Arrays create copies of objects in regular patterns. AutoCAD supports three types: Rectangular (grid), Polar (circular), and Path (along a curve). All three create associative arrays by default — you can edit the array parameters after creation.
Array Types
Rectangular Array
ARRAYRECT
Copies objects in rows and columns. Specify number of rows, columns, and spacing between them.
Polar Array
ARRAYPOLAR
Copies objects in a circular pattern around a center point. Specify count and fill angle (default 360°).
Path Array
ARRAYPATH
Copies objects along a path (line, polyline, arc, spline). Specify count or spacing.
Rectangular Array (ARRAYRECT)
🔐 Array Calculator
Select values above to calculate
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select the object(s) to array |
| 2 | Type ARRAYRECT (or Array → Rectangular in the ribbon) |
| 3 | Enter number of rows, columns, levels (3D) |
| 4 | Specify row spacing (distance between rows, center-to-center) |
| 5 | Specify column spacing (distance between columns, center-to-center) |
| 6 | Press Enter or close the Array Creation tab to finish |
Polar Array (ARRAYPOLAR)
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select the object(s) to array |
| 2 | Type ARRAYPOLAR |
| 3 | Specify the center point of the array |
| 4 | Enter number of items (total count including original) |
| 5 | Enter fill angle (360° = full circle; 180° = semicircle, etc.) |
| 6 | Choose whether to rotate items as they are placed (usually Yes) |
💡 Rotate Items: With "Rotate Items" ON, each copy rotates to stay perpendicular to the radius (like bolts around a flange). With it OFF, all copies keep the same orientation (like chairs around a round table).
Path Array (ARRAYPATH)
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select the object(s) to array |
| 2 | Type ARRAYPATH |
| 3 | Select the path curve (line, polyline, arc, circle, ellipse, spline) |
| 4 | Choose method: Divide (count) or Measure (spacing distance) |
| 5 | Enter count or spacing |
| 6 | Choose alignment (align items to path or keep orientation) |
Editing Arrays (ARRAYEDIT)
Because arrays are associative, you can modify them after creation without redrawing. Double-click an array, or type ARRAYEDIT and select it.
| Task | How |
|---|---|
| Change row/column count | Double-click array → Array tab appears in ribbon → change Rows/Columns values |
| Change spacing | Array tab → Row Spacing / Column Spacing fields |
| Edit source object | Array tab → Edit Source. Changes update all instances. |
| Replace source object | Array tab → Replace Item (with ARRAYEDIT) |
| Remove association | EXPLODE the array. This disconnects all copies permanently. |
Associative vs. Classic Arrays
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Associative (default since 2012) | Editable after creation; change source updates all; parametric | Larger file size; requires ARRAYEDIT to modify individual items |
| Classic (ARRAY command pre-2012 style) | Simple copies with no dependencies; can edit any item independently | Not editable as a group; must redo to change pattern |
To create a non-associative array: type ARRAY → Associative = No. Or set system variable ARRAYASSOCIATIVITY = 0.
Useful System Variables
| Variable | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
ARRAYASSOCIATIVITY | 1 | 0 = non-associative arrays; 1 = associative |
ARRAYCLASSIC | 0 | 1 = use classic dialog for ARRAY command |