Blender array and curve modifier tutorial

Posted on May 12, 2015

by jayanam

In this tutorial we will demonstrate two Blender modifiers in combination: The array and the curve modifier to align objects along a curve like that:

Render of curve path for object

Render 2 array modifiers

First let’s start with a simple object. I used the default cube, added a subsurface modifier and ended up with something like this:

subsurface modifier for simple object

Simple blender object

The next step is to add an array modifier for this object to create many instances of the object. Switch to object mode, select the object and add an array modifier:

Add an array modifier

Now you can create many instances of your object when increasing the fixed count property and also make sure to set the relative offset to the right direction, in our case -1.0, for the other direction use a positive value:

Fixed count array modifier

But we want our objects to be aligned along a curve. To do this, we need to add a curve of course. Press Shift->A and add a circle curve for example:

Add a circle curve

Select the circle, press N to bring up the panel with the Transform properties and set the location to point 0,0,0:

A circle curve in center

The next thing we need to do in order to align our objects along this circle is to add a Curve modifier, which is also very simple. Open the modifiers panel and select Curve:

Add a new curve modifier for object

After that, use your circle as object in the curve modifier and set the deformation axis to -X:

Add curve modifier for circle

Increase the fixed count property in your array modifier to a number so that the instances fit the whole circle:

Use circle curve as modifier with fixed count

Another cool thing you can do is to attach a second modifier now to duplicate the ring of objects along the Z-axis with the relative Z-offset changed:

Add a second array modifier

As you can see, with very little effort you can get incredible results.

Of course you are not limited to circle curves, you can also use other curves like a path:

Add curve path

and then use this path object in your curve modifier instead of the circle:

Change to nurbs path

Select the path in edit mode, extend the vertices of it (press E and move the mouse) or grab a vertex and move it around (press G key and move the mouse):