Modifying Associative Patterns

You can 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 associative patterns, in the Circular or Linear tabs of the Pattern dialog box, under Settings, select Associative.

To modify associative patterns:

  1. Using the Pattern dialog box, do one of the following:
    1. On the menu, click Modify > Pattern > Edit Pattern .
    2. On the ribbon, click Home > Modify > Edit Pattern.
    3. Type EditPattern at the command prompt.
  2. In the graphics area, specify an associative pattern and press Enter.

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

  3. Under Options, use the following:
    Option Description
    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.
  5. To modify associative patterns using EntityGrips and the Properties palette:
    1. Enable EntityGrips (EGrips). Type EntitiyGrips to specify EGrip options.
    2. In the graphics area, select an associative pattern.
    3. Use grips such as , , or to modify the pattern.
      Egrip Description Applies to
      Move Moves the pattern. Linear and Circular patterns
      Radius Changes the radius of the pattern. Circular patterns
      Column Count Specifies the number of columns in the pattern. Linear and circular patterns
      Row Count Specifies the number of rows in the pattern. Linear and circular patterns
      Level count Specifies the number of levels in a 3D pattern. Linear and circular patterns
      Column spacing Specifies the distance between the elements of the columns in the pattern. Linear and circular patterns
      Row spacing Specifies the distance between the levels in a 3D pattern. Linear and circular patterns
      Level spacing Specifies the distance between the rows of the columns in the pattern. Linear and circular patterns
      Number of elements Changes the vertical or horizontal elements in the pattern. Linear patterns
      Number of elements Changes the polar elements in the pattern. Circular patterns
      Fill angle Changes the angle between the first and the last element in the pattern. Circular patterns
      Angle between Changes the angle between the elements in the pattern. Circular patterns

      The Properties palette displays at the same time. Modify the parameters for the associative pattern as required.

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

Access

Command: Edit Pattern

Menu: Modify > Pattern > Edit Pattern

Ribbon: Home > Modify > Edit Pattern