The Duplicate and Duplicate Special commands let you create multiple copies of the selected objects, with optional transformations applied to each copy.

You can also make lightweight references to existing objects, known as instances. Instances are linked to the original object, so changing to the original automatically updates all its instances.

To make a simple duplicate of the selected objects

1. Select Edit > Duplicate.

To duplicate the selected objects with the options you specify

1. Select Edit > Duplicate Special > .
2. Set the Geometry Type to Copy.
3. Set the options for the number of copies and the transformations to apply to each copy.

To duplicate the selected objects and reapply the last transform

1. Select Edit > Duplicate with Transform.

For example, if you move an object 2 units up, then select Edit > Duplicate with Transform, a duplicate object is created and moved 2 units up again.

To create lightweight instances of the selected objects

1. Select Edit > Duplicate Special > .
2. Set the Geometry Type to Instance.
3. Set the options for the number of copies and the transformations to apply to each copy.
   Note

   • If the pivot point of an object is changed from its default value, duplicating multiple copies of that object results in additional transforms to the channels of the duplicated transform node. However, the resulting position, orientation and the pivots of the duplicated objects will be correct. To avoid these extra transforms, the Duplicate Special command should be invoked with No of copies set to 1. The hotkey g can then be used as many times as needed.
   • Edit > Duplicate does not work on isoparms. Instead, use Edit Curves > Duplicate Surface Curves.