Hello! First post and a question - Array along a polyline?

Hi, I am new to AutoCAD and am now taking a college class as a beginner. I would like to draw "rivets" along a poly curved line, set off at a short distance along that line. In squares I was easily able to use the ARRAY function to create a row or column of rivets where they were needed, by placing one rivet in the corner and then making a single column or single row array of that rivet for the number needed to reach the other side. THen I set the spacing so that the end rivets were evenly spaced away from the two sides of each corner of the square or rectangle. I cannot figure out how to pick a randomly curved line, and draw an evenly spaced line of rivets along one side of that line from one end to the other. I guess I am trying to lay down an array along a polyline! Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am using AutoCad 2008 Mechanical right now. Thanks in advance.

have a look at the MEASURE and DIVIDE commands. Don't forget to check the help file (F1) when a new command is suggested - there arte often lots of options.

When you use Array, you can choose the item to be arrayed. When you use Divide or Measure, you can do this with a block that has already been created.

With your problem, I would offset the curved polyline to the centre of the rivet, then use Divide with a block. Remember that when using Measure or Divide with a block, a block is not inserted at the start or the end of the line.