Recommended test
Repeat a small circle around a larger circle, then trim one copy and undo the change.
- In one sketch, draw a large guide circle and a smaller source circle near its edge.
- Choose Pattern > Along path, select the small circle as Source shapes, then select the large circle as the path.
- Choose Fit evenly, set Count to 8 and compare Inside, Outside and Centred on path.
- Apply with Centred on path so the circles cross the guide, then trim a copied circle at the intersection.
- Undo and verify that both the trimmed geometry and editable pattern group are restored.
Select the source and guide
Pattern offers Along path and Fill pattern. Along path repeats your own sketch shapes. Fill pattern contains the existing Isogrid layout.
In Sketch mode, draw the source shapes and a separate guide on the same plane. Choose Pattern > Along path, then click the shape to repeat. Shift-click adds or removes source shapes. The source has a green outline with a white halo so it stands out from the drawing.
Choose Select path and click the guide outline. Use a circle, closed boundary, line, arc, spline or suitable connected curve chain. Connected path follows connected curves; Shift-click can select several curves. The guide must be separate from the source.
This is a planar sketch operation, also usable while editing a face sketch viewed in 3D. It does not array solid bodies or features over curved surfaces.
Distribute the copies
| Control | What it sets |
|---|---|
| Fit evenly | Distributes the chosen count by distance along the placement path. Count includes the original. |
| Fixed spacing | Uses the entered spacing. Closed loops show the remaining Closing gap; choose Fit evenly for a uniform loop. |
| Placement | Centred on path, Inside/Outside for a closed loop, or Left/Right for an open guide. |
| Clearance | For a circular source, the gap from the circle edge to the guide. |
| Centre offset | For other sources, the offset from the source’s bounding centre to the guide. |
| Orientation | Keep orientation, or Follow tangent to turn copies relative to the source’s initial tangent. |
| Start / End margin | Start position along the path; open paths also have an end margin. Reverse changes the travel direction. |
For eight small circles around a large one, use Fit evenly, Count 8 and the required Placement. No extra copy is added at the loop’s closing point. On a spline, spacing follows distance along the curve, so it is not simply equal spacing along an X or Y axis.
Inspect highlighted warnings at tight bends. A large offset can collapse or split a path; copies can overlap or cross the requested side. Reduce the offset, source size or count where appropriate. Apply commits sketch geometry, not a 3D cut.
Edit, trim or release a pattern
Under Applied patterns, choose Edit to change settings or select another guide, then Update pattern. The group retains its original source and guide snapshot. Editing the guide separately does not regenerate that group.
Use Explode to release all members for individual editing. A successful Trim or Shift-Erase on a member automatically releases its pattern group and performs the edit together. One Undo restores both the geometry and the pattern definition. A missed or invalid trim leaves the group intact; trimming the independent guide also leaves it intact.
Other individual member edits require Explode first. Constrained or linked source geometry must be released before patterning; its constraints are not copied silently. Save .strek to retain editable pattern definitions and their geometry.