How to Use the Circular Array Tool

The Circular Array tool is a powerful feature that allows you to create multiple copies of an object arranged in a circle or an arc. This is perfect for creating wreaths, circular patterns, decorative borders, and more.

1. Accessing the Tool

Before starting, you must have an object on the design canvas that you wish to duplicate.

1. Select Your Object: Click on the shape or design you want to use for the array.
2. Locate the Array Tools: On the main toolbar on the left, find the Arrays section.
3. Launch the Tool: Click on the Arrays icon and select Circular Array from the menu that appears.

Once activated, a virtual preview of the array will appear on your screen, centered on the main axis by default.

2. Customizing Your Array with the Properties Panel

The Tools Options pane provides precise controls for customizing your circular array.

• Start and End Angle: Define the arc on which your copies will be placed.
  • 💡 Useful Tip: To create a full, closed circle, set the Start and End angles to the same value (e.g., both at 0° or both at 360°).
• Number of Copies: Enter the exact number of objects you want in the array.
• Step Angle: This value shows the angle between each copy. It updates automatically when you change the number of copies, but you can also set it manually. If you manually change the Step Angle, the End Angle will adjust to fit the specified number of copies.
• Direction: Use the checkbox to create the array Clockwise or Counterclockwise.
• Contour Steps: This option creates concentric rings of your array. You can then choose:
  • Same copies: Each new ring will have the same number of objects as the first.
  • Add extra copies: The software will automatically add more copies to the outer rings for a better visual fit and spacing.
• Presets: This dropdown menu offers quick setups. The Full Circle Preset is especially useful, as it automatically arranges your selected object into a complete circle with optimal spacing. If you have a work area defined, an additional preset will appear to align the array to it.

3. Adjusting the Array Visually with Handles

For a more hands-on approach, you can manipulate the array directly on the canvas using its visual handles.

• Center Handle: Click and drag the central handle to move the entire array’s pivot point.
• Green & Blue Handles (Start & Inner Copies): Click and drag any of these handles to move the arc’s position and change its distance from the center (radius). The values in the Properties Panel will update in real-time.
• Red Handle (End Copy): Click and drag the red handle to change the End Angle of the arc. This will change the spacing between copies while keeping the total number of copies the same.

Power-Up Your Workflow with Keyboard Shortcuts

Combine dragging the visual handles with keyboard keys for more precise control.

• Snap to Angles (Ctrl Key): Hold the Ctrl key while dragging any node to snap the movement in 15-degree increments. This is perfect for achieving precise angles.
• Adjust Radius Only (Shift Key):
  • Hold Shift while dragging the green or a blue handle to change only the distance from the center without altering the angle.
  • Hold Shift while dragging the red handle to add or remove copies while keeping the spacing between them constant.
• Adjust Angle Only (Alt Key):
  • Hold Alt while dragging the green or a blue handle to change only the arc’s position without altering the distance from the center.
  • Hold Alt while dragging the red handle to change the spacing between copies without altering the distance from the center.

4. Special Features

• Clones vs. Copies: If you enable the Mark as Clones option, all created objects will be linked. This means if you edit the shape or color of any one of the clones, all the other objects in the array will update automatically! This is a huge time-saver for complex designs.
• Reorder for Multi-Color Designs: When working with a design that has multiple colors, check the Reorder colors option before applying the array. This optimizes the stitch sequence to minimize color changes during the embroidery process, saving you time and thread.

5. Finalizing Your Array

Once you are satisfied with the preview:

• Click Apply to create the final objects.
• If you want to start over with a different object, click Select new to change your base selection without closing the tool.