Creating Linear Arrays

Examples of linear arrays

A linear array is a series of clones along one or more axes. A linear array can be anything from a line of trees or cars to a stairway, a picket fence, or a length of chain. Any scene requiring repeated objects or shapes is a candidate for a linear array.

See Using the Array Dialog for an explanation of interface terms used here. See Arraying Objects for the basic steps in making an array.

Creating Simple Linear Arrays

The simplest 2D linear array is based on moving a single object along a single axis. These are the basic choices to make on the Array dialog.

Make these choices in the Array Transformation group:

Use Incremental Move settings where you know the spacing you want between objects.
Use Totals Move settings when you know the overall space or volume you want the array to occupy.
For either of these two types of arrays, enter a value for one axis. Leave the other transforms at their default values.

Make these choices in the Array Dimension group:

Set 1D (2D and 3D are toggled off automatically when you set 1D).
Enter a Count value for the number of objects in the array. The field for Total In Array updates to show you the current total of objects in the array you are designing.
Click OK to create a linear array along the chosen axis, with the number of objects specified by Count.

2D and 3D Linear Arrays

Arrays in 2D and 3D have the same Array Transformation setup as 1D.

Set 2D or 3D and enter a Count value.
If you set 3D, 2D is automatically active. Both default to 1, which has the same effect as 1D. Set 2D and 3D Count above 1 to produce a more complex array.
Set at least one Incremental Row Offset for 2D and 3D. Otherwise, there will no separation between the 1D row and the new clones.

A wide variety of linear arrays are possible. Experiment with moving along all three axes and varying the row offsets in 2D and 3D.

Using Rotation in Linear Arrays

Linear array with elements rotated about their Y axis

You can rotate elements in a linear array by adding a Rotate value for a specified axis. When you add rotation to a linear array, the choice of transform center becomes important.

Using Scale in Linear Arrays

Linear array with progressive scaling

When you add a scale factor, each copy is scaled from the previous copy. Objects in the array become progressively smaller or larger. In the illustration, the same rotated array is used, but this time is scaled uniformly larger. The result can have a fractal-like effect.

Scale and Movement in Nested Arrays

Using only scale settings and the local pivot of an object produces nested arrays, like Russian dolls, just as it does when you Shift-Scale from the local pivot. However, with the Array tool, you can add movement as well. This means you can create increasingly larger or smaller copies and array them at the same time.

Using Uniform Scaling

By default, all axes are available for scaling.

If you set Uniform, only the Incremental Scale X field is active; the Y and Z fields are unavailable. The X value is applied as a uniform scale on all axes of the arrayed objects.

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