ARRAYPOLAR command in AutoCAD : Evenly distributes object copies in a circular pattern around a center point or axis of rotation

If you need a clear, step-by-step guide to using the AutoCAD arraypolar functionality (creating evenly spaced copies around a center point), this article explains what the command does, how to use it in current and older AutoCAD versions, common reasons it may fail and how to fix them, useful alternatives, and practical tips for efficient results.

What is the arraypolar (Polar Array) command?

The Polar Array arranges one or more selected objects as evenly spaced copies around a center point or axis, forming a circular pattern. In modern AutoCAD, the polar array is accessed through the general ARRAY command (choose the Polar option). Older AutoCAD versions used a legacy command name such as ARRAYPOLAR or the classic dialog via ARRAYCLASSIC.

Key behaviors:

• You specify a center point (axis of rotation).
• You enter the number of items (copies) including the original.
• You set the angle to fill (e.g., 360° for a full circle) or choose an angle between items.
• You can choose whether to rotate items so they remain tangent/radial to the center or keep their original orientation.
• Arrays can be associative (editable as a single object) or non-associative (individual objects).

When to use polar array

• Distributing chairs, bolts, spokes, teeth, lights, or repeated features around a circular object.
• Creating circular patterns quickly without copying and rotating manually.
• Maintaining parametric control (with associative arrays) for easy edits.

How to use Polar Array — Step by step (modern AutoCAD)

Note: The Command alias is typically ARRAY (or AR). In the ribbon: Modify > Array > Polar.

1. Start the command:
   • Type ARRAY and press Enter, or click Modify > Array > Polar.
2. Choose the Polar option:
   • In the command line or array dialog, select Polar.
3. Select objects:
   • Click the objects you want to copy around the center, then press Enter.
4. Specify center point:
   • Click the center point on screen or enter coordinates. This is the rotation axis.
5. Enter number of items:
   • When prompted, type the Number of items (includes the original object).
6. Set the angle:
   • When prompted for Angle to fill, enter a value (e.g., 360 for full circle).
   • Alternatively pick Angle between to set spacing between successive items.
7. Toggle rotate items:
   • Choose Rotate items = Yes or No. Yes rotates each copy so it aligns radially.
8. Confirm and finish:
   • Press Enter or click OK. If associative, you can later edit the array as a single object (grips or Properties).

Quick example: To place 12 bolts around a circular flange:

• Select a bolt block, ARRAY → Polar → pick flange center → Number = 12 → Angle to fill = 360 → Rotate items = No (if bolts should keep orientation).

How to use legacy ARRAYPOLAR / classic dialog

In older AutoCAD versions or when preferring the old dialog:

• Type ARRAYCLASSIC to open the classic Array dialog box, then choose Polar.
• Or, if your AutoCAD supports ARRAYPOLAR as a command alias, you can run that directly.
• The dialog provides fields for center, items, total angle, and options similar to the modern workflow.

Editable options and further edits

• Associative arrays: Keep objects linked so you can edit parameters (item count, total angle) later. Use the Properties palette or grips.
• Explode: If you need independent objects, use EXPLODE on the array (note: exploding an associative array loses parametric control).
• ARRAYEDIT: Use this command (or the array contextual ribbon) to add/remove items, change the source object, or change item count/angle after creation.
• Base point: Set a base point to control where the first item appears relative to the center.

Common reasons array/polar doesn’t work and fixes

1. Command not recognized

   • Cause: Very old AutoCAD or alias differences.
   • Fix: Use ARRAY then choose Polar, or use ARRAYCLASSIC to access the legacy dialog.

2. Objects not selectable / selection issues

   • Cause: Objects on locked or frozen layers, or selection filters active.
   • Fix: Unlock/unfreeze layers, disable selection filters, ensure objects are selectable.

3. Wrong center / unexpected placement

   • Cause: Wrong UCS or using OSNAP on an unintended point.
   • Fix: Set the correct UCS or use explicit coordinates; use precise osnap points.

4. Array creates unexpected orientation

   • Cause: Rotate items setting or object’s insertion base point.
   • Fix: Toggle Rotate items option; ensure the object’s base point is set correctly (for blocks).

5. Items not evenly spaced or incorrect count

   • Cause: User entered wrong number or angle; used Angle Between vs. Angle to Fill incorrectly.
   • Fix: Re-run array or use ARRAYEDIT to change Number of items or Fill angle.

6. Performance or file size issues

   • Cause: Many individual objects (non-blocks) or non-associative arrays exploded.
   • Fix: Use blocks for repeated geometry, use associative arrays, keep arrays associative until finalizing.

7. Array cannot be created for certain object types

   • Cause: Some objects (special entities or external references) may behave oddly.
   • Fix: Convert to a supported entity (block) or detach external references as needed.

Alternative methods to create circular patterns

• Manual copy + rotate:
  • Use COPY and ROTATE with a specified base point and angle increment. Good for small counts or fine control.
• Use Polar tracking and polar grips:
  • Combine copy with polar tracking for evenly spaced placement.
• dynamic blocks:
  • Create a Dynamic block with a polar parameter to array geometry inside a block.
• Path or rectangular array (for non-circular repetition):
  • Use RECTANGULAR or PATH options of the ARRAY command if pattern isn’t purely circular.
• Lisp or script automation:
  • Use simple AutoLISP or script to generate large or parameterized patterns, especially for specialized workflows.

Practical tips & best practices

• Use blocks for repeated geometry to save file size and improve performance.
• Keep arrays associative while designing so you can quickly change item count or angle.
• Set the object’s base point appropriately before arraying (for correct placement/orientation).
• Use Rotate items = No for features that must keep a fixed orientation (e.g., text, symbols).
• If you need a portion of a circle, set Angle to fill less than 360° (e.g., 180° for a semicircle).
• For clockwise vs counterclockwise direction, pick the starting point accordingly or use a negative angle if needed.
• When precise placement matters, enter exact coordinates for the center point rather than clicking.
• Use ARRAYEDIT or the Properties palette to refine arrays after creation.

troubleshooting checklist (quick)

• Are layers unlocked and thawed?
• Is UCS set as expected?
• Did you pick the correct center point?
• Is the object a block with an appropriate insertion base point?
• Is Rotate Items set to the desired state?
• Is your AutoCAD version using ARRAY (with Polar) instead of a legacy alias?

FAQ

What is the difference between ARRAY → Polar and ARRAYPOLAR?

In modern AutoCAD the polar array is accessed via the ARRAY command (choose Polar). ARRAYPOLAR may exist as a legacy alias in older releases or customized environments. Use ARRAY or ARRAYCLASSIC if you prefer the older dialog.

How do I make the first item start at a specific angle?

Choose a base point or rotate the source object before arraying. In many workflows you can set the insertion point (base) or use the Array Edit tools to shift starting angle. Alternatively, rotate the resulting array as a whole.

Can I array text or Annotative objects?

Yes, but be careful: annotative objects will behave according to annotation scale and may require special handling. If text must remain upright, set Rotate Items = No and ensure the Text style and base point are appropriate.

How do I edit the number of items after creating an array?

Select the associative array and use the ARRAYEDIT command, the contextual Array ribbon controls, or the Properties palette to change the number of items, fill angle, or other parameters.

My array explodes file size — how can I reduce it?

Use blocks for the source geometry and keep the array associative. Avoid exploding arrays until final output is required. Convert repeated geometry into blocks before arraying.

Can I create a partial circular (arc) array?

Yes. Set the Angle to fill to less than 360° (for example, 90° or 180°) or set Angle between to specify spacing; the array will place items only within that sector.

Why are items not rotating toward the center?

Check the Rotate items option during the array setup. If it’s set to No, copies retain original orientation. To have radial orientation, choose Yes.

How to create a clockwise array instead of counterclockwise?

Choose the starting point and direction visually when specifying the center and base. You can also use a negative value for rotation/angle in some workflows or rotate the completed array as needed.