Rectangular and polar array

Purpose#

An array multiplies the selected elements at regular spacing — the tools for hole rows, bolt circles and ribs:

• Array (rectangular) arranges copies in a grid of rows and columns with the spacings dX and dY; the original stays in place and forms the corner of the grid.
• Polar array distributes copies on a circle around a centre: N elements over a total angle (360° = full circle), optionally with self-rotation (each copy turns along) or without (each copy keeps its orientation).

The elements are copied with dimensions, hatches and welds of the selection.

Access#

• Ribbon: group Modify, split button Array (4) — head of the family is the rectangular array; the triangle opens Polar array.
• Classic toolbar: group Edit, family Array with drop-down triangle (3).
• Command search : Array.
• Without a selection, post-selection begins.

Rectangular array#

Array (rectangular) Select elements, start the tool, then:

1. Click in the drawing area (1) — the click opens the floating field with Z (rows), S (columns), dY and dX; the status line reports Array (rectangular): enter rows × columns × dX × dY → Enter. The preview shows the grid with the current values.
2. Change the values — Tab switches the field — and accept with Enter; a click in the drawing area accepts the values as well.

Positive dX run to the right, positive dY upwards; negative values mirror the direction. The status line confirms Array 3×3: 24 element copies created. At least 2 rows or 2 columns are needed (Array: at least 2 rows or 2 columns). The tool remembers rows, columns and spacings for the next call.

Polar array#

Polar array Select elements, start the tool, then:

1. Click the centre (1) — with snap, e.g. the centre of a hub. The field with N (count) and ∠ (total angle) appears, the status line reports Polar array: enter count + angle → Enter; the preview shows the copies on the circle through the original (2).
2. Enter count and angle; the button ↻ with self-rotation / ⇉ without self-rotation toggles whether the copies turn along the circle. Enter or a click accepts.

The count N includes the original: N = 6 over 360° gives five copies 60° apart. A total angle smaller than 360° distributes the elements over an arc — original and copies spread evenly, the last copy at the end of the angle. The status line confirms Polar array: 5 element copies around (x, y); N = 1 is rejected (Polar array: at least 2 elements). Count, angle and self-rotation are remembered for the next call.

Options and relations#

• The copies are independent elements — neither a group nor a block. If they should belong together, group them afterwards, or make the original a block beforehand.
• The whole array is one step for Undo.
• Points evenly along an element are set by Distribute points.
• For an array with dimensions create them beforehand — they are copied along.

Related commands#

• Move and Copy — single copies with a free target point
• Rotate
• Point, Distribute points