Bug Description:
When creating a circular array with exactly 3 objects using the Arrange > Circular Array tool in LightBurn v1.7.08, the resulting array does not center properly. The generated pattern is visually off-center, even though the pivot and spacing settings are correct.
Steps to Reproduce:
1. Select any shape or object.
2. Go to Arrange > Circular Array.
3. Set the total number of objects to 3.
4. Apply the array.
5. Use Arrange > Move to Page Center.
6. Compare it to another, similarly sized object that’s already centered on the page.
Expected Result:
The 3-object array should be spaced evenly and centered on the page like any other grouped shape.
Actual Result:
The array is noticeably off-center, especially apparent when compared to other centered objects. This indicates that the array geometry is not calculated correctly for 3 items.
Workaround:
A reliable workaround:
1. Create a circular array of 6 objects.
2. Delete every other object.
This maintains proper spacing and centers correctly.
System Info:
• LightBurn version: 1.7.08 (stable)
• OS: Windows 11
• Laser type: Gweike G2 Pro 30W
Fiber Optic Engraving Machine
I can’t reproduce this given your steps. I also don’t get a different behavior with the workaround method.
Could this be because you’re expecting the “center” of the result of the array to be centered on a figurative circle around the array rather than as a rectangle of the resulting 3 shapes? Note that the center of a selection rectangle for 3 even spaced shapes is not necessarily equidistant from the center of each shape.
Thank you for your response.
In general, I see your point that a 3 (or odd#) object circular array, enclosed by a selection box, and centered will not result in each object’s center being equidistant to the centering point.
Hopefully you saw that when you tried reproducing the (supposed) problem I reported
It was a surprising result for me, since I was so use to the object array always being perfectly centered. I guess I just had never used the tool to create an odd number of objects in the array.
Anyway… for anyone trying to get an odd number of array objects centered, I think my workaround should be helpful (i.e., since just doubling the Odd# of objects will always yield an Even#, which should center properly).
I think this was just luck because you are have an even number of sides in the bounding box. Had you used a triangle for the bounding box (odd # sides), it would have centered as you expected. Had you used a circle for the bounding object (infinite sides), any number of circles would have centered like you expected.
I instinctively use a circle boundary for any circular layouts.
What you wrote does sounds logical to me.
I wasn’t aware that you can change the bounding box used when selecting an object to anything other than a rectangle aligned with x&y axes. Is there an easy way to do that (I’m still learning the ins&outs of LightBurn)?
Best Regards,
-Duke53
-:-
Sorry, we are talking about 2 different things here. You are talking about the Selection box. I am thinking more like a copy along path thing. My work with Lightburn is a lot of hit or miss. I hardly use LB to its full potential. We both need to hope those all day long users jump in and clear up the mysteries.
I do seem to remember you have the option of using a rectangular or circular pattern for the Array tool. That may be where I got my “circle”.
I just opened the project above with Beta-15 and the scale and origin are exactly where and what they should be. Apparently, my pix was from an early-early version of MillMage.