Creating a Linear Pattern

You can create a linear pattern using one or more features, bodies, or reference geometry.

  1. From the Transform section of the action bar, click Linear Pattern .

    Tip: In the top menu of the dialog box, you can switch between Linear Pattern and Circular Pattern features.

  2. Select the feature options in the Linear Pattern dialog box.
    OptionDescription
    Array. Creates the pattern of all the possible instances in the form of rectangular array.
    Perimeter. Creates the pattern of all the instances along the path that outlines the pattern.
    Primary. Creates the pattern of all the instances in two primary directions.
  3. Select the objects to pattern:

    While selecting items, you can select features, bodies, or faces from the work area.

    • To pattern faces, click in Features to pattern and select one or more items from the work area to pattern.

    • To pattern bodies, click Body selection and click in Bodies to pattern and select one or more items from the work area to pattern.
      Note: Click Merge results to merge the pattern with the selected bodies.
  4. Optional: Under Direction 1, select a linear edge or axis to create to set the direction for the pattern.



    A preview appears in the work area.

    • Instance spacing
    1. To set the spacing between each pattern instance, select Instance spacing.
    2. To set a distance between each pattern instance, enter a value in Spacing.
    3. To reverse the direction, click .
    4. To create multiple instances of the pattern, enter a value in Number of instances.
    • Pattern length
    1. To set the total distance of the pattern, select Pattern length.
    2. To set a distance between each pattern instance, enter a value in Length.
    3. To reverse the direction, click .
    4. To create multiple instances of the pattern, enter a value in Number of instances.
  5. Optional: Under Direction 2, select a linear edge or axis to create the pattern in a second linear direction.

    • Instance spacing
    1. To set the spacing between each pattern instance, select Instance spacing.
    2. To set a distance between each pattern instance, enter a value in Spacing.
    3. To reverse the direction, click .
    4. To create multiple instances of the pattern, enter a value in Number of instances.
    • Pattern length
    1. To set the total distance of the pattern, select Pattern length.
    2. To set a distance between each pattern instance, enter a value in Length.
    3. To reverse the direction, click .
    4. To create multiple instances of the pattern, enter a value in Number of instances.
  6. Optional: You can change or review the feature pattern options at the top of Linear Pattern dialog box.
    OptionDescription
    Array. Creates the pattern of all the possible instances in the form of rectangular array.
    Perimeter. Creates the pattern of all the instances along the path that outlines the pattern.
    Primary. Creates the pattern of all the instances in two primary directions.
  7. Under Advanced, select one of the following:

    Note: Geometry pattern and Feature pattern options are not available when Body selection is selected.

    • Geometry pattern: Creates the pattern using only the geometry of the feature.
    • Feature pattern: Creates the pattern using the feature definition of that geometry.
  8. You can perform following optional steps:
    1. Select one of the following:
    2. To place the selected feature at the pattern center, select Symmetry.


    3. To skip creation of a specific instance, select Skip instances.


      The white dots appear on each instance. You can click a dot to skip particular instance from the pattern.

  9. Optional: Click Quick preview to display the preview without Boolean operations for faster results.
  10. Click .