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Grid and circular arrays

Duplicate the selection on a grid or around a circle. Configurable rotation, spacing, count.

Arrays let you go from one object to many in one operation. Useful for repeating patterns, gear teeth, dot matrices, decorative borders.

Two array types

TypeUse for
Grid ArrayRectangular patterns: rows × columns. Tags on a sheet, drilled hole patterns, badges.
Circular ArrayRadial patterns: copies around a center. Gear teeth, decorative bezels, flower petals.

Grid Array

Steps

  1. Select the object(s) to duplicate.
  2. Menu: Arrange → Grid Array. See Grid Array dialog.
  3. Decide whether to drive by count or by total dimensions (the dialog supports both).
  4. Set rows / columns, spacing, and layout options.
  5. Click Apply.

Useful options

  • Mirror Alternate Cols / Rows: mirror every other column or row. Creates a tile-like alternating pattern.
  • X / Y Shift: offset each row or column. Creates a brick pattern when combined with Half Shift.
  • Random Orientation: randomly rotate each copy for a less-uniform look. Use a fixed seed for reproducibility.
  • Spacing Mode: Center to Center vs Edge to Edge: pick which makes sense for what you are spacing.

Example: 100 dog tags on a sheet

  • 10 columns × 10 rows = 100 copies.
  • Spacing = tag size + 5 mm.
  • Spacing Mode: Edge to Edge (so you specify the gap, not the total pitch).
  • Group Results = on (one undo step to remove if you do not like it).

Circular Array

Steps

  1. Select the object(s).
  2. Menu: Arrange → Circular Array. See Circular Array dialog.
  3. Set count, radius, center mode, angle range.
  4. Click Apply.

Useful options

  • Center Mode: Object: use another object's center as the rotation center.
  • Start Angle / End Angle: for partial-arc arrays (e.g. 180° fan), not just full circles.
  • Rotate Copies: make each copy orient along its radius. Without this, all copies stay axis-aligned.

Example: gear teeth

  • Select one tooth.
  • Count = number of teeth.
  • Center Mode: Explicit, X / Y = the gear's center.
  • Start Angle = 0, End Angle = 360 (full ring).
  • Rotate Copies = on.

Virtual arrays

Both dialogs have a Create Virtual Array toggle. When on, the result is a single parametric array object, count, radius, spacing all editable after creation without rebuilding.

Use virtual arrays when you might want to tweak parameters later. Use regular arrays for one-shot operations where you do not need the parameterization.

Verify it worked

  • All copies are present in the expected pattern.
  • Spacing is consistent.
  • Selection is grouped (or not) per your option choice.

Nest shapes for material efficiency

Pack many parts onto a single sheet with minimum waste. Beam Bench runs the math; you set the constraints.

Tabs (bridges) for clean cuts

Keep cut parts attached to the surrounding material so they do not shift mid-job.

On this page

Two array typesGrid ArrayStepsUseful optionsExample: 100 dog tags on a sheetCircular ArrayStepsUseful optionsExample: gear teethVirtual arraysVerify it workedRelated