360
AutoCAD and Its Applications—Basics
Arraying Objects Arr a ying Object s
AutoCAD includes methods for creating and modifying a pattern, or array, of y y
existing objects. For example, create a rectangular array of computer workstations on
a classroom design plan, or create a polar array (also called a circular array) of screws
on a mechanical assembly drawing. You can also pattern objects in reference to an
existing object using a path array. Figure 12-13 shows examples of arrays.
Rectangular Array
To draw a rectangular pattern of objects, access the
ARRAYRECT
command and
select objects to array. An alternative is to issue the
ARRAY
command, select objects
to array, and then choose the
Rectangular
option. Once you select objects to array, the
Array Creation
contextual ribbon tab and an array preview appear. See Figure 12-14.
The
Array Creation
contextual ribbon tab offers an easy approach to specifying array
characteristics, but you can also use dynamic input, the command line, or the shortcut
menu to construct an array. The grips attached to the array preview offer another
option for defining the array. Chapter 13 explains modifying objects using grips. fi
Specifying Columns and Rows
Use the text boxes in the
Columns
and
Rows
ribbon panels or apply the
COLumns
and
Rows
options to adjust the number of columns and rows, column and row
spacing, and total column and row distance. Column and row count determines the
total number of columns and rows in the array. Figure 12-14B shows the default array
of four columns and three rows. If you do not know an exact count, enter an equa-
tion or formula in the
Column Count
and
Row Count
ribbon text boxes, or apply the
Expression
option at the appropriate prompt of the
COLumns
and
Rows
options.
You can specify column spacing or total column distance and row spacing or
total row distance. Column or row spacing is the distance from a point on an item
in a column or row to the corresponding object point in the next column or row. See
Figure 12-14B. If you do not know an exact spacing, enter an equation or formula
in the
Column Spacing
and
Row Spacing
ribbon text boxes, or apply the
Expression
option at the appropriate prompt of the
COLumns
and
Rows
options.
The total column or row distance is the distance from a point on an item in the
first column or row to the corresponding object point in the last column or row. See fi
Figure 12-14B. Specify total column and row distances using the
Total Column Distance
and
Total Row Distance
ribbon text boxes, or apply the
Total
option at the appropriate
prompt of the
COLumns
and
Rows
options. Adjust the direction of the array using
positive or negative values, as shown in Figure 12-15.
NEW
AutoCADDCAotu A Au o o A
array: Multiple
copies of an object
arranged in a pattern.
rectangular array:
A pattern made up
of columns and rows
of objects.
polar (circular)
array: A circular
pattern of objects.
path array: A pattern
of objects drawn in
reference to another
object, or path.
ARRAYRECT
Ribbon
Modify
Rectangular Array
Type
ARRAYRECT
ARRAY
Type
ARRAY
AR
Figure 12-13.
A—A rectangular array of computer workstations on a classroom design plan. B—A polar
array of arcs and screws on a mechanical assembly drawing. C—A path array of angle
brackets along a polyline on the drawing of a steel structure.
A B C