The Spacing Tool distributes objects based on the current selection along a path defined by a spline or pair of points. The distributed objects can be copies, instances, or references of the current selected object. You define a path by picking a spline or two points and by setting a number of parameters. You can also specify how the spacing between objects is determined and whether the insertion points of the objects align to the tangent of the spline.

The Spacing Tool distributes the vases along the sides of the curved street. The vases are all at the same distance from each other; fewer of them appear on the shorter side.

For details on the Spacing Tool parameters, see Spacing Tool.

To distribute objects along a path:

1. Select one or more objects to distribute.
2. On the Extras menu, choose (Spacing Tool) from the Array flyout, or on the Tools menu, choose Align Spacing Tool.
   NoteThe Array flyout is on the Extras toolbar, which is off by default. You can toggle display of this toolbar by right-clicking an empty area on the main toolbar and choosing Axis Constraints from the Customize Display right-click menu.
3. On the Spacing Tool dialog, click Pick Path or Pick Points to specify a path.

   If you click Pick Path, select a spline from your scene to use as the path.

   If you click Pick Points, click a start point and an end point to define a spline as the path. When you’re finished with the Spacing Tool, 3ds Max deletes this spline.

4. From the drop-down list at the bottom of the Parameters group, choose a spacing option.

   The parameters available for Count, Spacing, Start Offset, and End Offset depend on the spacing option you choose.

5. Specify the number of objects to distribute by entering a Count value, or by using the spinner.
6. Depending on the spacing option you choose, adjust the spacing and offsets.
7. In the Context group, choose one of the following:
   • Edges specifies that spacing be determined from the facing edges of each object’s bounding box.
   • Centers specifies that spacing be determined from the center of each object’s bounding box.
8. To align the insertion points of the distributed objects to the tangent of the spline, turn on Follow.
9. In the Type Of Object group, choose the type of object to output (copy, instance, or reference) and click Apply.