Arraying entities

Array types

BricsCAD supports rectangular, polar, and path array types. Rectangular and polar arrays can also be configured as 3D arrays by defining multiple levels.

The following commands can be used to create arrays:

  • ARRAY creates rectangular, polar, or path arrays.
  • ARRAYRECT creates a rectangular array.
  • ARRAYPOLAR creates a polar array.
  • ARRAYPATH creates an array along a selected path.
  • 3DARRAY creates static 3D rectangular and polar arrays.
  • ARRAYEDIT modifies associative arrays.
  • ARRAYCLASSIC creates static rectangular or polar arrays through a dialog box.
  • -ARRAY creates rectangular or polar arrays from the Command line.

The ARRAY, ARRAYRECT, ARRAYPOLAR, and ARRAYPATH commands support both associative and static (non-associative) arrays through the Associative option. Associative arrays remain linked to their source entities, allowing them to be edited after creation. Non-associative arrays are created as individual entity copies and cannot be modified as a single array entity. The ARRAYCLASSIC, -ARRAY and 3DARRAY commands create non-associative arrays.

Note: Only associative arrays can be edited after creation. Non-associative (static) arrays cannot be modified as array entities and must be recreated if changes are required.

The ARRAY, ARRAYRECT and ARRAYPOLAR commands support the creation of 3D rectangular and polar arrays through the Levels option.

Array parameters

An array is defined by a set of parameters. The available array parameters depend on the selected array type.

  • Rectangular arrays arrange entities in rows and columns.

    Specify the number of rows and columns, as well as the spacing between rows and columns.

  • Polar arrays arrange entities around a center point.

    Specify the center point, the number of items, and either the angle between items or the total angle to fill. You can choose whether the arrayed entities rotate around the center point or retain their original orientation.

    Note: Add multiple levels to a rectangular or polar array to create a 3D array.
  • Path arrays distribute entities along a selected path.

    Specify the path and define the required distribution and orientation settings.

Note: Parameters of associative arrays can be controlled by parametric expressions. Expressions can be assigned to array properties in the Mechanical Browser panel and are used to automatically recompute array parameters when their driving values change.

Creating an associative or static array

Commands: ARRAY, ARRAYRECT, ARRAYPOLAR, ARRAYPATH

  1. Launch the ARRAY, ARRAYRECT, ARRAYPOLAR or ARRAYPATH command.
  2. Select the entities to include in the array and press Enter.
  3. For the ARRAY command, specify the array type (Rectangular, Polar, or Path).
  4. Define the array parameters.
    Note:
    • The Array Creation contextual ribbon tab is displayed. You can define array parameters using the ribbon controls or from the Command line.
    • To create a 3D array, add multiple levels to a rectangular or polar array.
  5. Set the Associative option to create either an associative or a static (non-associative) array.
  6. Press Enter to create the array.

Creating static rectangular and polar arrays

Commands: ARRAYCLASSIC, -ARRAY, 3DARRAY

Note: Use the 3DARRAY command to create static 3D rectangular or polar arrays.
  1. Launch the ARRAYCLASSIC, -ARRAY or 3DARRAY command.
  2. Select the entities to include in the array and press Enter.
  3. Specify the array type:
    • Rectangular
    • Polar
  4. Define the parameters for the selected array type.
  5. Press Enter or, for ARRAYCLASSIC command, click OK to create the array.

Editing an associative array

Note: When an associative array is selected, array grips are displayed and the Array contextual ribbon tab becomes available, providing access to the main array editing controls. Use either the grips or the ribbon controls to modify the array. Double-clicking an associative array launches the ARRAYEDIT command.
  1. Select the associative array.
  2. Choose one of the following methods to edit the array:
    • Use the controls available on the Array contextual ribbon tab.
    • Click an array grip to modify the array directly.
      Note: If the HOTKEYASSISTANT system variable is On, the Hotkey Assistant widget is displayed. Repeatedly press the Ctrl key to switch between the widget options. The options differ based on the selected grip type.
    • Launch the ARRAYEDIT command. See the ARRAYEDIT command article for more information.
    • Use the Properties panel.
    • Use the Mechanical Browser panel.
  3. Modify the array parameters as required. Options:
    • Change the number of items.
    • Adjust row, column, level, spacing, angle, or path settings, depending on the array type.
    • Edit, replace, or remove array items.
    • Edit the source entities.
      Note: When editing the source entities of an associative array, the Associative Array Edit session displays only the selected source item. Any changes made to the source item are applied to all corresponding items in the array.
  4. Exit array editing and return to the drawing environment.