ARRAY (rectangular and polar) in AutoCAD - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

This feature helps you copy objects in a pattern. You can arrange copies in rows and columns (rectangular) or around a center point (polar). It saves time by making many copies quickly and neatly.

When you want to create multiple windows evenly spaced on a building plan.

When you need to place bolts or holes evenly around a circular plate.

When designing a grid of lights or furniture in a room layout.

When you want to duplicate a shape multiple times in a straight line or grid.

When arranging objects like chairs or trees in a circle for a landscape design.

Steps

Step 1: Select the objects you want to copy

- Drawing area

Objects are highlighted showing they are selected

Step 2: Click the 'Rectangular Array' or 'Polar Array' button

- Home tab > Modify panel

Array creation options appear for the selected type

Step 3: For rectangular array, enter the number of rows and columns

- Array dialog box

Preview shows objects arranged in rows and columns

Step 4: For polar array, specify the center point and number of items

- Array dialog box

Preview shows objects arranged evenly around the center point

Step 5: Adjust spacing or angle between items as needed

- Array dialog box

Preview updates to reflect spacing or angle changes

Step 6: Click 'OK' to create the array

- Array dialog box

Copies of the objects appear arranged in the chosen pattern

Before vs After

Before

One window object selected in the drawing

After

Multiple window copies arranged in a 3 by 4 grid spaced evenly

Settings Reference

Number of Rows

📍 Rectangular Array dialog box

Sets how many rows of copies to create

Default: 1

Number of Columns

📍 Rectangular Array dialog box

Sets how many columns of copies to create

Default: 1

Number of Items

📍 Polar Array dialog box

Sets how many copies to place around the center point

Default: 1

Angle to Fill

📍 Polar Array dialog box

Sets the total angle over which copies are spread

Default: 360 degrees

Spacing

📍 Rectangular Array dialog box

Sets the distance between rows and columns

Default: Distance between original objects

Common Mistakes

Choosing the wrong array type for the pattern needed

Rectangular array creates rows and columns, not circular patterns; polar array arranges items in a circle, not a grid

Pick rectangular array for grids and polar array for circular arrangements

Not specifying the center point for polar array

Without a center point, the software cannot place copies around a circle

Always click to set the center point before entering number of items

Setting zero or one for rows, columns, or items

This results in no copies or just the original object, so no array is created

Use at least two for rows, columns, or items to see multiple copies

Summary

Array feature copies objects in rectangular grids or circular patterns.

Rectangular arrays use rows and columns; polar arrays use a center point and angle.

Always set correct numbers and center points to get the desired layout.

Practice

1. What does the ARRAYRECT command do in AutoCAD?

easy

A. Deletes selected objects from the drawing.

B. Arranges objects in a circular pattern.

C. Creates rows and columns of copies of selected objects.

D. Scales objects uniformly.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of ARRAYRECT

   The ARRAYRECT command is used to create a rectangular array, which means making copies of objects arranged in rows and columns.

2. Step 2: Compare with other array types

   ARRAYPOLAR arranges objects in a circle, so it is not the correct answer here.

3. Final Answer:

   Creates rows and columns of copies of selected objects. -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   ARRAYRECT = Rows and columns [OK]

Hint: RECT = Rows and Columns layout [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing ARRAYRECT with ARRAYPOLAR
• Thinking ARRAYRECT deletes objects
• Assuming ARRAYRECT scales objects

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to create a polar array of 6 items in AutoCAD?

easy

A. ARRAYPOLAR 6

B. ARRAYPOLAR OBJECT 6

C. ARRAYPOLAR OBJECTS 6

D. ARRAYPOLAR 360 6

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall basic ARRAYPOLAR syntax

   The basic command to create a polar array with a specified number of items is ARRAYPOLAR 6, where 6 is the number of copies.

2. Step 2: Identify incorrect syntax

   Syntax with unnecessary words like OBJECT or OBJECTS is invalid. ARRAYPOLAR 360 6 adds 360 which is not required in this simple syntax.

3. Final Answer:

   <code>ARRAYPOLAR 6</code> -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   ARRAYPOLAR + number = correct syntax [OK]

Hint: ARRAYPOLAR + number of items is enough [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Adding extra words like OBJECT or OBJECTS
• Including angles unnecessarily
• Using wrong command names

3. Given a rectangular array with 3 rows and 4 columns, how many total copies of the object will be created (including the original)?

medium

A. 15

B. 7

C. 11

D. 12

Solution

1. Step 1: Calculate total items in rectangular array

   A rectangular array with 3 rows and 4 columns creates 3 x 4 = 12 total items.

2. Step 2: Include the original object

   The original object is included in the count, so total copies including original is 12.

3. Final Answer:

   12 -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   3 rows x 4 columns = 12 [OK]

Hint: Multiply rows by columns for total items [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Subtracting 1 for original object
• Adding rows and columns instead of multiplying
• Confusing rows with columns

4. You tried to create a polar array but the copies overlap at the center. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. The angle between items is set to 0 degrees.

B. The number of items is too high.

C. The base point is outside the circle.

D. The original object is too large.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand polar array spacing

   In a polar array, copies are spaced evenly around a circle by an angle. If the angle is 0 degrees, all copies overlap at the center.

2. Step 2: Analyze other options

   Too many items or large objects may cause crowding but not exact overlap. Base point outside circle affects placement but not overlap at center.

3. Final Answer:

   The angle between items is set to 0 degrees. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Angle 0° causes overlap [OK]

Hint: Check angle between items is not zero [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring angle setting
• Blaming object size only
• Misunderstanding base point role

5. You want to create a polar array of 8 copies evenly spaced around a circle of radius 10 units. Which steps correctly describe how to do this in AutoCAD?

hard

A. Select object, use ARRAYRECT, specify 4 rows, 2 columns, set spacing 5 units.

B. Select object, use ARRAYPOLAR, specify center point, enter 8 items, set radius 10 units.

C. Select object, use ARRAYPOLAR, specify center point, enter 10 items, set radius 8 units.

D. Select object, use ARRAYRECT, specify 8 rows, 1 column, set spacing 10 units.

Solution

1. Step 1: Choose correct array type for circular pattern

   To arrange copies evenly around a circle, use ARRAYPOLAR, not ARRAYRECT.

2. Step 2: Specify parameters correctly

   Specify the center point of the circle, number of items (8), and radius (10 units) to place copies evenly.

3. Final Answer:

   Select object, use ARRAYPOLAR, specify center point, enter 8 items, set radius 10 units. -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Polar array + correct items + radius = Select object, use ARRAYPOLAR, specify center point, enter 8 items, set radius 10 units. [OK]

Hint: Use ARRAYPOLAR with center, items, and radius [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using ARRAYRECT for circular pattern
• Mixing number of items and radius values
• Incorrect rows and columns for polar array