Working with polar arrays in AutoCAD allows you to efficiently place multiple copies of objects around a central point. This guide covers both the initial creation process, leveraging the provided steps, and how to modify an array after it has been created.
Creating a Polar Array (Based on Reference Steps)
To create a new polar array in AutoCAD, you will specify the objects to duplicate, the center point of rotation, and the key parameters for the array distribution. Follow these steps as outlined:
- Click the Home tab on the ribbon, navigate to the Modify panel, and select the Polar Array tool. Find the tool using its icon if preferred.
- Select the objects you wish to include in the array. Press Enter after selecting all objects.
- Specify a center point for the array. This point acts as the pivot around which the objects will be copied. A preview array is displayed as you define the center point.
- Once the preview appears, you can specify the total number of items (objects) in the array. Enter
i(for Items) at the command prompt or in the ribbon's array creation tab, and then enter the desired number of objects (e.g., 6, 8, 12). - Next, define the angle over which the items should be distributed. Enter
a(for Angle) and enter the angle to fill (e.g., 360 for a full circle, 180 for a half-circle). You can also use the arrow grips on the preview array to visually adjust the fill angle.
These steps establish the initial polar array configuration.
Here's a quick summary of the key parameters you'll set during creation:
| Parameter | Command Option | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Items | i |
Total number of objects in the array (including original). |
| Angle | a |
The total angle over which the items are distributed. |
| Center | (Pick Point) | The pivot point for the radial distribution. |
Editing an Existing Polar Array
After a polar array is created, it often remains as a single associative object by default. This makes editing its properties straightforward.
To edit an existing polar array:
- Select the polar array object in your drawing.
- Once selected, a contextual Array ribbon tab will appear, and grips will be displayed on the array.
- Use the Array Ribbon Tab: This ribbon provides direct access to edit parameters like:
- Items: Change the total number of items.
- Between: Modify the angle between individual items.
- Fill Angle: Change the total angle the array occupies.
- Rows: Add concentric rings of objects.
- Levels: Add layers of objects in the Z direction (3D arrays).
- Associative: Toggle whether the array behaves as a single object or individual copies.
- Edit Source: Modify the original object(s) that make up the array.
- Replace Item: Substitute one or more items in the array with different objects.
- Reset Array: Revert the array to its original state after editing.
- Use Grips: The grips provide a dynamic way to edit:
- Triangular Grip: Adjust the Fill Angle by dragging.
- Square Grip (on path/radius): Adjust the Distance Between Items or the Radius of the array.
- Square Grip (on items): Adjust the Number of Items or the Number of Rows.
By using the contextual ribbon or the array grips, you can easily modify the layout, quantity, and spacing of objects within your polar array in AutoCAD without needing to recreate it from scratch.
