How to copy an object multiple times in a straight line or circle in Rhino?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in Rhino 3D, the fastest professional way to copy an object multiple times in a straight line or around a circle is with Array for linear patterns or ArrayPolar for circular patterns. These commands create evenly spaced copies quickly and accurately. Limitation: they do not stay associative after creation.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If the object is locked, inside a blocked workflow you did not intend to edit, or snaps are off, your array can be placed at the wrong spacing or center point. A very common failure is entering the wrong item count, which creates one too many copies.

How to Copy an Object Multiple Times in Rhino

  • Command: Array

  • Shortcut: Array

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Select the object, then type Array in the command line and press Enter.
    2. Pick the base point, then define the direction and distance of the straight line in the viewport.
    3. Enter the number of items and spacing when prompted, then confirm the preview.

Use the command-line option for Number or Spacing to control the result precisely. This is the fastest common method for straight-line copies.

  • Command: ArrayPolar

  • Shortcut: ArrayPolar

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Select the object, type ArrayPolar, and press Enter.
    2. Pick the center of rotation in the viewport using Osnap if needed.
    3. Enter the number of items and the Angle to fill value, then accept the preview.

Use Angle to fill = 360 for a full circular array, or a smaller angle for partial radial layouts.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Angle to fill

  • Expert Setting: In ArrayPolar, this option controls whether copies are distributed around a full circle or only part of it. For example, 360 makes a complete ring, while 180 creates a half-circle pattern. This directly affects spacing and final orientation.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The wrong base point or center point is picked, so spacing or rotation is incorrect.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The selected object is on a locked layer, preventing proper selection or editing after the array is created.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The item count is misunderstood; Rhino counts total items, not just added copies, which often produces an unexpected quantity.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Turn on Osnap, rerun Array or ArrayPolar, and enter exact values for count, spacing, or fill angle instead of picking approximately.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use Array for fast production copies in rows and ArrayPolar for radial layouts like holes, bolts, or seats. Avoid manual copy-repeat workflows when accuracy and speed matter.

FAQ

How do I make copies evenly spaced in a straight line in Rhino?

Use Array and enter an exact spacing or overall distance.

How do I copy an object around a center point in Rhino?

Use ArrayPolar and pick the correct center point.

Can I edit the array later as one associative object in Rhino?

No, standard Rhino arrays are typically created as regular separate copies.

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