ARRAY command in AutoCAD : Creates copies of objects arranged in a pattern

If you need a clear, step‑by‑step guide to the ARRAY command in AutoCAD — what it does, how to use each array type, common problems and fixes, alternative methods and practical tips — this article gives a complete beginner‑friendly explanation with examples and an easy reference you can follow.

What is the ARRAY command?

The ARRAY command in AutoCAD creates multiple copies of selected objects arranged in a pattern. AutoCAD supports three primary array types:

• rectangular array — copies arranged in rows, columns and optional levels (3D).
• Polar array — copies arranged around a center point (circular pattern).
• Path array — copies distributed along a path (polyline, spline, arc, circle).

Modern AutoCAD uses a single ARRAY command that opens a contextual ribbon and properties to choose the array type and edit parameters. There is also a legacy dialog available with the system variable ARRAYCLASSIC or the command-line version -ARRAY (dash-array).

When to use ARRAY

Use ARRAY when you need consistent, repeatable placement of objects, for example:

• Repeating windows or columns in a building elevation.
• Fast placement of bolts or fixtures around a circular flange.
• Distributing chairs along a curved auditorium row.
• Creating 3D repeated patterns (levels) in a model.

Using an associative array lets you edit the entire pattern dynamically after creation, which saves time versus manually copying.

How to use the ARRAY command — step by step

General: Type ARRAY in the command line or click Home > Modify > Array. Select objects when prompted, choose array type (Rectangular, Polar, or Path) from the array ribbon or command options, then specify the parameters described below.

Rectangular array (grid pattern)

1. Type ARRAY and press Enter.
2. Select the object(s) and press Enter.
3. Choose Rectangular on the Array ribbon (or type R).
4. Set Rows and Columns (for 3D arrays you can add Levels).
5. Define Row Spacing and Column Spacing (distance between centers), or specify overall width/height to distribute items evenly.
6. Check Levels and Level Offset if you need vertical stacking.
7. Click OK or press Enter to create the array.

Tips:

• Use Number and spacing to control exact gaps.
• For equal distribution across a total span, change the spacing mode to fit or specify total distance.

Polar array (circular pattern)

1. Type ARRAY and press Enter.
2. Select object(s) and press Enter.
3. Choose Polar on the ribbon (or type P).
4. Specify the center point for rotation.
5. Set Items (number of copies including the original) and Angle to fill (usually 360° for a full circle).
6. Toggle Rotate items around center if you want each item to rotate tangentially.
7. Click OK.

Tips:

• Use an angle less than 360° for arcs of items (e.g., spacing 90° across 4 items).
• Use Fill to define even spacing over a defined angle.

Path array (along a curve)

1. Type ARRAY and press Enter.
2. Select the object(s) and press Enter.
3. Choose Path on the ribbon (or type A).
4. Select the path object (polyline, spline, line, arc, etc.).
5. Choose Method: Divide (by number of items) or Measure (interval distance).
6. Specify Items or Distance.
7. Toggle Align items to path if required (rotates objects to follow path direction).
8. Click OK.

Tips:

• For complex paths, use a polyline converted from multiple segments to get consistent placement.
• If the path is open, the array will start at the path start point.

Editing an associative array

If the array is associative (default in modern AutoCAD), you can edit parameters after creation:

• Select the array and use the Array contextual ribbon to change type, items, spacing, center, or path.
• Drag grips on the array to adjust spacing, total number of items, or angle interactively.
• Use the Properties panel to edit numeric values precisely (Rows, Columns, Items, Angle, etc.).
• To break the association and convert copies into individual objects, use EXPLODE or right-click → Convert to > Blocks/Groups depending on desired result.

Use the ARRAYEDIT (context menu) or right-click while the array is selected for quick access to common Editing tools.

Why ARRAY sometimes doesn’t work — common problems and fixes

Problem: Command seems to do nothing after selection.

• Fix: Make sure you actually select objects. If selection is empty, the command finishes without changes.

Problem: Objects do not appear after creating the array.

• Fix: Check that the objects are on a visible and unlocked layer. Use LAYER to verify. Also verify object color/linetype/visibility in current viewport.

Problem: Grip edits don’t update or are unavailable.

• Fix: Ensure the array is associative. If it’s already exploded or converted, you’ll edit objects individually instead.

Problem: Polar or path array items are not oriented as expected.

• Fix: Toggle Rotate items or Align to path options. For polar arrays, items rotate around the center only if rotation is enabled.

Problem: Annotative or dynamic blocks behave unexpectedly in an array.

• Fix: Some Dynamic block parameters or annotative scaling settings can conflict with arraying. Test with a simple block first. For Annotative objects, ensure the current viewport annotation scale is appropriate.

Problem: ARRAY command is greyed out or missing on ribbon.

• Fix: Type ARRAY at the command line. If the ribbon is customized, restore or add the command. Use -ARRAY (dash) for the command-line interface.

Problem: ARRAYCLASSIC needed or prefer the old dialog.

• Fix: Set system variable ARRAYCLASSIC = 1 to enable the classic dialog, or use -ARRAY for full command-line control.

Problem: Performance slows with very large arrays.

• Fix: Use fewer items, create blocks instead of raw geometry, or place arrays on frozen viewports/layers. Consider generating a representative pattern and using block references to reduce file size.

Problem: Arrayed objects snap incorrectly when using OSNAP.

• Fix: Turn off OSNAP or set Selection preview appropriately. Use Object snap settings carefully while picking center points or paths.

If uncertain, use REGEN or REGENALL to refresh the drawing view.

Alternative methods when ARRAY is not suitable

• Use COPY with the Multiple option for simple linear repetition.
• Use -ARRAY (dash) for exact command-line scripting and to integrate into scripts.
• Use MEASURE or DIVIDE commands to place points and then copy to point locations with POINT and ARRAYPATH using those points.
• Create a block of the object and use INSERT with multiple positions (less versatile but lightweight).
• Use basic LISP routines or scripts to generate customized patterns for specialized tasks.
• For complex 3D patterns, duplicate and transform (ROTATE, MOVE, MIRROR) with precise base points and commands, then group or block them.

Tips for best results and SEO‑friendly practices

• Always make a block of an object you intend to array if you expect many instances — this improves performance and editing.
• Use the Properties palette for precise numeric control of array parameters.
• Keep arrays associative while you plan edits; convert to static only when finalized.
• Use layers to turn visibility on/off for large arrays and to reduce drawing complexity while working.
• If you need exact spacing across a total width/angle, set the array spacing mode to Fit or input the total Distance/Angle and let AutoCAD calculate spacing.
• For scripting and automation, use -ARRAY and include exact values in the script for reproducible results.
• If creating arrays for printing, check annotation scales and make sure annotative objects behave as expected.
• Save frequent array setups as templates or LISP routines for faster reuse.

Examples (before and after)

Example 1 — Rectangular windows:

• Before: One window block on a facade.
• Action: Use ARRAY → Rectangular → 5 Columns × 3 Rows, set column spacing to window width + sash.
• After: Fully populated window grid, editable globally via array properties.

Example 2 — Bolt circle:

• Before: A single bolt symbol.
• Action: ARRAY → Polar → Center at hole axis → Items = 12 → Angle = 360°.
• After: Bolts evenly spaced around the flange; toggle Rotate items if bolts must face outward.

Example 3 — Seats along a curve:

• Before: One seat block.
• Action: Create a polyline representing the row, then ARRAY → Path → Divide method → Items = number of seats.
• After: Seats follow the curvature; turn on Align to path to rotate seats along the curve.

How do I create a circular pattern of objects?

Use ARRAY → Polar, pick a center point, set the number of Items and the Angle (usually 360°). Toggle Rotate items if objects should rotate around the center.

How can I change spacing after creating the array?

Select the array and use the Array contextual ribbon or Properties palette to alter Row/Column Spacing, Items, or Fill Angle. Alternatively, use grips to drag and update spacing interactively.

How do I make an array non‑associative (convert to independent objects)?

Select the array and use EXPLODE to break it into individual objects. Note: exploding associative arrays converts them into regular entities; history and easy global edits are lost.

Why are my arrayed objects not rotating correctly?

Check the Rotate items (polar) or Align to path (path) options. For path arrays, make sure the path direction and object insertion point are correct — rotate the source block or change its base point if needed.

Can I array annotative or dynamic blocks?

Yes, but be cautious: dynamic block parameters can interact unexpectedly with array transformations. Annotative scaling uses the current annotation scale — verify appearance in the target viewport scale.

Is there a command-line only option for ARRAY?

Yes. Use -ARRAY (dash before ARRAY) to enter array options entirely through the command line — useful for scripts and precise input without dialogs.

My array causes the drawing to slow down. What should I do?

Convert repeated geometry into blocks, reduce the number of items, freeze the array layer while working, or replace large arrays with simplified placeholders during editing.

How do I array along multiple paths?

AutoCAD’s native ARRAY only accepts a single path per array. For multiple paths, create separate arrays per path, or use scripts/LISP to automate the process across several paths.