How do you copy an array in AutoCAD?

In AutoCAD, you can effectively "copy" objects to create an array pattern using the COPY command's built-in Array option. This method allows you to place multiple copies of selected objects in a linear arrangement based on a specified number of items and distance.

While you can also copy an existing array object using the standard COPY command like any other drawing element, the provided reference demonstrates the process of creating an array of copies using the COPY command.

Method 1: Creating an Array with the COPY Command

This method leverages the Array option within the standard COPY command to generate a series of duplicates of your selected objects. This is the technique shown in the reference.

Step-by-Step Process

Follow these steps to create a linear array of objects using the COPY command:

1. Select Objects: Start by selecting the object(s) you want to copy and arrange in an array.
2. Start COPY Command: Execute the COPY command. You can type COPY in the command line and press Enter, or click the Copy button on the Ribbon.
3. Specify Base Point: When prompted, click to specify a base point for the copy operation. This point will be used as the reference for the placement of the arrayed copies.
4. Activate Array Option: After specifying the base point, you will see options in the command line. Type A and press Enter to select the Array option.
5. Enter Number of Items: You will be prompted to enter the number of items for the array. Type the desired number of copies (including the original object) and press Enter.
6. Specify Displacement: Now you need to specify the displacement for the copies. You have two main ways:
   • Specify a distance and direction: Click a second point or type in a coordinate or distance value (e.g., typing 1000 as shown in the reference) to indicate the displacement vector. The subsequent copies will be placed along this vector based on the number of items you specified.
   • Click anywhere in the drawing area: As mentioned in the reference, you can "click anywhere in the drawing area" to define the displacement vector visually. The array will be generated based on the distance and direction from the base point to the point you click.
7. Complete Command: Once the displacement is set, AutoCAD automatically generates the specified number of copies. You can then press Enter or Esc to exit the COPY command.

For example, if you select an object, start COPY, pick a base point, select the Array option, enter 5 for the number of items, and then specify a displacement of 1000 units horizontally, AutoCAD will create 4 additional copies of the object, each placed 1000 units apart horizontally from the previous one, resulting in a total of 5 objects spaced linearly.

Understanding Displacement Options

Within the COPY command's Array option, after specifying the number of items, you can define the displacement using two methods:

Method	Description	Result
Fit	Specify a total distance or click a point to define the end of the array. AutoCAD calculates the spacing.	The objects are spaced evenly between the base point and the specified end point.
Specify Spacing	Specify the distance or click a point to define the displacement between items.	The objects are placed sequentially based on this exact displacement vector for each copy. (Shown in reference)

The reference specifically illustrates the "Specify Spacing" method by typing a distance or clicking a point to define the displacement between the copies.

Method 2: Copying an Existing Array Object

If you have already created an array in AutoCAD using the ARRAY command (which creates a single associative or non-associative array object), you can copy this entire object just like any other drawing entity.

1. Select the Array Object: Click on the existing array object to select it.
2. Start COPY Command: Execute the COPY command (CO or COPY + Enter).
3. Specify Base Point: Pick a base point on or near the array.
4. Specify Second Point: Pick a destination point where you want to place the copy of the entire array object.
5. Complete Command: Press Enter or Esc.

This copies the entire array entity, maintaining its structure and content (though the copies will be independent entities).

In summary, while you can copy an existing array object, the term "copy an array" in the context of the provided reference refers to using the COPY command's Array option to generate multiple duplicates in a linear pattern.