Modeling: A Million to One - Blender Foundations: The Essential Guide to Learning Blender 2.6 - page 93

Figure 4.37 Default Array modifier.

transformation between the main model and the
offset object. For example, an Empty that is 1 unit
to the right of the object's center would be the same
as a Constant Offset value of x = 1, stepping each
copy one unit to the right. The cool thing about
Offset Object is that you don't have to stick to just
translation. Rotation and scaling are fair game. So,
by putting the Empty 1 unit to the right, rotating
it a bit, and scaling it slightly down, you create a curving array of smaller and smaller objects. If you want
to animate the Empty … well, that's what was done to make the video in the Web Bucket.

Figure 4.38 A parquet floor with a ladder, done with the
Array modifier.

We're going to use this technique to create four versions of the table leg, arrayed around the bottom of the
column. If you just thought to yourself “I could just use the spin tool to do this,” then good for you. And
please be quiet. We're learning the array modifier right now. You already have the 3D cursor centered on
the column (You are truly smart!), so add an Empty to the scene right there. Select the table leg, turn off
Constant Offset on its Array modifier, and enable Add Offset Object. Enter “Empty” into the data field below
it or select it from the list. Set the Count value to 4. Not quite what we expected. The table legs array way
up into the air. Reselect the Empty and, in a top view, rotate it 90 degrees around the z axis. Figure 4.39