Smart Array

Overview

The Smart Array tool overcomes the limitations of Revit’s native array command by allowing you to array elements along continuous, multi-segment, or curved paths. It supports both standalone Families and pre-configured Groups, offering placement modes ranging from simple even divisions to complex, multi-stepped 3D matrices.

Crucially, the tool wraps your generated arrays into intelligent Revit Groups. This means you can select an existing Smart Array at any time to modify its spacing, rotation, or element counts without having to redraw the path.

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Interface Breakdown

1. Element & Path Configuration

• Element to Array: Choose whether you want to array a specific Family or an entire Group. The searchable dropdowns will automatically populate with the available assets in your project.
• Path Options:
  • Align to Path: Rotates the elements to match the tangent angle of the curve as they move along it.
  • Flip / Loop Select: Reverse the array direction, or use Loop Select to automatically find and chain together touching lines so you only have to click once.
• Nudging (Overshoot / Cutback): Apply a positive or negative distance to the start or end of your path. This is perfect for ensuring elements (like desks or seating) maintain a required clearance from the start/end walls.
• Constraint & Justification: Choose whether elements stop strictly at the end of your drawn line, or extend endlessly into space along the final trajectory. You can also justify the leftover spacing to the Beginning, Center, or End of the path.

2. Simple Array

The fastest way to distribute elements along a single line.

• Placement Method: Choose Divide Evenly to fit a specific number of elements perfectly across the span, or Fixed Distance to guarantee exact spacing between each item.
• No. of Elements / Distance to Next: Define the core spacing values for your chosen placement method.
• Path Offset & Rotation: Shift the entire array a set perpendicular distance away from the drawn line, or apply a global rotation to every element.

3. Advanced Array

For complex layouts, switch to the Advanced tab to access three specialized matrix modes:

Custom Pattern

Create a repeating, multi-step sequence perfectly tailored to your design logic.

• Load Pattern / Save As: Manage your custom sequence presets. Saved patterns are globally available across your projects.
• Pattern Creator (Step Grid): Build your sequence using the + and - buttons. Each row represents a single element placement with three parameters:
  • Dist. to Next: The distance to travel along the path after this element is placed, before placing the next one.
  • Path Offset: A perpendicular shift away from the center of the path for this specific element.
  • Rotation: A local rotation override applied specifically to this element.
• Pattern Repeat Amount: Defines how many total times the entire sequence in the grid will loop along the selected path.

Offset Array

Array elements along your path while simultaneously duplicating them into parallel rows.

• Primary Array Settings: The top half of this tab functions exactly like the “Simple Array,” establishing the baseline spacing, counts, and method along the drawn line.
• Offset Settings:
  • Number of Offsets: Defines how many parallel rows of the primary array to generate.
  • Offset Spacing: Defines the perpendicular distance between each of those parallel rows.

Grid Array (Local XYZ)

A powerful volumetric 3D matrix array. It treats the start of your path as a local coordinate origin and arrays outward.

• Starting Clearance (From Path Start): Shift the entire array’s starting origin relative to your first click by defining a Start X (Along), Start Y (Offset), and Start Z (Height) value.
• Enable Z-Axis Steps (3D): Unlocks the Z-axis inputs for volumetric arrays. (Tip: Use caution with face-hosted families in this mode).
• Grid Matrix Setup: Defines the 2D or 3D expansion logic across Local X, Y, and Z axes using three parameters per axis:
  • Quantity: The total number of elements to generate in that specific direction.
  • Spacing: The primary distance between elements along that axis.
  • Stepping: A secondary “stagger” shift applied sequentially as the array grows (e.g., creating a diagonal cascading effect or a staircase).

4. Action Bar & Edit Mode

• Select Path: Click to enter Revit’s selection mode and pick the line(s) or wall(s) you want to array along.
• Edit Mode: If you launch the tool via the “Edit Array” ribbon button and select an existing Smart Array, the action bar will change. You can adjust any parameter in the window and click Update Array to instantly regenerate the group, or click Reset to revert your changes.

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💡 Tips

• Intelligent Editing: Because Smart Arrays are saved as Revit Groups with hidden configuration data, you do not need to keep the original model lines in your project! You can safely delete the path lines; the tool remembers the trajectory if you ever need to edit the group later.
• Wall Hosted Arrays: The path selection filter allows you to select Walls, not just lines. This is excellent for arraying elements like wall-mounted lights or panels directly along the face of a curving wall.
• Z-Axis Warning: When using the 3D Grid Array mode, ensure your chosen Family is not strictly locked to a host (like a face-based family), as forcing it to array vertically into empty space may cause Revit placement errors.
• Quick Value Adjustments: Use the small + and - buttons next to the Element Quantity boxes to quickly step your total counts up or down without typing.