ℹ️ This tool is available to all users.
You can use the Pattern tool to instantly create linear and circular patterns of 2D sketches and 3D bodies. Patterns are essentially multiple copies of selected bodies, evenly spaced out in the design space.
Linear pattern
Follow these steps to create patterns that extend in a linear movement with the tool:
- Go to Menu > Transform > Pattern.
- Set the pattern type to “Linear.”
- Select the sketches or bodies that you want to multiply.
- Customize the pattern:
a. Pattern Definition: Select Total Distance or Spacing Distance. You’ll be able to specify the distance later.
b. Quantity: Enter the number of copies of the selected bodies. Once you specify this, the number will appear next to the Quantity label. - Drag one of the arrows to create the pattern.
- Select the dimension label that appears next to Total or Spacing and specify the total or spacing distance with a number or numerical expression.
- Select Done to finish.
Circular pattern
Follow these steps to create patterns that rotate in a circular movement with the tool:
- Go to Menu > Transform > Pattern.
- Set the pattern type to “Circular.”
- Select the sketches or bodies that you want to multiply.
- Set the number of copies in the Quantity label.
- Adjust the pivot point to move the center of rotation, if necessary.
- Drag the arrows in a circular motion to create the pattern.
- Customize the pattern’s orientation:
a. Uniform: Select this option to keep the original item’s orientation for each copy.
b. Rotated: Select this option to adjust each copy’s orientation relative to the pivot point. The copies will look like they were created by rotating the original item 360 degrees. - Select the dimension label that appears next to Total or Spacing and specify the pattern’s definition. You can enter a number or numerical expression in the numpad. There are two types of definitions:
a. Total Angle: The angle created between the first and last item in the pattern.
b. Spacing Angle: The angle between each copy in the pattern. - Select Done to finish.
💡Shortcut💡: If you select the bodies you want to copy first, the menu is customized automatically. From this adaptive menu, you can select the Pattern tool to instantly create a pattern.