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danezeq
Inspiring
June 3, 2019
Answered

"array" command in indesign

  • June 3, 2019
  • 6 replies
  • 19104 views

Is there any command similiar to "array" (meaning, array selected objects along a line?

(i'm NOT refering to Step and repet command)

    Correct answer Sune29544098k16d

    Hi

    I see this is an old thread, but I got the answer for you. You need to use the 'advanced copy' tool, called Sted and Repeat. Press Cmd+Alt+U and there you go, a tool that mimics the array formula that you're used to from Revit/AutoCad.

     

    /sunm.

    6 replies

    S
    Sune29544098k16dCorrect answer
    New Participant
    October 15, 2025

    Hi

    I see this is an old thread, but I got the answer for you. You need to use the 'advanced copy' tool, called Sted and Repeat. Press Cmd+Alt+U and there you go, a tool that mimics the array formula that you're used to from Revit/AutoCad.

     

    /sunm.

      L
      Laubender
      Adobe Expert
      June 4, 2019

      Hi danezeq ,

      do you want to move a selection of objects following an arbitrary graphic line and distribute them along that graphic line?

      This can be done with InDesign.

      What you need is a text path. You could anchor all the objects to that path and distribute them using fully justified with the text formatting for that path.

      From my German InDesign CC 2019 on Windows 10:

      I added a text path to the graphic line and copied the objects one by one to the text path:

      Distribution is paragraph formatting. Here justification set to Fully Justified:

      A different thing is to center the text and its objects that are anchored to the text to the graphic line that holds the text path.

      That's a setting with the text path options:

      If I invoke the Story Editor Window you can see that the objects are anchored to text:

      Details for creating a path text here:

      Create type on a path in InDesign

      Regards,
      Uwe

      D
      danezeqAuthor
      Inspiring
      June 4, 2019

      Thanks for all answers :-)

      My meaning is to place a serioues of elements copied from one element, and doing it in the most simple way.

      Here is an example from Autocad: (you don't need to watch the whole video)

      AutoCAD Array Command - YouTube

      i think Laubender​'s answer quite answer this. i'll try now to do it.

      L
      Laubender
      Adobe Expert
      June 4, 2019

      Hi danezeq ,

      if the elements following a path are duplicates of a master element you can simply anchor one object to the text path and copy the selected anchored element that is a character over and over. Best do this in the Story Editor Window.

      Regards,
      Uwe

      B
      Barb Binder
      Adobe Expert
      June 4, 2019

      Hi danezeq:

      "Array" sounds like scripting to me as well, but I googled it and came up with "an ordered series or arrangement", so I think Jane nailed it with "align" and "distribute".

      Window > Object & Layout > Align. Pick Align to Selection from the menu.

      Select the objects. Click button number 4 on the top row to align the top edges.

      Then button number 5 on the second row to distribute evenly across.

      There are many variations to be found in this panel, but perhaps this will get you started?

      ~Barb

        jane-e
        jane-e
        Adobe Expert
        June 3, 2019

        danezeq  wrote

        "array" (meaning, array selected objects along a line?)

        Another possible meaning is to align the tops (or middles or bottoms) of the various selected objects, followed by distribution to space them equally apart. This can be done with the Align panel (or Control panel).

        danezeq​, can you show us what you mean or define “array” without using the word “array” in your definition?

        ~ Jane

        maxwithdax
        maxwithdax
        Brainiac
        June 3, 2019

        I think he means distribute along path. And.. no. That is an Illustrator feature. Depending on the use, you could mock something up like dots along the same path in illustrator to give you targets and then copy/paste it into InDesign on a separate layer to give you a template to align to.

        Just a thought.

        -Dax

        jane-e
        jane-e
        Adobe Expert
        June 4, 2019

        Dax,

        I would agree with your except for that “s” on the end of “objects”. If there is one object repeated, I would go with your answer. If there are 10 unidentical objects, I am leaning toward mine.

        We should get more clarification from Dan soon.

        ~ Jane

        maxwithdax
        maxwithdax
        Brainiac
        June 4, 2019

        But if you used the center point of each object, then you should still be able to align on a path using the method I explained. I think you are right though. A screenshot here would be really helpful.

        ps. I think I would probably just do it in illustrator anyway and place as a general workflow.

        -Dax

        Michael Bullo
        Michael Bullo
        Adobe Expert
        June 3, 2019

        Could you please elaborate on what you are trying to achieve.

        Are you scripting?

        Perhaps post a screen shot if you are trying to achieve something specific visually.

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