9

Using the Array Dialog 485
Reuse of Array Settings
Generally you should approach Array creation as
an iterative process. The dialog settings are not
interactive, so you get feedback only after creating
the array. By revising the current sett ings and
repeating the array, you develop a solution that
meets your needs.
Aftercreatinganarrayandcheckingitsresult,
youcanundothearrayusingEditmenu>Undo
Create Ar ray or
Ct rl +Z .Thisleavestheoriginal
selection set in place.
Repeating an Array
When you create an array, object selection moves
to the last copy or set of copies in the array. By
simply repeating current settings, you create a
seamless cont inuation of the orig i nal array.
During a session, 3ds Max maintains all the dialog
settings for your current array.
Arraysettingsaresavedonlyduringthecurrent
session, not with the file. Be sure you’ve finished
an array before you quit 3ds Max.
General Considerations
When you create an array, keep these points in
mind:
• Array is relative to the current viewport settings
forcoordinatesystemandtransformcenter.
• Axis constraints do not apply, because Array
allows you to specify transforms along a ll axes.
• You can animate array creation. By changing
the default Animate preferences setting, you
canactivateallthetransformcenterbuttons,
allowing direct animation around either the
selection or coordinate center, as well as loca l
pivot. For information about changing the
default setting , see the procedure, To chan ge the
default axis while animating (page 1–483).
• To make an ar ray of a hierarchically linked
object, select a ll the objects in the hierarchy
before you click Array.
Using the Ar ray Dialog
The Ar ray dialog provides two main control areas
where you set the import ant parameters: Array
Transformation and Ar ray Dimensions.
You can set parameters in any order, but in practice
it’s useful to start with Array Transformation. This
creates the basic building block for the larger array,
as defined by Array Dimensions.
These topics discuss specific strategies for using
these controls:
Creating Linear Arrays (page 1–487)
Creating Circular and Spiral Arrays (page 1–489)
See also
Array (page 1–450)
Arra y Transformation
This area lists the active coordinate system
and tr ansform center. It’s w here you set the
transforms that define the first row of the array.
You decide here on the distance, rotation, or scale
of indiv idual elements, and along what axes.
You then repeat this row in other dimensions to
produce the finished array.