I need help placing evenly spaced points along a curve.

[JayPark]

Hello,
I have successfully installed the QCAD Professional version.

In AutoCAD, I used the **ArrayPath** function, but I can't find a similar **Array** function in QCAD.

I need to place evenly spaced points or small circles along a curve of a specific length.

If there is a way to do this, please help me.

Thank you.

[CVH]

Hi, And welcome to the QCAD forum.

'Paste along Entity' (PE) can do something like that, see reference.

The source shape(s) are those that where placed in the Clipboard, with Cut or Copy, with or without a predefined reference.
Without reference it is the center of the bounding box.

It won't be a 'grouped' array of things.
Also, it doesn't account for the size of what to paste.

Regards,
CVH

[JayPark]

Hello,

Thank you for your response.

I tried using the tool you mentioned, and I noticed that the copied circles are arranged along the line. However, I'm curious about how I can set the spacing according to my preference.

Could you explain it in more detail?

[CVH]

I'm curious about how I can set the spacing according to my preference.

A circle its bounding box center equals its center. Cut/Copy without a reference.
Or you Cut/Copy a circle and define a reference point yourself. Cut/Copy with reference.

As said, PE does not account for the overall size of the clipboard content.

If 2 circles must be spaced along a straight Line entity by nnn then opt for the 'distance' method and enter (nnn+diameter).
The distance between 2 circles will then be (nnn+diameter)-radius-radius = nnn.

This is NOT true for the same circles arranged along a curved entity or for every copy on a Polyline.
Because the repetition distance is measured along the curve ...
... The direct straight distance or chord between the centers is less (Arc, Circle) and may vary (Ellipse, Spline, Poyline).
=> Chord length is not equal to (nnn+diameter).
=> The minimal distance between 2 circles is different from nnn and may vary.


With not including endpoints the first copy of the clipboard will be place at nnn along the line and so on.
Including endpoints, the first copy is placed at the start, the second nnn from the start and so on.
Then an additional copy is placed on the endpoint and that may also fail nnn from the second to last.


Perhaps it is easier to give an example of what to repeat equally spaced on what type of base entity.
For some things there are workarounds using regular polygons, auxiliary shapes, specific constructions and/or by using FlexPainter.

Regards,
CVH