How to Array Entities in BricsCAD

Quick answer: The ARRAY commands copy a selection in a rectangular pattern, a polar (circular) pattern, or along a linear entity. A rectangular array needs a row and column count plus spacing; a polar array needs a centre point, a rotation step, and either a number of items or an angle to fill, with the option to rotate the copies or keep their original orientation.

The Array Commands

Creating a Static Rectangular Array

1. Launch ARRAYCLASSIC; the Array dialog opens.
2. Under Array Type, choose Rectangular.
3. Click Select Entities; the dialog closes temporarily.
4. Select the entities, then right-click or press Enter; the dialog reopens.
5. Fill out the Settings fields, or use the Pick Points buttons to define them graphically in the drawing (row offset and column offset can also be defined together via a spacing rectangle).
6. Click OK to create the array.

Positive values are measured along the positive X and Y axes of the current UCS; negative values go the opposite direction.

Creating a Static Polar Array

1. Launch ARRAYCLASSIC; the Array dialog opens.
2. Under Array Type, choose Polar.
3. Click Select Entities; the dialog closes temporarily.
4. Select the entities, then right-click or press Enter; the dialog reopens.
5. Choose a Calculate option: Angle between, Angle to fill, or Number of items.
6. Fill out the Settings fields, or use the Pick Points buttons to define them graphically.
7. Optionally tick Rotate items as copied, to rotate the copies around the array’s centre point rather than keeping their original orientation.
8. Optionally define an Entity base point, distinct from the array’s centre point.
9. Click OK to create the array.

Creating a Static 3D Rectangular Array

1. Launch 3DARRAY. You’re prompted to select entities to array.
2. Select one; the count displays, and you’re prompted to select more.
3. Select more, or press Enter to stop. You’re prompted for the array type, Polar or Rectangular.
4. Choose Rectangular. You’re prompted for the number of rows.
5. Specify a number. You’re prompted for the number of columns.
6. Specify a number. You’re prompted for the number of levels.
7. Specify a number. You’re prompted for the vertical distance between rows.
8. Type a value or click two points. You’re prompted for the horizontal distance between columns.
9. Type a value or click two points. You’re prompted for the depth between levels; type a value or click two points, and the array is created.

Positive values are measured along the positive X, Y, and Z axes of the current UCS; negative values go the opposite direction.

Creating a Static 3D Polar Array

1. Launch 3DARRAY. You’re prompted to select entities to array.
2. Select one; the count displays, and you’re prompted to select more.
3. Select more, or press Enter to stop. You’re prompted for the array type, Polar or Rectangular.
4. Choose Polar. You’re prompted for the number of items, or to press Enter to specify an angle between items instead.
5. Specify a number. You’re prompted for the angle to fill (positive for counter-clockwise, negative for clockwise, defaulting to 360).
6. Type a value or press Enter to accept the default. You’re prompted whether to rotate entities around the array.
7. Choose Yes or No, or press Enter to accept the default. You’re prompted for the centre point of the array.
8. Specify a point. You’re prompted for a second point along the array’s central axis.
9. Specify a point; the array is created.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between ARRAY and ARRAYCLASSIC? ARRAY creates evenly spaced associative arrays (rectangular, polar, or path), which stay editable afterward. ARRAYCLASSIC creates static arrays through a dialog box instead.

How do I edit an associative array after creating it? Use ARRAYEDIT, which lets you edit both the array itself and its source entities.

Can a polar array keep its copies in their original orientation instead of rotating them? Yes, leave Rotate items as copied unticked (in ARRAYCLASSIC) or choose No when prompted (in 3DARRAY).

What’s the difference between a polar array’s base point and its centre point? The centre point is where the array rotates around. The base point is a separate, optional reference point on the entity itself, distinct from that centre.