Array Plants

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Power Tip: Planting Tools in 2 Minutes

• Array Plants Overview
• Related Webinars

Our Array tools allow you to copy any plant in your drawing and arrange the duplicates into an arrayed pattern.

The Copy Plants tools allow you to copy along a line, arc, or polyline. For more information, see our Copy Plants page.

Triangular and rectangular plant spacing both have their own distinct pros and cons. For Shrub Areas and groundcovers, we've developed a unique array function that places Shrub Areas and groundcovers at 10% less than triangular spacing. This pattern is known as the Natural array. Combining the best elements of square and triangular spacing, the Natural array provides the more natural effect offered by the triangular pattern, but with fewer plants required. For more information, see our Natural Spacing pagen.

Array Plants Overview

We offer two array tools for plants: Triangular Array and Rectangular Array. Here's how to open them:

 

F/X Planting menu, Triangular Array option

 

F/X Planting menu, Rectangular Array option

When you select either Array option, the cursor will turn into a pickbox for you to select a plant to copy and array.

When you click the plant, the Copy Spacing dialog box will open.

Spacing between plants: The number in this field will default to the size of the selected plant's symbol, in feet or meters, depending on how you have set your scale. Type a number in this box to set the spacing between the plants you array. For instance, if you have your units set to Imperial, type 20 to array at a spacing of 20 feet between plants.

Copy Options: Select one of these radio buttons to indicate the nature of the spacing between the plants.

• Best fit: Fit the maximum number of plants inside the array area within the spacing you set.
• Exact: Place the instances of the plant within the array area at exactly the spacing you set, from center to center

Click OK to accept the spacing and options.

The Command line will prompt: Setting Xhair angle – select entity, enter angle <0>, or click to specify.

This step automatically fires our Xhair Angle tool. The cursor will turn into a pickbox, allowing you to set an angle for your array in one of the following ways:

• Select a line in your drawing or one of your Xrefs
• Enter an angle (the default is 0)
• Click two points in your drawing (where a rubber band line will appear between the two)

Once you've set an angle, move the mouse to array the plant.

The following example shows what happens when you click two points to set the Xhair Angle for the array.

 

 

Notice the rubber band line to define the angle of the array. (See the image to the right.)

 

 

You can also set the angle by either selecting an existing line that is oriented the way you wish, or entering a number (an angle orientation of 0 is the default).

 

 

As you move the mouse, you'll create an array of the selected plant at the spacing and angle you selected.

 

 

The example to the left shows a triangular array within a rectangular area.

Our Array tools work with any "smart" block, including Generic Plants, Concept Plants, and Amenity Reference Notes.

Related Webinars

• Getting Started with the Planting Tools: Starting from square one, we'll provide the necessary information for familiarizing yourself with the software and starting your training right. (1 hr 3 min)