Array, matrix or pattern

[andrew]

From a QCAD user:

How can I create a regular 2D array of an object in QCAD?

[andrew]

While you can of course simply copy an object several times using an equal distance, the most convenient way is to use a block array:
Creating a Block from Your Object
- Select the entities of your object
- Choose Block > Create Block from Selection
- Click a reference point
- Enter a name for your block (e.g. "Window", "Pillar", "Screw", etc)
Turning a Block into an Array
- Keep your block selected and turn it into an array (alternatively, insert your block as a new array)
- View > Property Editor
- Adjust the number of columns, rows and the column and row spacing:

Screen Shot 2016-10-03 at 08.44.02.png (78.12 KiB) Viewed 5753 times

[J-J]

If I create an array from a block, it behaves like a block itself: I cannot break the array without the initial block being exploded also. I thought it would be possible to break the array to keep the individual blocks generated ??

[andrew]

J-J: That would make a lot of sense, yes. You can patch your version to explode block arrays into individual block references:
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/qcad/ ... Explode.js

This file replaces file scripts/Modify/Explode/Explode.js of your QCAD installation. This should be considered experimental. Please back up the original Explode.js in case there are any problems.

[J-J]

Hi Andrew,
I replaced the script and on the same test, that seems to work OK
Thanks

[andrew]

Excellent, thanks for the feedback. This will very likely be the new behavior of the explode tool for the next release.