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Linear Array Copy Form

Array Copy

Array Copy Icon

This tool will automatically create copies of the selected object and lay them out in a grid pattern. The grid size is determined from the number of row and columns requested and the spacing of the object copies can be set directly as a gap distance, or in terms of an offset distance between each copy's position.

Note: You can use the menu item Edit ⇒ Undo or the Ctrl+Z shortcut key to undo the action of this tool while the form is still open. This allows you to easily experiment with different options.

Selected Objects Size

Reports the current size of the selection that you are intending to block copy. This is for information only, but the values can be selected, copied and pasted to use in other calculations.

Rows and Columns

These options specify how many rows and columns of the selected object to create. The total number of copies made will be X multiplied by Y.

Spacing...

There are two ways to specify the spacing between elements in array:
Gap
The X and Y fields will be used to specify the gap between edges of each object copy.
Offset
The X and Y fields are used to define the offset of the position of each object copy, relative to the preceding one.

This example shows a sign blank copied to create a 3 x 3 array.
3 Rows x 3 Columns with a Gap of 0.3 inches between each object:

Array Copy Example

Symmetry...

The symmetry area of the form gives you the ability to mirror and rotate objects. This allows for more advanced pattern making, by default the block symmetry form is set so there is no symmetry or rotation. To alter the pattern you can simply press the block symmetry buttons to create your desired pattern.

Default Block Symmetry Options
Default Block Symmetry Options
Default Result
Resulting Pattern
Horizontal Symmetry
Horizontal Symmetry Applied to Row Above
Horizontal Symmetry Result
Resulting Pattern

Row/Column displacement...

Entering values in the Row/Column displacement allows you to move a row or column by the value specified.

Row Displacement of 1
Row Displacement of 1
1 Row Displacement Result
Resulting Pattern

Group Copies

Having this option checked ✓ will group the objects that you have created in the form when you hit the Copy button.