ARRAYCLOSE command in AutoCAD : Saves or discards changes made to an array’s source objects and exits the array editing state

If you need a clear, step‑by‑step guide to using the ARRAYCLOSE command in AutoCAD, below is a complete beginner‑friendly reference: what the command does, how to use it, common problems and fixes, alternative workflows, practical tips, and a FAQ with likely follow‑up questions.

What is the ARRAYCLOSE command?

The ARRAYCLOSE command in AutoCAD exits the array editing state and either saves or discards the changes you made to an associative array’s source objects. When you edit an associative array (created with the ARRAY command), AutoCAD opens a special array editing mode (often with a contextual ribbon tab). To finish editing and return to normal drawing mode, use ARRAYCLOSE.

Important points:

• Applies to associative arrays (rectangular, polar/circular, path).
• Controls whether the in‑session edits are committed or abandoned.
• Can be invoked from the command line or the Array contextual ribbon.

How arrays work in AutoCAD (brief)

• An associative array stores a single source object plus array parameters (rows, columns, levels, angle, spacing, etc.).
• Editing an array (via ARRAYEDIT or by selecting the array) puts you into array editing mode, where you can change elements, grips, and array parameters.
• While editing, changes are temporary until you close the array edit session with ARRAYCLOSE (save) or cancel/discard the edit (discard).

Step‑by‑step: Using ARRAYCLOSE

1. Create an array (if needed):

   • Type ARRAY and choose Rectangular, Polar, or Path.
   • Select the object(s) to array, set rows/columns/angle/spacing, and finish.

2. Enter array editing mode:

   • Select the associative array and choose Edit Array from the right‑click menu, or type ARRAYEDIT at the command line.
   • The Array contextual ribbon appears and grips/controls become available.

3. Make edits:

   • Use grips, the contextual ribbon controls, or parameter fields to modify rows, columns, levels, spacing, rotation, or individual element properties.
   • You can also edit a single element (source object) while in the editing session.

4. Close the edit session:

   • To commit changes, type ARRAYCLOSE at the command line and confirm to Save changes (or choose the save option on the ribbon).
   • To discard changes, use the ribbon Close Array button and select Discard (or use the command and decline to save, depending on prompts), or use ESC to cancel before closing if you prefer.

5. Verify:

   • After closing, the array returns to normal mode. Verify that parameters and elements reflect the expected changes.

Keyboard, ribbon and UI methods

• Command line: type ARRAYCLOSE and press Enter. Follow any prompt to Save/Discard.
• Contextual ribbon: when editing an array, use the Close Array button (usually in the Array contextual tab) to Save or Discard.
• Esc/key: pressing ESC typically cancels current command operations; it may not exit the array edit session. Use ARRAYCLOSE to properly exit and commit or discard.

If you want a quick alias, you can assign one (e.g., in AutoCAD’s CUI) to speed up closing edits.

Common problems and fixes

Problem: ARRAYCLOSE does nothing / command not available

• Cause: You are not in array editing mode (no active array edit session).
• Fix: Select the array and run ARRAYEDIT first, then use ARRAYCLOSE to exit.

Problem: ARRAYCLOSE returns “Unknown command”

• Cause: Typo, or a heavily customized workspace with the command removed, or very old AutoCAD version.
• Fix: Check spelling, try the Close Array ribbon button, or ensure AutoCAD version supports associative arrays (most versions since 2012 do). Reset CUI if the command was accidentally removed.

Problem: Changes weren’t saved after closing

• Cause: You selected Discard or canceled the save prompt.
• Fix: Reopen the array via ARRAYEDIT, redo the changes, and choose Save when closing.

Problem: Array behaves unexpectedly after closing (spacing/rotation wrong)

• Cause: Parameter values may have been changed unintentionally in the editing session.
• Fix: Re-enter ARRAYEDIT and review parameters. Use Undo (Ctrl+Z) immediately if needed to revert the last action before closing.

Problem: Array won’t update or appears corrupted

• Fixes to try:
  • Run REGEN to refresh the drawing.
  • Use AUDIT to detect and fix drawing errors.
  • Use RECOVER on the drawing if corruption suspected.
  • Explode the array as a last resort (see Alternatives).

Alternative commands and workflows

• ARRAYEDIT — Use this to open and edit an associative array before using ARRAYCLOSE.
• ARRAY — Create a new associative array if adjustments are easier from scratch.
• EXPLODE — Converts an associative array into individual objects (non‑associative). Useful when you no longer need array behavior; note that you will lose parameter‑based control.
• PROPERTIES palette — Modify element properties and some array parameters directly while editing.
• Copy/Array via Polar/Rectangular/Path — If associative arrays cause issues, consider creating non-associative duplicates using COPY or ARRAY then exploding the result.
• Custom LISP or scripts — For batch edits to many arrays, consider automation that edits array parameters programmatically.

Practical tips for working with arrays

• Always confirm whether an array is associative (select it and check the Properties palette). Non‑associative arrays behave differently.
• Use the Array contextual ribbon controls for precise parameter input (rows, columns, spacing) rather than only grips.
• Assign a short alias to ARRAYCLOSE if you close arrays frequently.
• Use UNDO immediately if you close and realize the wrong option was chosen — AutoCAD’s undo stack often allows reverting recent edits.
• Consider keeping a backup layer or a duplicate of the source object before converting/exploding arrays.
• When collaborating, communicate whether arrays in the drawing are associative; exploding arrays changes editability for others.

FAQ

How is ARRAYCLOSE different from EXPLODE?

ARRAYCLOSE exits the array editing session and optionally saves your edits while keeping the array associative. EXPLODE permanently breaks the array into individual objects and removes associativity, so you can no longer edit it as a single array.

I closed an array and lost my changes — can I get them back?

If you immediately realize you lost changes, try UNDO (Ctrl+Z). If you made further edits after closing, undo may not recover the full state. Reopen the array with ARRAYEDIT if still associative and reapply changes.

Why can’t I select ARRAYCLOSE from the command line?

You may not be in array editing mode; ARRAYCLOSE is meaningful only when an array edit session is active. Select the array and use ARRAYEDIT first, then close.

Can I automate closing multiple arrays at once?

You can use scripts or LISP routines to loop through arrays and apply close/save logic. If automating, test on a copy of the drawing to avoid unintended changes.

Does ARRAYCLOSE affect corrupted arrays?

If an array is corrupted, ARRAYCLOSE may not resolve the issue. Use AUDIT, RECOVER, or consider exploding and recreating the array from a clean source object.

How do I make sure my array edits are saved by default?

AutoCAD will prompt or provide options in the ribbon to Save or Discard when closing. To avoid losing work, always choose Save or use UNDO immediately if you selected the wrong option.

Can I edit just one item in an array and then close?

Yes. While in ARRAYEDIT, you can select and modify an individual element (source or one item) and then use ARRAYCLOSE to save the change for the entire array context.

Will ARRAYCLOSE rename or remove objects from the drawing?

No. ARRAYCLOSE only commits or discards modifications made during the active array edit session; it does not rename objects. If edits included deleting or replacing elements, those changes will be saved when closing.

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