Array Tools
Rectangular Array creates a grid of copies. Radial Array places copies in a circle or arc.
Array ToolsArray Tools let you multiply any selected object — a paver, plant, chair, or light — into an ordered grid or a circular ring with a single action. The Rectangular Array tool places copies in rows and columns at precise spacings, ideal for paving patterns, orchard layouts, and raised-bed grids. The Radial Array tool spreads copies evenly around a center point you click, making it easy to arrange seating, plants, or luminaires around focal features like fountains or fire pits. Both tools support up to 50 copies per axis (rectangular) or 100 copies (radial), and all copies become independent objects you can edit after placement.
Select the objects you want to repeat
Click to select one or more objects on the canvas before activating an array tool. The array tools are only available when at least one object is selected — the Apply button remains disabled until a selection exists. Any combination of shapes, plants, or symbols can be arrayed together as a group.
Activate Rectangular Array
Open the Modification tool group and click Rectangular Array. The tool sidebar opens showing four fields: Count X (columns, 1–50), Count Y (rows, 1–50), Spacing X (horizontal gap in your active units), and Spacing Y (vertical gap). Spacing is measured center-to-center, so for 600 mm tiles with a 10 mm joint, enter 0.61 m.
Spacing in the array panels is center-to-center, not gap-to-gap. Add the object width (or height) to the desired gap to get the correct spacing value. For example, a 0.6 m paver with a 0.01 m joint needs a spacing of 0.61 m.
Apply or place the rectangular grid
Click Apply in the sidebar or press Enter to drop the grid at the original object's position. Alternatively, click anywhere on the canvas to place the bottom-left corner of the grid at that point. The original object is kept and all additional copies are placed relative to it. Press Escape at any time before applying to cancel without creating copies.
Activate Radial Array
Click Radial Array in the Modification tool group. The sidebar shows Number of copies (2–100), Total angle (0.1°–360°), and Rotation offset (-360°–360°). Set Total angle to 360° for a full ring; use a smaller value such as 180° to create a semicircular arc of copies.
Choose whether copies rotate to follow the ring
Rotate items with array is on by default, so each copy automatically rotates to face outward along the ring — useful for chairs, benches, or directional spotlights that should point toward the center. Turn the option off to keep all copies at the same orientation as the original, which works well for trees, planters, or symmetrical symbols.
Click the center point to place the radial array
With your count and angle settings confirmed, click the desired center point on the canvas. The copies appear instantly, distributed evenly around that point. The original object stays in place as one of the copies in the ring. Use the Rotation offset field to rotate the entire ring without changing the spacing — useful to avoid copies landing on a path or structure.
For orchard or fruit tree layouts, rectangular array spacing of 4–6 m between trees (center-to-center) is standard. For raised vegetable beds, leave 0.6–0.9 m paths between bed objects — set spacing equal to the bed width plus the path width.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Enter | Apply rectangular array |
| Escape | Cancel |
Key Parameters
| Name | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Count X | 2 | Number of columns in the rectangular array, including the original (1-50). |
| Count Y | 2 | Number of rows in the rectangular array, including the original (1-50). |
| Spacing X | 1 m | Center-to-center distance between copies in the horizontal (X) direction. |
| Spacing Y | 1 m | Center-to-center distance between copies in the vertical (Y) direction. |
| Number of copies | 6 | Total copies to create in the radial array, including the original object (2–100). |
| Total angle | 360° | The arc swept by the array. Use 360° for a full ring, or less for an arc. |
| Rotation offset | 0° | Rotates the entire ring by this amount without changing the spacing between copies. |
| Rotate items with array | on | When on, each copy is rotated to face outward along the ring. When off, all copies keep the original orientation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Apply button is grayed out — what do I need to do first?
You must select at least one object on the canvas before activating an array tool. Click the object you want to repeat, then open Rectangular Array or Radial Array. The Apply button becomes active as soon as a selection is present.
How do I create an arc of copies instead of a full ring?
In Radial Array, set the Total angle field to less than 360°. For example, 180° places copies in a semicircle, and 90° fills a quarter-circle. The copies distribute evenly across that angle. Use the Rotation offset field to spin the entire arc to the orientation you need.
My radial copies all face the same direction. How do I make them face outward?
Enable the Rotate items with array option in the Radial Array sidebar. Each copy will then be automatically rotated to face outward from the center point — ideal for chairs, benches, or directional lights around a focal feature.
Can I array multiple objects at once?
Yes. Select all the objects you want to repeat before activating the array tool. All selected objects are treated as a single group and every copy will contain the full set of objects in the same relative positions.
What is the maximum number of copies I can create?
Rectangular Array supports up to 50 copies in each axis, so a maximum of 50 × 50 = 2,500 total copies. Radial Array supports up to 100 copies in a single ring. For very large counts, consider creating a smaller array first, then arraying the result.