This tutorial explains how to use the 'Copy/Array' tool in Snaptrude to create duplicate copies of objects. The Copy/Array tool allows you to create identical or unique copies of an object or group of objects in both 2D and 3D views. It is a versatile tool that can be used in both concept designing and detailed modeling.
Step 1: Activate the Copy Array Tool from the toolbar. Alternatively, use the shortcut C or M+Ctrl/Cmd.
Step 2: Then choose whether the copies should be Instances or Unique by selecting the desired option from the Copy Type Selector at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3 : Select the object edge or vertex, or face of the object you want to copy. (Optional, enter the distance between copies)
Note: If you're working with feet and inches, enter values using the following format: use a single quote (') for feet and a double quote (") for inches.
For example, enter 5'6" for 5 feet 6 inches.
Step 4: Set the copy distance, then enter the number of copies you want to create. You can press Tab to jump directly to the number of copies field. Press Enter. The copies created will be grouped.
Note: If you wish to explode the array, right-click and select 'Ungroup'. Even after ungrouping, if the copies are instances, they will remain identical unless made unique.
Editing Instance Copies:
Step 1 : Edit the arrayed instance copies in the Object Properties panel. Here, you can adjust the distance and the number of copies.
Step 2 : If you want to maintain the gap between the objects, select the Lock Gap between Objects option. This ensures that any changes to the distance will not affect the gap between your copies.
Step 3: To make any object unique within your copy, select the objects and choose the Make Unique option. When an object is made unique, the array is ungrouped, but all instance copies remain identical.
Note: Follow the same steps to copy BIM elements - walls, floors, slabs, roof, ceiling, furniture, door, windows. Furniture, doors and windows will always have unique copies created.
Other Methods of Copying
1. Duplicate Above/Below
Use this to quickly copy objects above/below stories. Start by selecting all the objects from a story you wish to duplicate. Then either right click or find the duplicate above/below option from the object properties panel. (Note that when using the object properties panel, press 'Alt' to create unique copies.) Alternatively, use the shortcuts:
Ctrl + ↑ / ↓ (arrow keys) to Duplicate as Instance
Ctrl + Alt + ↑ / ↓ (arrow keys) to Duplicate as Unique
2. Ctrl C + Ctrl V
Use the standard keyboard shortcuts or 'Ctrl +C' & 'Ctrl + V' to copy & paste within same project across stories or copy objects from one project to another. (Note that the copy type selector will only show if you are copy/pasting in the same project. And the object position after pasting will be the same as it originally was.)
Making an Object Unique after Copying
1. Click on the object and in the object properties tab, click on 'Make Unique'.
2. Right-click on the object and click on 'Make Unique'.