AutoCAD Pocket Reference. Cheryl R. Shrock

       Polar Array

      This method allows you to make multiple copies in a circular pattern. You specify the total number of copies to fill a specific Angle or specify the angle between each copy and angle to fill.

      To use the Polar Array command you select the object(s) to array, specify the center of the array, specify the number of copies or the angle between the copies, the angle to fill and if you would like the copies to rotate as they are copied.

       Example of a Polar Array

      Note: The two examples shown above use the objects default base point. The examples below display what happens if you specify a basepoint.

       How to create a Polar Array

       Using “Number of Items”

      1. Draw a 3" [76.2 mm] radius circle.

      2. Add a 0.50" [12.7 mm] radius 3 sided Polygon and place as shown.

      3. Select the Array command using one of the following:

       Ribbon = Home Tab / Modify Panel / Array or Keyboard = array <Enter>

      4. Select Polar Array.

      5. Select objects: select the object to be arrayed (Polygon).

      6. Select objects: select more objects or <Enter> to stop

      7. Specify center point of array or [Base point / Axis of Rotation]: select the center point of the circle.

      The Array Creation Tab appears and the array defaults to 6 items.

      8. Enter Items: 12

      9. Enter Fill: 360

      10. Press <Enter> to display the selections.

      11. Select Close Array if display is correct.

       Note:

       12 items were evenly distributed within 360 degrees.

       How to create a Polar Array

       Using “Angle Between”

      1. Draw a 3" [76.2 mm] radius circle.

      2. Add a 0.50" [12.7 mm] radius 3 sided Polygon and place as shown.

      3. Select the Array command using one of the following:

       Ribbon = Home Tab / Modify Panel / Array or Keyboard = array <Enter>

      4. Select Polar Array.

      5. Select objects: select the object to be arrayed (Polygon).

      6. Select objects: select more objects or <Enter> to stop.

      7. Specify center point of array or [Base point / Axis of Rotation]: select the center point of the circle.

      The Array Creation Tab appears and the array defaults to 6 items.

      8. Enter Items: 6

      9. Enter Between: 45

      10. Press <Enter> to display the selections.

      11. Select Close Array if display is correct.

       Note:

       6 items were copied at each 45 degree ccw.

       To have the items copied in a clockwise direction, uncheck the “Direction” button.

       How to create a Polar Array

       Using “Fill Angle”

      1. Draw a 3" [76.2 mm] radius circle.

      2. Add a 0.50" [12.7 mm] radius 3 sided Polygon and place as shown.

      3. Select the Array command using one of the following:

      Ribbon = Home Tab / Modify Panel / Array or Keyboard = array <Enter>

      4. Select Polar Array.

      5. Select objects: select the object to be arrayed (Polygon).

      6. Select objects: select more objects or <Enter> to stop.

      7. Specify center point of array or [Base point / Axis of Rotation]: select the center point of the circle.

      The Array Creation Tab appears and the array defaults to 6 items.

      8. Enter Items: 8

      9. Enter Fill: 180

      10. Press <Enter> to display the selections.

      11. Select Close Array if display is correct.

       Note:

       8 items were evenly distributed within 180 degrees ccw.

       To have the items copied in a clockwise direction, uncheck the “Direction” button.

       How to create a Path Array

      1. Draw a Line 6" [152.4 mm] long at 20 degrees.

      2. Add a 0.500" [12.7 mm] x 0.500" [12.7 mm] Rectangle as shown.

      3. Select the Array command using one of the following:

       Ribbon = Home Tab / Modify Panel / Array or Keyboard = array <Enter>

      4. Select Path Array.

      5.