central reference point.