Modifying Associative Patterns

Use the EditPattern command to modify the shape and appearance of associative patterns.

You can also edit associative patterns using specific EntityGrips and the Properties palette.

Entities within associative patterns retain their relationships. Associative patterns let you edit them in their entirety instead of changing the individual items in the pattern.

To make patterns associative, activate the Associative option in the Settings section of the Pattern dialog box.

To modify associative patterns using the Pattern dialog box:

  1. Do one of the following:
    • On the ribbon, click Home > Modify > Edit Associative Pattern.
    • On the menu, click Modify > Edit Associative Pattern.
    • Type EditPattern.
  2. In the graphics area, specify an associative pattern and press Enter.

    The Pattern dialog box opens with the tab that corresponds to the the pattern type you selected (circular or linear).

  3. Under Options, use the following:
    • Edit source. Click Select in graphics area to specify one of the pattern elements as a source entity to modify. Use the ClosePattern command to finish editing the pattern source entities.
    • Replace elements. Replaces the source entities for specified pattern elements or for all elements referencing the original pattern source entities.
    • Reset. Restores erased pattern elements and removes any element overrides.
  4. Click OK.

To modify associative patterns using EntityGrips and the Properties palette:

  1. Make sure that EntityGrips (EGrips) are enabled. Type EntitiyGrips to set EGrip options.
  2. In the graphics area, select an associative pattern.
  3. Use grips to to modify the pattern.
Icon EGrip Description Applies to
Move Moves the pattern Applies to linear patterns
Radius Changes the base radius of the pattern Applies to circular patterns
Column count Specifies the number of columns in the pattern Applies to linear and circular patterns
Row count Specifies the number of rows in the pattern Applies to linear and circular patterns
Column spacing Specifies the spacing between the elements of the columns in the pattern Applies to linear and circular patterns
Row spacing Specifies the spacing between the rows of the columns in the pattern Applies to linear and circular patterns
Rotate Changes the base radius of the pattern Applies to circular patterns
Number of elements Changes the vertical or horizontal elements in the pattern Applies to linear patterns
Number of elements Changes the polar elements in the pattern Applies to circular patterns
Tangent direction Changes the tangent direction for patterns along a path Applies to path patterns

 

The Properties palette is displayed at the same time. Modify the parameters for the specified associative pattern as needed.

Note: To undo the associativity of patterns, use the Explode command.

Access

Command: EditPattern

Menu: Modify > Associative Pattern

Ribbon: Home > Modify > (Flyout) Edit Pattern

Related Topics

Creating Patterns of Entities

Parent Topic

Copying and Mirroring Entities