Array - Modify

In a design, objects might placed in rectangular, circular pattern or along a path
Array command generate copies of selected objects at fixed intervals of rows and columns, around a center point, along a path

Rectangular Array

Consists of duplicate objects arranged in a pattern of rows and columns
Like light fixture in a ceiling grid

Home tab > Modify panel > Rectangular Array

Select object then press Enter

 

A default 3 rows by 4 columns created associatively with a fixed interval



 

Select the object, additional Array ribbon will display the options for modification
You can change the number of columns and rows, as well as the column and row spacing

This feature allow you to easily increase the number of column and row to check what is the maximum number can fit in to the fixed area

Polar Array

Consists of a pattern of objects copied about a center radius
Like chairs about a round table

Home tab > Modify panel > Polar Array

Select object then specify center point

 

By default 6 objects distributes around the center point evenly

 

 

Select the array object, you can change the number of items, Angle between items, Fill Angle on the ribbon

 

 

If you change the Row count, one more outer row added

 

Replace Item

Options panel > Replace Item

Select replacement objects

 

 

AutoCAD detect the centroid of the source object

Press Enter to accept it

(or you can specify other base point)

 

Select an item in the array to replace

You can select more than one item in the array to replace
Press Enter to terminate the command

Path Array

Consists of a pattern of objects that are copied along a straight, curved or irregular linear path

Like lamp pot along the walkway

 

Home tab > Modify panel > Path Array

 

Select objects then select path curve

 

When select the path curve, select a point closer to the object

 

By default objects array along the path with a fixed measurement

 

Item panel > Item Spacing

You can change the value to adjust the spacing between objects

 

Properties panel > Measure / Divide

 

 

You can change the properties from measure to divide

 

Items panel > Item Count

You can change the number of object evenly arrange on the path

 

Item Spacing: Automatically adjust based on the item count

 

Tangent Direction

Home tab > Modify panel > Path Array

Select object then select path curve

 

 

Properties panel > Tangent Direction

 

 

Specifies 2 points on the base of the object to array

 

 

The object base tangent to the path