Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 8 Creating and Working with Solid Model Features 191 between the fi rst and last objects. If the path curve changes in length, the number of objects will increase or decrease automatically. The Base point option is used to set the array’s base point. The default base point of the array is the endpoint of the path curve closest to where you select it. This point serves as the start point of the array. Depending on the result you want, you can select a different base point (start point), such as a point on the object. The default orientation of the array is the current orientation of the object. The Tangent direction option allows you to pick two points to defi ne a different orientation. The Normal option is used to align the object “normal” to the path. Using this option aligns the Z axis of the object perpendicular to the path. After specifying the base point and orientation of the array or using the defaults, continue as follows. When using the Divide option, specify the number of items. When using the Measure option, specify the distance between each object or the total distance between the fi rst and last objects. Distances can be set using the Array Creation ribbon tab. In Figure 8-16A, the Divide option is used: Select grip to edit array or [ASsociative/Method/Base point/Tangent direction/Items/ Rows/Levels/Align items/Z direction/eXit] eXit: M↵ Enter path method [Divide/Measure] current: D↵ Select grip to edit array or [ASsociative/Method/Base point/Tangent direction/Items/ Rows/Levels/Align items/Z direction/eXit] eXit: I↵ Enter number of items along path or [Expression] current: 10↵ Select grip to edit array or [ASsociative/Method/Base point/Tangent direction/Items/ Rows/Levels/Align items/Z direction/eXit] eXit: ↵ Arc Line Ellipse Circle Spline 3D Polyline Helix Figure 8-15. Examples of 3D path arrays used to array posts.