What is an AutoCAD Array?

An AutoCAD array lets you create multiple copies of objects in a regular pattern — quickly and precisely. Arrays save time, maintain consistent spacing and alignment, and keep designs editable when created as associative arrays.

Explanation

What is an AutoCAD Array?

An Array in AutoCAD is a command that produces multiple instances of one or more selected objects arranged in a pattern. Arrays can be:

• Rectangular (Grid) — rows and columns.
• Polar (Circular) — copies around a center point.
• Path (Along a curve) — copies distributed along a path or polyline.

Arrays created with modern AutoCAD are usually associative, meaning you can edit the array parameters (count, spacing, rotation, etc.) after creation.

When to use Arrays

Use arrays when you need structured repetition, for example:

• Laying out furniture (chairs, desks) in a room plan.
• Creating repeated bolts or fasteners on a flange.
• Duplicating stairs or risers with consistent spacing.
• Placing fixtures or lighting along a corridor or around a column.

How to use the ARRAY command — Step-by-step

Note: You can type ARRAY at the command line, press Enter, and choose the type from the ribbon/contextual menu. The steps below show the common workflows.

Rectangular (Grid) Array — Steps

1. Select the object(s) you want to array.
2. Type ARRAY and press Enter (or click Home > Modify > Array).
3. Choose Rectangular.
4. Set the Rows and Columns (number of items in each direction).
5. Choose the spacing method:
   • Between (specify distance between items), or
   • Total (specify total distance across rows/columns).
6. Enter the Row Offset and Column Offset (distance or total extents).
7. Confirm to create the array. Use the Edit Array contextual ribbon or grips to adjust counts and spacing after creation.

Polar (Circular) Array — Steps

1. Select the object(s) to array.
2. Type ARRAY → choose Polar.
3. Specify the center point for rotation.
4. Enter the items (total number of copies around the center).
5. Set the Angle to fill (default 360° for a full circle).
6. Choose whether to rotate items to follow the center (tick/untick Rotate Items).
7. Confirm and use grips or the Edit Array ribbon to tweak counts and angles.

Path Array — Steps

1. Create or select the path (polyline, spline, arc, or line).
2. Select the object(s) you want to place along the path.
3. Type ARRAY → choose Path.
4. Select the path when prompted.
5. Choose distribution method:
   • Number of Items (specify how many),
   • Between spacing, or
   • Measure/Divide-like behavior depending on version.
6. Decide if objects should align to path (orient to tangent).
7. Confirm and edit with the Edit Array tools.

Editing Arrays after creation

• Select the array and use the Edit Array contextual ribbon or command-line prompts to change rows/columns/items, spacing, rotation, and alignment.
• To edit individual items, use the Convert to Blocks or Explode approach (see Errors/Fixes below) — but note this removes the associative link.

Alternative methods

• Use COPY with the Multiple option for quick manual duplication when you don’t need a structured array.
• Use ROTATE with a base point and enter an angle plus Reference and Multiple for polar-like arrays manually.
• Use DIVIDE or MEASURE on a curve to get points, then INSERT a block at those points using Point or Block placement scripts.
• For older AutoCAD workflows, the legacy dialog ARRAYCLASSIC (if available in your version) offers a traditional dialog box interface.

Common errors and fixes

• Problem: Array spacing is wrong (items overlap or gap incorrectly).

  • Fix: Check whether you entered Between spacing vs Total extent. Re-edit the array and correct the offset or total extent.

• Problem: Array won’t edit or parameters are missing after pasting from another drawing.

  • Fix: Ensure the array is associative. If it was exploded or the associative property lost on import, you won’t be able to edit parameters. Recreate the array or use EXPLODE if you intentionally want separate objects.

• Problem: Objects in a Path array are not oriented correctly.

  • Fix: Toggle Align to path (or Rotate items) when creating or editing the Path array so objects follow the tangent of the path.

• Problem: Performance slows with very large arrays.

  • Fix: Convert repeated geometry into a block before creating the array. Blocks reduce file size and improve responsiveness.

• Problem: Need to change only some items in an array.

  • Fix: Use Convert to Block or Explode to break associative linking, then manually edit items. Alternatively, create separate arrays or use custom blocks and visibility states.

• Problem: Attribute values in arrayed blocks don’t update as expected.

  • Fix: Ensure attribute properties are set to allow multiple instances. If necessary, redefine the block with updated attribute handling or use tags/fields for dynamic values.

Tips and best practices

• Create repeated geometry as a Block before arraying to save memory and maintain consistency.
• Keep arrays associative while you design — it’s easier to revise counts/spacing later.
• Use the Edit Array contextual ribbon for fast changes (grips often let you drag to change counts).
• For 3D arrays, be mindful of UCS and object elevation so copies align in the correct plane.
• When exporting or sharing, know that some viewers or older DWG versions may not preserve associative arrays; consider exploding or providing a backup drawing.
• Use layers and naming conventions to quickly isolate arrayed elements for editing.

How do I place objects at exact distances using an array?

Use a rectangular array and choose the Between spacing option to enter exact distances between rows and columns.

Can I create arrays in 3D (stacked vertically)?

Yes — create a Rectangular array and set row/column offsets to include a vertical (Z) offset, or array 2D geometry on different elevations. Ensure your objects’ elevation and the current UCS are set correctly.

How do I convert an associative array into individual editable objects?

Select the array and use the EXPLODE command. Warning: exploding will remove the associative parameters and make items independent.

Can I skip or remove specific items from an array without exploding?

Modern AutoCAD allows limited item suppression via the Edit Array tools (remove items or change visibility). If extensive selective editing is needed, consider creating separate arrays or explode the array and edit manually.

Will blocks with attributes keep unique values when arrayed?

Yes, blocks with attributes can be arrayed. If you need unique attribute values per instance, you may need to update attributes after creation or use dynamic blocks/fields tied to object properties.

How can I count how many items are in an array?

Select the array — the Edit Array ribbon or the Properties palette will display the total number of items. For exploded arrays, use the COUNT command or a quick SELECTALL on the layer/block name.

Why do my polar arrayed objects flip or rotate unexpectedly?

Check Rotate Items setting in the Polar array options and review the object’s base point and UCS orientation. Unwanted rotations often come from object insertion point or UCS differences.

Is there a keyboard-only workflow for arrays?

Yes — type ARRAY, press Enter, choose the type by typing R (Rectangular), P (Polar), or H (Path, depending on prompts), then follow the command-line prompts to enter counts, offsets, and center points.