ARRAY (rectangular and polar) in AutoCAD - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a rectangular array in AutoCAD?

A rectangular array duplicates objects in rows and columns, forming a grid pattern with equal spacing.

beginner

What is a polar array in AutoCAD?

A polar array duplicates objects around a center point in a circular pattern, like slices of a pie.

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How do you specify the number of items in a rectangular array?

You set the number of rows and columns to control how many copies appear horizontally and vertically.

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What parameter controls the spacing between items in a rectangular array?

The distance between rows and columns controls the spacing between the duplicated objects.

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How do you define the center point in a polar array?

You pick a point around which the objects will be rotated and duplicated evenly in a circle.

Which array type arranges objects in rows and columns?

A Rectangular array

B Polar array

C Path array

D Random array

A rectangular array arranges objects in rows and columns forming a grid.

In a polar array, objects are duplicated around a _____.

A Line

B Rectangle

C Center point

D Grid

Polar arrays duplicate objects around a center point in a circular pattern.

What do you set to control the number of copies in a rectangular array?

A Rows and columns

B Angle

C Radius

D Layers

Rows and columns determine how many copies appear horizontally and vertically.

Which parameter affects spacing between objects in a rectangular array?

A Rotation angle

B Distance between rows and columns

C Center point

D Object color

Spacing is controlled by the distance between rows and columns.

What shape does a polar array create?

A Triangle

B Grid

C Line

D Circle

Polar arrays create circular patterns by duplicating objects around a center point.

Explain the difference between rectangular and polar arrays in AutoCAD.

Think about grid versus circle patterns.

Describe how you would create a polar array of 8 objects evenly spaced around a center point.

Focus on steps and parameters needed.

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