Repetitive Unit

New to Architect and Landmark 12, the Repetitive Unit tool is particularly useful in drawing construction details, allowing you to place repetitive elements such as siding, shingles, decking or masonry units. It might also be used to quickly draw a fence or utility line on a site plan.

You can assign one of the default symbols provided with the program, but this tool really becomes useful when you learn how to configure a custom symbol for use with the tool, allowing you the flexibility of using it many more ways.

To use the Repetitive Unit tool

1. Select the Repetitive Unit tool from the Detailing toolset, and click the Preferences button in the Mode Bar to open the Object Properties dialog box.
2. Click the Choose Symbol button to open the Choose Symbol dialog box.
3. Select a category of object, then select a symbol from the thumbnail views provided below. Click OK after selecting the appropriate symbol.
4. Click on the drawing to define the path for the repetitive unit. Draw the path as you would a polygon. A path can be linear and consist of two clicks.
5. Click a second time to finish the path.

Note: Depending on your final click, the path can be open or closed. Click on the first click point to close the path. Click elsewhere to leave it open.

In the Object Properties dialog box, you have various options for using the Repetitive Unit Tool. By enabling Offset, you can set the baseline of the Repetitive Unit object a specified distance from the path.

The symbol’s pitch is defined when the symbol is created. The area to the left of the insertion point in the Edit Symbol window is where you define the symbol’s pitch. If the symbol pitch is empty, the objects will appear to be butted at the ends. By enabling Use Symbol Pitch, the pitched (overlap distance) defined in the symbol is used; otherwise, you can enter a value in the Pitch field.

If you check Use Vertical Pitch, your symbol is rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise and the pitch is set vertically rather than horizontally.

If the first instance of the symbol has a different distance, enable First Pitch Differs and then enter a value in the First Pitch field.

Adding to the library of Repetitive Units
If you have a symbol that you want to use in your drawings, you need to place your MCD file that contains the symbol in one of the existing folders located in Libraries/Defaults/Repetitive Unit/. You cannot create your own folders for use with this tool.

Note: Any objects that you want to use in this way must be a symbol. If necessary, use the Modify | Create Symbol command.