Dynamic block capabilities

[inulobo]

I want to have two rectangles:

Inner rectangle: can change size within the outer rectangle

Outer rectangle: wrap an array pattern around the inner rectangle not matter where I move it inside the rectangle.

Is it possible to change the visibility of array sketches while overlapped with another array? or is it possible to have a dynamic block be dependant on what it is on top of?

[Libbya]

I'm not sure I totally understand what you are asking for but I'm going to guess that no, it is not possible.  I'm open to changing my mind if you give a better, more detailed explanation.  Maybe even post a file with drawn examples and explanations within it.

[inulobo]

I tried to draw something up. I hope this helps clarify what I am trying to do. The little square can move all around the inside of the large square. The pattern in the large rectangle would act as a background.

 

[Libbya]

Well, this meets your description.  Here's hoping your description was accurate.

[inulobo]

Thank you! That was pretty much what I was trying to do. I was planning to use arrayed sketched instead of hatch patterns. Do you think it will be a problem if I use this method?

[inulobo]

I was able to do everything except the hatching processes you used. I can not figure out how to do it with sketches. I tried to use boundaries but that failed. Do you have any more advice? Would it help to send you the file I have been working on?

[Libbya]

Yes, it usually helps to post the file.  

[inulobo]

@Libbya 

Please see the attachments. In the file, I have the block I was working on. The pattern I have put inside the block was supposed to be an array made by using 2 circles in the bottom left. I had some issues. When the array was functioning it was always one row and column short and it would create a massive amount of hidden circles which in turn increased the file size to 67 mg. How do I limit the size of the invisible arrays? I was not sure how to get the rectangular window to ignore the sketch pattern in a way similar to how you did it in the video. I have attempted to do a boundary but I do not believe I was using it right. Thank you for all the help!

[Libbya · Accepted solution]

If you must do arrays, then you should consider adopting this approach:

[inulobo]

@Libbya 

Amazing. That is what I wanted and I was tippy-toeing around it! Is a hatch pattern capable of being as precise and accurate as an array? and are hatch pattern lighter than arrays when considering processing power and file size? and is it possible to use a boundary clip as an "action" in a dynamic block?

[Libbya]

A hatch pattern is considerably less processing power.  They can be accurate, but as far as I know, custom hatch patterns are quite hard to make other than with the hatchmaker lisp which does not accommodate arcs or circles.  You could use a wipeout also to erase the pattern below, but newly made arrayed objects would appear above the wipeout.  I'm not sure I understand what you mean by using the boundary as clips.  I would also add that if you are planning on resizing the outer rectangle, then the method I used previously for keeping the inner rectangle limited to within the outer rectangle will no longer work.  

[inulobo]

I was going to attempt making the array into a hatch but as you said it is difficult. I am trying to create a dynamic cookie-cutter in short. Via replacing/removing array circles with the "cookie cutter"(internal rectangle) array.  

[inulobo]

@Libbya I am having issues with stretching both rectangles. The large one loses the arrays. The smaller one has a construction line box that outlines it. When I stretch it, it does not move both the construction and regular box and the arrays get a little strange. I was trying to do stretches with the xy parameter. I think thats is were my problems are coming from.