Chapter 12 Arranging and Patterning Objects
371
Finalizing the Array
AutoCAD creates an associative array by default. An associative array is a single
array object. The major advantage of using associative arrays is the ability to modify the
parameters of the array and to edit or replace the source objects without recreating the
array. Chapter 13 describes working with associative arrays. To create a non-associative
array, deselect the y y
Associative
button in the
Properties
ribbon panel or choose
No
at
the
ASsociative
option. To create the array and exit the command, pick the
Close Array
button in the
Close
ribbon panel; press [Enter], the space bar, or [Esc]; choose the
eXit
option; or right-click and select Enter.
PROFESSIONAL S TIP P P P R OF R O FE S SS I O N N A A L T I I O NA NA AL T TI P P P P
Form associative arrays whenever possible to increase efficiency when fi
making changes to arrayed objects. AutoCAD stores the current asso-
ciative setting as the default for all arrays. Remember to change the
associative setting as necessary before finalizing an array. If neces- fi
sary, use the
EXPLODE
command to remove the associative property
from existing arrays.
CAUTION A O CA U A U T U T TI O N
The
Incremental Elevation
text box in the expanded
Rows
panel, the
Specify the incrementing elevation between rows or [Expression] 0.0000:
prompt associated with the
Rows
option, the
Levels
panel, and the
Levels
option are appropriate only for 3D applications. AutoCAD and
Its Applications—Advanced provides complete information on 3D
modeling. Use an incremental elevation of zero and one level for all
2D applications.
Exercise 12-7
Complete the exercise on the companion website.
www.g-wlearning.com/CAD
Polar Array
To draw a circular pattern of objects, access the
ARRAYPOLAR
command and
select objects to array. An alternative is to issue the
ARRAY
command, select objects to
array, and then choose the
POlar
option. Right-click, or press
[Enter]
or the space bar, to
continue. Now specify the center point around which the objects will be arrayed. The
array forms around the Z axis of the UCS. You can apply the
Base point
option before
locating the center point if necessary. The
Base point
option operates the same as when
creating a rectangular array. However, the purpose of relocating the base point for a
polar array is most apparent when you edit an associative polar array, as explained in
Chapter 13.
Once you select objects to array and specify a center point, the
Array Creation
ribbon tab and an array preview appear. See Figure 12-17. Use the 7 7
Array Creation
ribbon tab, dynamic input or the command line, or the shortcut menu to construct the
array. Grips offer another option for defi the array, as described in Chapter 13. fining
Ribbon
Array Creation
Close
Close Array
Ribbon
Array Creation
Properties
Associative
associative array:
An adjustable array
object; all items are
grouped to form a
single object that you
can modify, such as
changing the number
of items and spacing
between items.
non-associative
array: An array of
copied, or static,
source objects that
do not form a single
adjustable array
object.
ARRAYPOLAR
Ribbon
Home
Modify
Polar Array
Type
ARRAYPOLAR