diff --git a/pcbnew/CMakeLists.txt b/pcbnew/CMakeLists.txt
index fe75d5dc25..6fc2c9fa43 100644
--- a/pcbnew/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/pcbnew/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -187,6 +187,7 @@ set( PCBNEW_CLASS_SRCS
     pcbframe.cpp
     pcb_base_edit_frame.cpp
     append_board_to_current.cpp
+    array_creator.cpp
     attribut.cpp
     board_items_to_polygon_shape_transform.cpp
     board_undo_redo.cpp
diff --git a/pcbnew/array_creator.cpp b/pcbnew/array_creator.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..dee23633a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pcbnew/array_creator.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,131 @@
+/*
+ * This program source code file is part of KiCad, a free EDA CAD application.
+ *
+ * Created on: 11 Mar 2016, author John Beard
+ * Copyright (C) 1992-2016 KiCad Developers, see AUTHORS.txt for contributors.
+ *
+ * This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or
+ * modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License
+ * as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2
+ * of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with this program; if not, you may find one here:
+ * http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.html
+ * or you may search the http://www.gnu.org website for the version 2 license,
+ * or you may write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
+ * 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA  02110-1301, USA
+ */
+
+/**
+ * @file array_creator.cpp
+ */
+
+#include "array_creator.h"
+
+#include <class_undoredo_container.h>
+
+#include <dialogs/dialog_create_array.h>
+
+
+void ARRAY_CREATOR::Invoke()
+{
+    const int numItems = getNumberOfItemsToArray();
+
+    // bail out if no items
+    if( numItems == 0 )
+        return;
+
+    MODULE* const module = getModule();
+    const bool isModuleEditor = module != NULL;
+
+    const bool enableArrayNumbering = isModuleEditor;
+    const wxPoint rotPoint = getRotationCentre();
+
+    DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY dialog( &m_parent, enableArrayNumbering, rotPoint );
+    int ret = dialog.ShowModal();
+
+    DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::ARRAY_OPTIONS* const array_opts = dialog.GetArrayOptions();
+
+    if( ret == wxID_OK && array_opts != NULL )
+    {
+        PICKED_ITEMS_LIST newItemsList;
+
+        if( isModuleEditor )
+        {
+            // modedit saves everything upfront
+            m_parent.SaveCopyInUndoList( getBoard()->m_Modules, UR_MODEDIT );
+        }
+
+        for ( int i = 0; i < numItems; ++i )
+        {
+            BOARD_ITEM* item = getNthItemToArray( i );
+
+            if( item->Type() == PCB_PAD_T && !isModuleEditor )
+            {
+                // If it is not the module editor, then duplicate the parent module instead
+                item = static_cast<MODULE*>( item )->GetParent();
+            }
+
+            // The first item in list is the original item. We do not modify it
+            for( int ptN = 1; ptN < array_opts->GetArraySize(); ptN++ )
+            {
+                BOARD_ITEM* new_item;
+
+                if( isModuleEditor )
+                {
+                    // increment pad numbers if do any renumbering
+                    // (we will number again later according to the numbering scheme if set)
+                    new_item = module->DuplicateAndAddItem(
+                            item, array_opts->ShouldNumberItems() );
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    // PCB items keep the same numbering
+                    new_item = getBoard()->DuplicateAndAddItem( item, false );
+
+                    // @TODO: we should merge zones. This is a bit tricky, because
+                    // the undo command needs saving old area, if it is merged.
+                }
+
+                if( new_item )
+                {
+                    array_opts->TransformItem( ptN, new_item, rotPoint );
+
+                    prePushAction( new_item );
+
+                    newItemsList.PushItem( new_item );  // For undo list
+
+                    postPushAction( new_item );
+                }
+
+                // attempt to renumber items if the array parameters define
+                // a complete numbering scheme to number by (as opposed to
+                // implicit numbering by incrementing the items during creation
+                if( new_item && array_opts->NumberingStartIsSpecified() )
+                {
+                    // Renumber pads. Only new pad number renumbering has meaning,
+                    // in the footprint editor.
+                    if( new_item->Type() == PCB_PAD_T )
+                    {
+                        const wxString padName = array_opts->GetItemNumber( ptN );
+                        static_cast<D_PAD*>( new_item )->SetPadName( padName );
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        if( !isModuleEditor )
+        {
+            // Add all items as a single undo point for PCB editors
+            m_parent.SaveCopyInUndoList( newItemsList, UR_NEW );
+        }
+
+        finalise();
+    }
+}
diff --git a/pcbnew/array_creator.h b/pcbnew/array_creator.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..c02539b2c3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pcbnew/array_creator.h
@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+/*
+ * This program source code file is part of KiCad, a free EDA CAD application.
+ *
+ * Created on: 11 Mar 2016, author John Beard
+ * Copyright (C) 1992-2016 KiCad Developers, see AUTHORS.txt for contributors.
+ *
+ * This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or
+ * modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License
+ * as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2
+ * of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with this program; if not, you may find one here:
+ * http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.html
+ * or you may search the http://www.gnu.org website for the version 2 license,
+ * or you may write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
+ * 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA  02110-1301, USA
+ */
+
+/**
+ * @file array_creator.h
+ */
+
+#ifndef PCBNEW_ARRAY_CREATOR_H_
+#define PCBNEW_ARRAY_CREATOR_H_
+
+#include <dialogs/dialog_create_array.h>
+
+#include <class_board.h>
+#include <class_module.h>
+#include <class_board_item.h>
+
+/*!
+ * Class that performs array creation by producing a dialog to gather
+ * parameters and then creating and laying out the items.
+ *
+ * This is a template class which needs to be implemented by the relevant
+ * edit tooling, since the details of how the document is manipulated
+ * varies between edit modes (e.g. legacy or GAL)
+ */
+class ARRAY_CREATOR
+{
+public:
+    ARRAY_CREATOR(PCB_BASE_FRAME& parent):
+        m_parent( parent )
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+     * Open the dialog, gather parameters and create the array
+     */
+    void Invoke();
+
+protected:
+    virtual ~ARRAY_CREATOR() {}
+
+    PCB_BASE_FRAME& m_parent;
+
+private:
+
+    /*!
+     * Get the BOARD that is currently being edited.
+     */
+    virtual BOARD* getBoard() const = 0;
+
+    /*!
+     * If editing a footprint, returns the relevant MODULE, else NULL
+     */
+    virtual MODULE* getModule() const = 0;
+
+    /*!
+     * @return number of original items to put into an array (eg size of the
+     * selection)
+     */
+    virtual int getNumberOfItemsToArray() const = 0;
+
+    /*!
+     * @return the n'th original item to be arrayed
+     */
+    virtual BOARD_ITEM* getNthItemToArray( int n ) const = 0;
+
+    /*!
+     * @return the rotation centre of all the items to be arrayed, when taken
+     * together
+     */
+    virtual wxPoint getRotationCentre() const = 0;
+
+    /*!
+     * Perform any relevant action before pushing a newly created array item
+     * to the BOARD
+     */
+    virtual void prePushAction( BOARD_ITEM* new_item )
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+     * Perform any actions needed after pushing an item to the BOARD
+     */
+    virtual void postPushAction( BOARD_ITEM* new_item )
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+     * Actions to perform after the array process is complete
+     */
+    virtual void finalise() = 0;
+};
+
+
+
+
+#endif /* PCBNEW_ARRAY_CREATOR_H_ */
diff --git a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array.cpp b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array.cpp
index ee635208f2..cf5d7cd55a 100644
--- a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array.cpp
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
 #include <wxPcbStruct.h>
 #include <base_units.h>
 #include <macros.h>
+#include <boost/algorithm/string/join.hpp>
 
 #include <class_drawpanel.h>
 #include <class_board.h>
@@ -37,12 +38,14 @@
 DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::CREATE_ARRAY_DIALOG_ENTRIES DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::m_options;
 
 
-DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY( PCB_BASE_FRAME* aParent, wxPoint aOrigPos,
-                                          ARRAY_OPTIONS** aSettings ) :
+DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY( PCB_BASE_FRAME* aParent,
+                                          bool enableNumbering,
+                                          wxPoint aOrigPos ) :
     DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY_BASE( aParent ),
     CONFIG_SAVE_RESTORE_WINDOW( m_options.m_optionsSet ),
-    m_settings( aSettings ),
-    m_originalItemPosition( aOrigPos )
+    m_settings( NULL ),
+    m_originalItemPosition( aOrigPos ),
+    m_numberingEnabled(enableNumbering)
 {
     // Set up numbering scheme drop downs
     //
@@ -91,9 +94,6 @@ DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY( PCB_BASE_FRAME* aParent, wxPoint aOrig
     Add( m_entryGridPriNumberingOffset, m_options.m_gridPriNumberingOffset );
     Add( m_entryGridSecNumberingOffset, m_options.m_gridSecNumberingOffset );
 
-    Add( m_rbGridStartNumberingOpt, m_options.m_gridNumberingScheme );
-    Add( m_rbCircStartNumberingOpt, m_options.m_circNumberingScheme );
-
     RestoreConfigToControls();
 
     // Load units into labels
@@ -118,6 +118,13 @@ DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY( PCB_BASE_FRAME* aParent, wxPoint aOrig
 }
 
 
+DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::~DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY()
+{
+    if( m_settings != NULL )
+        delete m_settings;
+}
+
+
 void DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::OnParameterChanged( wxCommandEvent& event )
 {
     setControlEnablement();
@@ -125,13 +132,13 @@ void DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::OnParameterChanged( wxCommandEvent& event )
 }
 
 
-static const std::string& alphabetFromNumberingScheme(
+static const wxString& alphabetFromNumberingScheme(
         DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::ARRAY_NUMBERING_TYPE_T type )
 {
-    static const std::string    alphaNumeric = "0123456789";
-    static const std::string    alphaHex = "0123456789ABCDEF";
-    static const std::string    alphaFull = "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ";
-    static const std::string    alphaNoIOSQXZ   = "ABCDEFGHJKLMNPRTUVWY";
+    static const wxString alphaNumeric = "0123456789";
+    static const wxString alphaHex = "0123456789ABCDEF";
+    static const wxString alphaFull = "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ";
+    static const wxString alphaNoIOSQXZ   = "ABCDEFGHJKLMNPRTUVWY";
 
     switch( type )
     {
@@ -164,18 +171,18 @@ static bool schemeNonUnitColsStartAt0( DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::ARRAY_NUMBERING_TYPE
 }
 
 
-static bool getNumberingOffset( const std::string& str,
+static bool getNumberingOffset( const wxString& str,
         DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::ARRAY_NUMBERING_TYPE_T type,
         int& offsetToFill )
 {
-    const std::string alphabet = alphabetFromNumberingScheme( type );
+    const wxString alphabet = alphabetFromNumberingScheme( type );
 
     int offset = 0;
     const int radix = alphabet.length();
 
     for( unsigned i = 0; i < str.length(); i++ )
     {
-        int chIndex = alphabet.find( str[i], 0 );
+        int chIndex = alphabet.Find( str[i], false );
 
         if( chIndex == wxNOT_FOUND )
             return false;
@@ -195,10 +202,91 @@ static bool getNumberingOffset( const std::string& str,
 }
 
 
+/**
+ * Validates and saves (if valid) the type and offset of an array axis numbering
+ *
+ * @param offsetEntry the entry of the offset (text)
+ * @param typeEntry the entry of the axis nmbering scheme (choice)
+ * @param type the destination of the type if valid
+ * @param offset the destination of the offset if valid
+ * @param errors error string accumulator
+ * @return if all valid
+ */
+static bool validateNumberingTypeAndOffset( const wxTextCtrl& offsetEntry,
+                                            const wxChoice& typeEntry,
+                                            DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::ARRAY_NUMBERING_TYPE_T& type,
+                                            int& offset,
+                                            wxArrayString& errors )
+{
+    const int typeVal = typeEntry.GetSelection();
+    // mind undefined casts to enums (should not be able to happen)
+    bool ok = typeVal <= DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::NUMBERING_TYPE_MAX;
+
+    if( ok )
+    {
+        type = (DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::ARRAY_NUMBERING_TYPE_T) typeVal;
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        wxString err;
+        err.Printf( _("Unrecognised numbering scheme: %d"), typeVal );
+        errors.Add( err );
+        // we can't proceed - we don't know the numbering type
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    const wxString text = offsetEntry.GetValue();
+    ok = getNumberingOffset( text, type, offset );
+
+    if( !ok )
+    {
+        const wxString& alphabet = alphabetFromNumberingScheme( type );
+
+        wxString err;
+        err.Printf( _( "Could not determine numbering start from \"%s\": "
+                       "expected value consistent with alphabet \"%s\"" ),
+                    text, alphabet );
+        errors.Add(err);
+    }
+
+    return ok;
+}
+
+
+/**
+ * Validate and save a long integer entry
+ *
+ * @param entry the text entry to read from
+ * @param dest the value destination
+ * @param description description of the field (used if the value is not OK)
+ * @param errors a list of errors to add any error to
+ * @return valid
+ */
+static bool validateLongEntry( const wxTextEntry& entry,
+                        long& dest,
+                        const wxString description,
+                        wxArrayString& errors )
+{
+    bool ok = true;
+
+    if( !entry.GetValue().ToLong( &dest ) )
+    {
+        wxString err;
+        err.Printf( _("Bad integral value for %s: %s"), description, entry.GetValue() );
+        errors.Add( err );
+        ok = false;
+     }
+
+    return ok;
+}
+
+
 void DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::OnOkClick( wxCommandEvent& event )
 {
     ARRAY_OPTIONS* newSettings = NULL;
 
+    wxArrayString errorStrs;
+
     const wxWindow* page = m_gridTypeNotebook->GetCurrentPage();
 
     if( page == m_gridPanel )
@@ -207,8 +295,11 @@ void DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::OnOkClick( wxCommandEvent& event )
         bool ok = true;
 
         // ints
-        ok  = ok && m_entryNx->GetValue().ToLong( &newGrid->m_nx );
-        ok  = ok && m_entryNy->GetValue().ToLong( &newGrid->m_ny );
+        ok = ok && validateLongEntry(*m_entryNx, newGrid->m_nx, _("horizontal count"),
+                          errorStrs);
+        ok = ok && validateLongEntry(*m_entryNy, newGrid->m_ny, _("vertical count"),
+                          errorStrs);
+
 
         newGrid->m_delta.x = DoubleValueFromString( g_UserUnit, m_entryDx->GetValue() );
         newGrid->m_delta.y = DoubleValueFromString( g_UserUnit, m_entryDy->GetValue() );
@@ -216,40 +307,38 @@ void DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::OnOkClick( wxCommandEvent& event )
         newGrid->m_offset.x = DoubleValueFromString( g_UserUnit, m_entryOffsetX->GetValue() );
         newGrid->m_offset.y = DoubleValueFromString( g_UserUnit, m_entryOffsetY->GetValue() );
 
-        ok = ok && m_entryStagger->GetValue().ToLong( &newGrid->m_stagger );
+        ok = ok && validateLongEntry(*m_entryStagger, newGrid->m_stagger, _("stagger"),
+                          errorStrs);
 
         newGrid->m_stagger_rows = m_radioBoxGridStaggerType->GetSelection() == 0;
 
         newGrid->m_horizontalThenVertical = m_radioBoxGridNumberingAxis->GetSelection() == 0;
         newGrid->m_reverseNumberingAlternate = m_checkBoxGridReverseNumbering->GetValue();
 
-        newGrid->m_2dArrayNumbering = m_radioBoxGridNumberingScheme->GetSelection() != 0;
+        newGrid->m_shouldNumber = m_numberingEnabled;
 
-        // this is only correct if you set the choice up according to the enum size and order
-        ok = ok && m_choicePriAxisNumbering->GetSelection() <= NUMBERING_TYPE_MAX
-             && m_choiceSecAxisNumbering->GetSelection() <= NUMBERING_TYPE_MAX;
-
-        // mind undefined casts to enums (should not be able to happen)
-        if( ok )
+        if ( m_numberingEnabled )
         {
-            newGrid->m_priAxisNumType =
-                (ARRAY_NUMBERING_TYPE_T) m_choicePriAxisNumbering->GetSelection();
-            newGrid->m_secAxisNumType =
-                (ARRAY_NUMBERING_TYPE_T) m_choiceSecAxisNumbering->GetSelection();
+            newGrid->m_2dArrayNumbering = m_radioBoxGridNumberingScheme->GetSelection() != 0;
+
+            bool numOk = validateNumberingTypeAndOffset(
+                    *m_entryGridPriNumberingOffset, *m_choicePriAxisNumbering,
+                    newGrid->m_priAxisNumType, newGrid->m_numberingOffsetX,
+                    errorStrs );
+
+            if( newGrid->m_2dArrayNumbering )
+            {
+                numOk = validateNumberingTypeAndOffset(
+                        *m_entryGridSecNumberingOffset, *m_choiceSecAxisNumbering,
+                        newGrid->m_secAxisNumType, newGrid->m_numberingOffsetY,
+                        errorStrs ) && numOk;
+            }
+
+            ok = ok && numOk;
+
+            newGrid->m_numberingStartIsSpecified = m_rbGridStartNumberingOpt->GetSelection() == 1;
         }
 
-        // Work out the offsets for the numbering
-        ok = ok && getNumberingOffset(
-                m_entryGridPriNumberingOffset->GetValue().ToStdString(),
-                newGrid->m_priAxisNumType, newGrid->m_numberingOffsetX );
-
-        if( newGrid->m_2dArrayNumbering )
-            ok = ok && getNumberingOffset(
-                    m_entryGridSecNumberingOffset->GetValue().ToStdString(),
-                    newGrid->m_secAxisNumType, newGrid->m_numberingOffsetY );
-
-        newGrid->m_shouldRenumber = m_rbGridStartNumberingOpt->GetSelection() == 1;
-
         // Only use settings if all values are good
         if( ok )
             newSettings = newGrid;
@@ -265,13 +354,23 @@ void DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::OnOkClick( wxCommandEvent& event )
         newCirc->m_centre.y = DoubleValueFromString( g_UserUnit, m_entryCentreY->GetValue() );
 
         newCirc->m_angle = DoubleValueFromString( DEGREES, m_entryCircAngle->GetValue() );
-        ok = ok && m_entryCircCount->GetValue().ToLong( &newCirc->m_nPts );
+
+        ok = ok && validateLongEntry(*m_entryCircCount, newCirc->m_nPts,
+                                     _("point count"), errorStrs);
 
         newCirc->m_rotateItems = m_entryRotateItemsCb->GetValue();
-        newCirc->m_shouldRenumber = m_rbCircStartNumberingOpt->GetSelection() == 1;
-        newCirc->m_numberingType = NUMBERING_NUMERIC;
 
-        ok = ok && m_entryCircNumberingStart->GetValue().ToLong( &newCirc->m_numberingOffset );
+        newCirc->m_shouldNumber = m_numberingEnabled;
+
+        if ( m_numberingEnabled )
+        {
+            newCirc->m_numberingStartIsSpecified = m_rbCircStartNumberingOpt->GetSelection() == 1;
+            newCirc->m_numberingType = NUMBERING_NUMERIC;
+
+            ok = ok && validateLongEntry(*m_entryCircNumberingStart,
+                                         newCirc->m_numberingOffset,
+                                         _("numbering start"), errorStrs);
+        }
 
         // Only use settings if all values are good
         if( ok )
@@ -283,43 +382,70 @@ void DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::OnOkClick( wxCommandEvent& event )
     // If we got good settings, send them out and finish
     if( newSettings )
     {
-        delete *m_settings;
+        delete m_settings;
 
         // assign pointer and ownership here
-        *m_settings = newSettings;
+        m_settings = newSettings;
         ReadConfigFromControls();
 
         EndModal( wxID_OK );
     }
-
     else
-        wxMessageBox( _("Bad parameters" ) );
+    {
+        wxString errorStr;
+
+        if( errorStrs.IsEmpty() )
+            errorStr = _("Bad parameters");
+        else
+            errorStr = boost::algorithm::join( errorStrs, "\n" );
+
+        wxMessageBox( errorStr );
+    }
 }
 
 
 void DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::setControlEnablement()
 {
-    const bool renumber = m_rbGridStartNumberingOpt->GetSelection() == 1;
+    if ( m_numberingEnabled )
+    {
+        const bool renumber = m_rbGridStartNumberingOpt->GetSelection() == 1;
 
-    // If we're not renumbering, we can't set the numbering scheme
-    // or axis numbering types
-    m_radioBoxGridNumberingScheme->Enable( renumber );
-    m_labelPriAxisNumbering->Enable( renumber );
-    m_choicePriAxisNumbering->Enable( renumber );
+        // If we're not renumbering, we can't set the numbering scheme
+        // or axis numbering types
+        m_radioBoxGridNumberingScheme->Enable( renumber );
+        m_labelPriAxisNumbering->Enable( renumber );
+        m_choicePriAxisNumbering->Enable( renumber );
 
-    // Disable the secondary axis numbering option if the
-    // numbering scheme doesn't have two axes
-    const bool num2d = m_radioBoxGridNumberingScheme->GetSelection() != 0;
+        // Disable the secondary axis numbering option if the
+        // numbering scheme doesn't have two axes
+        const bool num2d = m_radioBoxGridNumberingScheme->GetSelection() != 0;
 
-    m_labelSecAxisNumbering->Enable( renumber && num2d );
-    m_choiceSecAxisNumbering->Enable( renumber && num2d );
+        m_labelSecAxisNumbering->Enable( renumber && num2d );
+        m_choiceSecAxisNumbering->Enable( renumber && num2d );
 
-    // We can only set an offset if we renumber
-    m_labelGridNumberingOffset->Enable( renumber );
-    m_entryGridPriNumberingOffset->Enable( renumber );
-    m_entryGridSecNumberingOffset->Enable( renumber && num2d );
+        // We can only set an offset if we renumber
+        m_labelGridNumberingOffset->Enable( renumber );
+        m_entryGridPriNumberingOffset->Enable( renumber );
+        m_entryGridSecNumberingOffset->Enable( renumber && num2d );
 
-    m_entryCircNumberingStart->Enable( m_rbCircStartNumberingOpt->GetSelection() == 1 );
+        m_entryCircNumberingStart->Enable( m_rbCircStartNumberingOpt->GetSelection() == 1 );
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        // grid
+        m_rbGridStartNumberingOpt->Enable( false );
+        m_checkBoxGridReverseNumbering->Enable( false );
+        m_radioBoxGridNumberingAxis->Enable( false );
+        m_radioBoxGridNumberingScheme->Enable( false );
+        m_choiceSecAxisNumbering->Enable( false );
+        m_choicePriAxisNumbering->Enable( false );
+        m_entryGridPriNumberingOffset->Enable( false );
+        m_entryGridSecNumberingOffset->Enable( false );
+
+        // circular
+        m_rbCircStartNumberingOpt->Enable( false );
+        m_entryCircNumberingStart->Enable( false );
+    }
 }
 
 
@@ -340,16 +466,16 @@ void DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::calculateCircularArrayProperties()
 
 // ARRAY OPTION implementation functions --------------------------------------
 
-std::string DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::ARRAY_OPTIONS::getCoordinateNumber( int n,
+wxString DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::ARRAY_OPTIONS::getCoordinateNumber( int n,
         ARRAY_NUMBERING_TYPE_T type )
 {
-    std::string itemNum;
-    const std::string& alphabet = alphabetFromNumberingScheme( type );
+    wxString itemNum;
+    const wxString& alphabet = alphabetFromNumberingScheme( type );
 
     const bool nonUnitColsStartAt0 = schemeNonUnitColsStartAt0( type );
 
     bool    firstRound = true;
-    int     radix = alphabet.length();
+    int     radix = alphabet.Length();
 
     do {
         int modN = n % radix;
@@ -480,9 +606,5 @@ void DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::ARRAY_CIRCULAR_OPTIONS::TransformItem( int n, BOARD_IT
 
 wxString DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::ARRAY_CIRCULAR_OPTIONS::GetItemNumber( int aN ) const
 {
-    // The first new pad has aN number == 1, not 0
-    if( m_shouldRenumber )    // numbering pad from initial user value
-        return getCoordinateNumber( aN - 1 + m_numberingOffset, m_numberingType );
-    else    // numbering pad from inital pad number
-        return getCoordinateNumber( aN + m_numberingOffset, m_numberingType );
+    return getCoordinateNumber( aN + m_numberingOffset, m_numberingType );
 }
diff --git a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array.h b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array.h
index 11aa83f7f1..4ff244926e 100644
--- a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array.h
+++ b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array.h
@@ -28,6 +28,9 @@
 // Include the wxFormBuider header base:
 #include <dialog_create_array_base.h>
 
+#include <class_board_item.h>
+#include <wxBasePcbFrame.h>
+
 #include <boost/bimap.hpp>
 
 class CONFIG_SAVE_RESTORE_WINDOW
@@ -72,7 +75,7 @@ protected:
         ctrls.push_back( ctrlInfo );
     }
 
-    void Add( wxTextCtrl* ctrl, std::string& dest )
+    void Add( wxTextCtrl* ctrl, wxString& dest )
     {
         CONFIG_CTRL_T ctrlInfo = { ctrl, CFG_CTRL_TEXT, (void*) &dest };
 
@@ -105,7 +108,7 @@ protected:
                 break;
 
             case CFG_CTRL_TEXT:
-                *(std::string*) iter->dest = static_cast<wxTextCtrl*>( iter->control )->GetValue();
+                *(wxString*) iter->dest = static_cast<wxTextCtrl*>( iter->control )->GetValue();
                 break;
 
             case CFG_CTRL_CHOICE:
@@ -144,7 +147,7 @@ protected:
                 break;
 
             case CFG_CTRL_TEXT:
-                static_cast<wxTextCtrl*>( iter->control )->SetValue( *(std::string*) iter->dest );
+                static_cast<wxTextCtrl*>( iter->control )->SetValue( *(wxString*) iter->dest );
                 break;
 
             case CFG_CTRL_CHOICE:
@@ -201,13 +204,13 @@ public:
     {
         ARRAY_OPTIONS( ARRAY_TYPE_T aType ) :
             m_type( aType ),
-            m_shouldRenumber( false )
+            m_shouldNumber( false ),
+            m_numberingStartIsSpecified( false )
         {}
 
         virtual ~ARRAY_OPTIONS() {};
 
         ARRAY_TYPE_T m_type;
-        bool m_shouldRenumber;
 
         /*!
          * Function GetArrayPositions
@@ -222,13 +225,37 @@ public:
         virtual wxString GetItemNumber( int n ) const = 0;
         virtual wxString InterpolateNumberIntoString( int n, const wxString& pattern ) const;
 
-        bool ShouldRenumberItems() const
+        /*!
+         * @return are the items in this array numberred, or are all the
+         * items numbered the same
+         */
+        bool ShouldNumberItems() const
         {
-            return m_shouldRenumber;
+            return m_shouldNumber;
         }
 
-protected:
-        static std::string getCoordinateNumber( int n, ARRAY_NUMBERING_TYPE_T type );
+        /*!
+         * @return is the numbering is enabled and should start at a point
+         * specified in these options or is it implicit according to the calling
+         * code?
+         */
+        bool NumberingStartIsSpecified() const
+        {
+            return m_shouldNumber && m_numberingStartIsSpecified;
+        }
+
+    protected:
+        static wxString getCoordinateNumber( int n, ARRAY_NUMBERING_TYPE_T type );
+
+        // allow the dialog to set directly
+        friend class DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY;
+
+        /// True if this array numbers the new items
+        bool m_shouldNumber;
+
+        /// True if this array's number starts from the preset point
+        /// False if the array numbering starts from some externally provided point
+        bool m_numberingStartIsSpecified;
     };
 
     struct ARRAY_GRID_OPTIONS : public ARRAY_OPTIONS
@@ -289,16 +316,27 @@ private:
     };
 
     // Constructor and destructor
-    DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY( PCB_BASE_FRAME* aParent, wxPoint aOrigPos, ARRAY_OPTIONS** settings );
-    virtual ~DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY() {};
+    DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY( PCB_BASE_FRAME* aParent, bool enableNumbering,
+                         wxPoint aOrigPos );
+
+    ~DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY();
+
+    /*!
+     * @return the array options set by this dialogue, or NULL if they were
+     * not set, or could not be set
+     */
+    ARRAY_OPTIONS* GetArrayOptions() const
+    {
+        return m_settings;
+    }
 
 private:
 
     /**
      * The settings object returned to the caller.
-     * We update the caller's object and never have ownership
+     * We retain ownership of this
      */
-    ARRAY_OPTIONS** m_settings;
+    ARRAY_OPTIONS* m_settings;
 
     /*
      * The position of the original item(s), used for finding radius, etc
@@ -329,27 +367,28 @@ private:
 
         bool m_optionsSet;
 
-        std::string m_gridNx, m_gridNy,
-                    m_gridDx, m_gridDy,
-                    m_gridOffsetX, m_gridOffsetY,
-                    m_gridStagger;
+        wxString m_gridNx, m_gridNy,
+                 m_gridDx, m_gridDy,
+                 m_gridOffsetX, m_gridOffsetY,
+                 m_gridStagger;
 
-        int m_gridStaggerType, m_gridNumberingAxis;
+        int     m_gridStaggerType, m_gridNumberingAxis;
         bool    m_gridNumberingReverseAlternate;
         int     m_grid2dArrayNumbering;
         int     m_gridPriAxisNumScheme, m_gridSecAxisNumScheme;
-        std::string m_gridPriNumberingOffset, m_gridSecNumberingOffset;
+        wxString m_gridPriNumberingOffset, m_gridSecNumberingOffset;
 
-        std::string m_circCentreX, m_circCentreY,
-                    m_circAngle, m_circCount, m_circNumberingOffset;
+        wxString m_circCentreX, m_circCentreY,
+                 m_circAngle, m_circCount, m_circNumberingOffset;
         bool m_circRotate;
         int m_arrayTypeTab;
-        int m_gridNumberingScheme;
-        int m_circNumberingScheme;
     };
 
-    static CREATE_ARRAY_DIALOG_ENTRIES m_options;
+    // some uses of arrays might not allow component renumbering
+    bool m_numberingEnabled;
 
+    // saved array options
+    static CREATE_ARRAY_DIALOG_ENTRIES m_options;
 };
 
 #endif      // __DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY__
diff --git a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array_base.cpp b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array_base.cpp
index f9e7b43e54..67d5e6ef9e 100644
--- a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array_base.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array_base.cpp
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-// C++ code generated with wxFormBuilder (version Jan  1 2016)
+// C++ code generated with wxFormBuilder (version Mar  9 2016)
 // http://www.wxformbuilder.org/
 //
 // PLEASE DO "NOT" EDIT THIS FILE!
@@ -100,51 +100,50 @@ DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY_BASE::DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY_BASE( wxWindow* parent, wxWindowID
 	
 	bSizer2->Add( gbSizer1, 1, wxEXPAND, 5 );
 	
-	wxBoxSizer* bSizer3;
-	bSizer3 = new wxBoxSizer( wxVERTICAL );
+	m_gridPadNumberingSizer = new wxBoxSizer( wxVERTICAL );
 	
 	wxString m_radioBoxGridNumberingAxisChoices[] = { _("Horizontal, then vertical"), _("Vertical, then horizontal") };
 	int m_radioBoxGridNumberingAxisNChoices = sizeof( m_radioBoxGridNumberingAxisChoices ) / sizeof( wxString );
 	m_radioBoxGridNumberingAxis = new wxRadioBox( m_gridPanel, wxID_ANY, _("Pad Numbering Direction"), wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, m_radioBoxGridNumberingAxisNChoices, m_radioBoxGridNumberingAxisChoices, 1, wxRA_SPECIFY_COLS );
 	m_radioBoxGridNumberingAxis->SetSelection( 0 );
-	bSizer3->Add( m_radioBoxGridNumberingAxis, 0, wxALL|wxEXPAND, 5 );
+	m_gridPadNumberingSizer->Add( m_radioBoxGridNumberingAxis, 0, wxALL|wxEXPAND, 5 );
 	
 	m_checkBoxGridReverseNumbering = new wxCheckBox( m_gridPanel, wxID_ANY, _("Reverse pad numbering on alternate rows or columns"), wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, 0 );
-	bSizer3->Add( m_checkBoxGridReverseNumbering, 0, wxALL, 5 );
+	m_gridPadNumberingSizer->Add( m_checkBoxGridReverseNumbering, 0, wxALL, 5 );
 	
 	wxString m_rbGridStartNumberingOptChoices[] = { _("Use first free number"), _("From start value") };
 	int m_rbGridStartNumberingOptNChoices = sizeof( m_rbGridStartNumberingOptChoices ) / sizeof( wxString );
 	m_rbGridStartNumberingOpt = new wxRadioBox( m_gridPanel, wxID_ANY, _("Initial pad number"), wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, m_rbGridStartNumberingOptNChoices, m_rbGridStartNumberingOptChoices, 1, wxRA_SPECIFY_COLS );
 	m_rbGridStartNumberingOpt->SetSelection( 1 );
-	bSizer3->Add( m_rbGridStartNumberingOpt, 0, wxALL|wxEXPAND, 5 );
+	m_gridPadNumberingSizer->Add( m_rbGridStartNumberingOpt, 0, wxALL|wxEXPAND, 5 );
 	
 	wxString m_radioBoxGridNumberingSchemeChoices[] = { _("Continuous (1, 2, 3...)"), _("Coordinate (A1, A2, ... B1, ...)") };
 	int m_radioBoxGridNumberingSchemeNChoices = sizeof( m_radioBoxGridNumberingSchemeChoices ) / sizeof( wxString );
 	m_radioBoxGridNumberingScheme = new wxRadioBox( m_gridPanel, wxID_ANY, _("Pad Numbering Scheme"), wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, m_radioBoxGridNumberingSchemeNChoices, m_radioBoxGridNumberingSchemeChoices, 1, wxRA_SPECIFY_COLS );
 	m_radioBoxGridNumberingScheme->SetSelection( 1 );
-	bSizer3->Add( m_radioBoxGridNumberingScheme, 0, wxALL|wxEXPAND, 5 );
+	m_gridPadNumberingSizer->Add( m_radioBoxGridNumberingScheme, 0, wxALL|wxEXPAND, 5 );
 	
 	m_labelPriAxisNumbering = new wxStaticText( m_gridPanel, wxID_ANY, _("Primary axis numbering:"), wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, 0 );
 	m_labelPriAxisNumbering->Wrap( -1 );
-	bSizer3->Add( m_labelPriAxisNumbering, 0, wxLEFT|wxRIGHT|wxTOP, 5 );
+	m_gridPadNumberingSizer->Add( m_labelPriAxisNumbering, 0, wxLEFT|wxRIGHT|wxTOP, 5 );
 	
 	wxArrayString m_choicePriAxisNumberingChoices;
 	m_choicePriAxisNumbering = new wxChoice( m_gridPanel, wxID_ANY, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, m_choicePriAxisNumberingChoices, 0 );
 	m_choicePriAxisNumbering->SetSelection( 0 );
-	bSizer3->Add( m_choicePriAxisNumbering, 0, wxEXPAND|wxBOTTOM|wxRIGHT|wxLEFT, 5 );
+	m_gridPadNumberingSizer->Add( m_choicePriAxisNumbering, 0, wxEXPAND|wxBOTTOM|wxRIGHT|wxLEFT, 5 );
 	
 	m_labelSecAxisNumbering = new wxStaticText( m_gridPanel, wxID_ANY, _("Secondary axis numbering:"), wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, 0 );
 	m_labelSecAxisNumbering->Wrap( -1 );
 	m_labelSecAxisNumbering->Enable( false );
 	
-	bSizer3->Add( m_labelSecAxisNumbering, 0, wxTOP|wxRIGHT|wxLEFT, 5 );
+	m_gridPadNumberingSizer->Add( m_labelSecAxisNumbering, 0, wxTOP|wxRIGHT|wxLEFT, 5 );
 	
 	wxArrayString m_choiceSecAxisNumberingChoices;
 	m_choiceSecAxisNumbering = new wxChoice( m_gridPanel, wxID_ANY, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, m_choiceSecAxisNumberingChoices, 0 );
 	m_choiceSecAxisNumbering->SetSelection( 0 );
 	m_choiceSecAxisNumbering->Enable( false );
 	
-	bSizer3->Add( m_choiceSecAxisNumbering, 0, wxEXPAND|wxBOTTOM|wxRIGHT|wxLEFT, 5 );
+	m_gridPadNumberingSizer->Add( m_choiceSecAxisNumbering, 0, wxEXPAND|wxBOTTOM|wxRIGHT|wxLEFT, 5 );
 	
 	wxBoxSizer* bSizer5;
 	bSizer5 = new wxBoxSizer( wxHORIZONTAL );
@@ -160,10 +159,10 @@ DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY_BASE::DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY_BASE( wxWindow* parent, wxWindowID
 	bSizer5->Add( m_entryGridSecNumberingOffset, 0, wxALL, 5 );
 	
 	
-	bSizer3->Add( bSizer5, 0, wxEXPAND, 5 );
+	m_gridPadNumberingSizer->Add( bSizer5, 0, wxEXPAND, 5 );
 	
 	
-	bSizer2->Add( bSizer3, 0, wxALL|wxEXPAND, 5 );
+	bSizer2->Add( m_gridPadNumberingSizer, 0, wxALL|wxEXPAND, 5 );
 	
 	
 	m_gridPanel->SetSizer( bSizer2 );
@@ -244,30 +243,29 @@ DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY_BASE::DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY_BASE( wxWindow* parent, wxWindowID
 	
 	bSizer4->Add( gbSizer2, 0, wxALL|wxEXPAND, 5 );
 	
-	wxStaticBoxSizer* sbcircPadNumberingSizer;
-	sbcircPadNumberingSizer = new wxStaticBoxSizer( new wxStaticBox( m_circularPanel, wxID_ANY, _("Pad Numbering Options") ), wxVERTICAL );
+	m_circPadNumberingSizer = new wxStaticBoxSizer( new wxStaticBox( m_circularPanel, wxID_ANY, _("Pad Numbering Options") ), wxVERTICAL );
 	
 	wxString m_rbCircStartNumberingOptChoices[] = { _("Use first free number"), _("From start value") };
 	int m_rbCircStartNumberingOptNChoices = sizeof( m_rbCircStartNumberingOptChoices ) / sizeof( wxString );
-	m_rbCircStartNumberingOpt = new wxRadioBox( sbcircPadNumberingSizer->GetStaticBox(), wxID_ANY, _("Initial pad number"), wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, m_rbCircStartNumberingOptNChoices, m_rbCircStartNumberingOptChoices, 1, wxRA_SPECIFY_COLS );
+	m_rbCircStartNumberingOpt = new wxRadioBox( m_circPadNumberingSizer->GetStaticBox(), wxID_ANY, _("Initial pad number"), wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, m_rbCircStartNumberingOptNChoices, m_rbCircStartNumberingOptChoices, 1, wxRA_SPECIFY_COLS );
 	m_rbCircStartNumberingOpt->SetSelection( 0 );
-	sbcircPadNumberingSizer->Add( m_rbCircStartNumberingOpt, 0, wxALL|wxEXPAND, 5 );
+	m_circPadNumberingSizer->Add( m_rbCircStartNumberingOpt, 0, wxALL|wxEXPAND, 5 );
 	
 	wxBoxSizer* bSizer7;
 	bSizer7 = new wxBoxSizer( wxHORIZONTAL );
 	
-	m_labelCircNumStart = new wxStaticText( sbcircPadNumberingSizer->GetStaticBox(), wxID_ANY, _("Pad numbering start value:"), wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, 0 );
+	m_labelCircNumStart = new wxStaticText( m_circPadNumberingSizer->GetStaticBox(), wxID_ANY, _("Pad numbering start value:"), wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, 0 );
 	m_labelCircNumStart->Wrap( -1 );
 	bSizer7->Add( m_labelCircNumStart, 0, wxALIGN_CENTER_VERTICAL|wxALL, 5 );
 	
-	m_entryCircNumberingStart = new wxTextCtrl( sbcircPadNumberingSizer->GetStaticBox(), wxID_ANY, _("1"), wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, 0 );
+	m_entryCircNumberingStart = new wxTextCtrl( m_circPadNumberingSizer->GetStaticBox(), wxID_ANY, _("1"), wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, 0 );
 	bSizer7->Add( m_entryCircNumberingStart, 1, wxALL, 5 );
 	
 	
-	sbcircPadNumberingSizer->Add( bSizer7, 0, wxEXPAND, 5 );
+	m_circPadNumberingSizer->Add( bSizer7, 0, wxEXPAND, 5 );
 	
 	
-	bSizer4->Add( sbcircPadNumberingSizer, 1, wxEXPAND|wxALL, 5 );
+	bSizer4->Add( m_circPadNumberingSizer, 1, wxEXPAND|wxALL, 5 );
 	
 	
 	m_circularPanel->SetSizer( bSizer4 );
diff --git a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array_base.fbp b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array_base.fbp
index f6eb1cc67e..b4af4d44b9 100644
--- a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array_base.fbp
+++ b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array_base.fbp
@@ -1978,9 +1978,9 @@
                                         <property name="proportion">0</property>
                                         <object class="wxBoxSizer" expanded="0">
                                             <property name="minimum_size"></property>
-                                            <property name="name">bSizer3</property>
+                                            <property name="name">m_gridPadNumberingSizer</property>
                                             <property name="orient">wxVERTICAL</property>
-                                            <property name="permission">none</property>
+                                            <property name="permission">protected</property>
                                             <object class="sizeritem" expanded="0">
                                                 <property name="border">5</property>
                                                 <property name="flag">wxALL|wxEXPAND</property>
@@ -4397,10 +4397,9 @@
                                             <property name="id">wxID_ANY</property>
                                             <property name="label">Pad Numbering Options</property>
                                             <property name="minimum_size"></property>
-                                            <property name="name">sbcircPadNumberingSizer</property>
+                                            <property name="name">m_circPadNumberingSizer</property>
                                             <property name="orient">wxVERTICAL</property>
-                                            <property name="parent">1</property>
-                                            <property name="permission">none</property>
+                                            <property name="permission">protected</property>
                                             <event name="OnUpdateUI"></event>
                                             <object class="sizeritem" expanded="1">
                                                 <property name="border">5</property>
diff --git a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array_base.h b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array_base.h
index df1f9903bc..0e11e36291 100644
--- a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array_base.h
+++ b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_create_array_base.h
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-// C++ code generated with wxFormBuilder (version Jan  1 2016)
+// C++ code generated with wxFormBuilder (version Mar  9 2016)
 // http://www.wxformbuilder.org/
 //
 // PLEASE DO "NOT" EDIT THIS FILE!
@@ -68,6 +68,7 @@ class DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY_BASE : public DIALOG_SHIM
 		wxStaticText* m_labelStagger;
 		wxTextCtrl* m_entryStagger;
 		wxRadioBox* m_radioBoxGridStaggerType;
+		wxBoxSizer* m_gridPadNumberingSizer;
 		wxRadioBox* m_radioBoxGridNumberingAxis;
 		wxCheckBox* m_checkBoxGridReverseNumbering;
 		wxRadioBox* m_rbGridStartNumberingOpt;
@@ -95,6 +96,7 @@ class DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY_BASE : public DIALOG_SHIM
 		wxTextCtrl* m_entryCircCount;
 		wxStaticText* m_labelCircRotate;
 		wxCheckBox* m_entryRotateItemsCb;
+		wxStaticBoxSizer* m_circPadNumberingSizer;
 		wxRadioBox* m_rbCircStartNumberingOpt;
 		wxStaticText* m_labelCircNumStart;
 		wxTextCtrl* m_entryCircNumberingStart;
diff --git a/pcbnew/edit.cpp b/pcbnew/edit.cpp
index c46974492a..84be12666c 100644
--- a/pcbnew/edit.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/edit.cpp
@@ -53,9 +53,9 @@
 #include <dialog_drc.h>
 #include <dialog_global_edit_tracks_and_vias.h>
 #include <invoke_pcb_dialog.h>
+#include <array_creator.h>
 
 #include <dialog_move_exact.h>
-#include <dialog_create_array.h>
 
 #include <tool/tool_manager.h>
 #include <tools/common_actions.h>
@@ -1599,83 +1599,56 @@ void PCB_BASE_EDIT_FRAME::duplicateItem( BOARD_ITEM* aItem, bool aIncrement )
 }
 
 
+class LEGACY_ARRAY_CREATOR: public ARRAY_CREATOR
+{
+public:
+
+    LEGACY_ARRAY_CREATOR( PCB_BASE_EDIT_FRAME& editFrame ):
+        ARRAY_CREATOR( editFrame ),
+        m_item( m_parent.GetScreen()->GetCurItem() )
+    {}
+
+private:
+
+    int getNumberOfItemsToArray() const //override
+    {
+        // only handle single items
+        return (m_item != NULL) ? 1 : 0;
+    }
+
+    BOARD_ITEM* getNthItemToArray( int n ) const //override
+    {
+        wxASSERT_MSG( n == 0, "Legacy array tool can only handle a single item" );
+        return m_item;
+    }
+
+    BOARD* getBoard() const //override
+    {
+        return m_parent.GetBoard();
+    }
+
+    MODULE* getModule() const //override
+    {
+        return dynamic_cast<MODULE*>( m_item->GetParent() );
+    }
+
+    wxPoint getRotationCentre() const //override
+    {
+        return m_item->GetCenter();
+    }
+
+    void finalise() // override
+    {
+        m_parent.GetCanvas()->Refresh();
+    }
+
+    BOARD_ITEM* m_item; // only have the one
+};
+
+
 void PCB_BASE_EDIT_FRAME::createArray()
 {
-    BOARD_ITEM* item = GetScreen()->GetCurItem();
+    LEGACY_ARRAY_CREATOR array_creator( *this );
 
-    if( !item )
-        return;
-
-    // Note: original item is no more modified.
-
-    bool editingModule = NULL != dynamic_cast<FOOTPRINT_EDIT_FRAME*>( this );
-
-    BOARD* board = GetBoard();
-
-    // Remember this is valid and used only in the module editor.
-    // in board editor, the parent of items is usually the board.
-    MODULE* module = static_cast<MODULE*>( item->GetParent() );
-
-    DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::ARRAY_OPTIONS* array_opts = NULL;
-
-    const wxPoint rotPoint = item->GetCenter();
-
-    DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY dialog( this, rotPoint, &array_opts );
-    int ret = dialog.ShowModal();
-
-    if( ret == wxID_OK && array_opts != NULL )
-    {
-        PICKED_ITEMS_LIST newItemsList;
-
-        if( item->Type() == PCB_PAD_T && !editingModule )
-        {
-            // If it is not the module editor, then duplicate the parent module instead
-            item = static_cast<MODULE*>( item )->GetParent();
-        }
-
-        if( editingModule )
-        {
-            // modedit saves everything upfront
-            SaveCopyInUndoList( board->m_Modules, UR_MODEDIT );
-        }
-
-        #define INCREMENT_REF false
-        #define INCREMENT_PADNUMBER true
-
-        // The first item in list is the original item. We do not modify it
-        for( int ptN = 1; ptN < array_opts->GetArraySize(); ptN++ )
-        {
-            BOARD_ITEM* new_item;
-
-            if( editingModule )
-                new_item = module->DuplicateAndAddItem( item, INCREMENT_PADNUMBER );
-            else
-                new_item = board->DuplicateAndAddItem( item, INCREMENT_REF );
-
-            if( new_item )
-            {
-                array_opts->TransformItem( ptN, new_item, rotPoint );
-                newItemsList.PushItem( new_item );  // For undo list
-            }
-
-            if( !new_item || !array_opts->ShouldRenumberItems() )
-                continue;
-
-            // Renumber pads. Only new pad number renumbering has meaning,
-            // in the footprint editor.
-            if( new_item->Type() == PCB_PAD_T )
-            {
-                const wxString padName = array_opts->GetItemNumber( ptN );
-                static_cast<D_PAD*>( new_item )->SetPadName( padName );
-            }
-        }
-
-        if( !editingModule )
-        {
-            // pcbnew saves the new items like this
-            SaveCopyInUndoList( newItemsList, UR_NEW );
-        }
-
-        m_canvas->Refresh();
-    }
+    array_creator.Invoke();
 }
diff --git a/pcbnew/tools/edit_tool.cpp b/pcbnew/tools/edit_tool.cpp
index 02bbc78a2a..19f397e6a6 100644
--- a/pcbnew/tools/edit_tool.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/tools/edit_tool.cpp
@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@
 #include <kiway.h>
 #include <class_draw_panel_gal.h>
 #include <module_editor_frame.h>
+#include <array_creator.h>
 
 #include <tool/tool_manager.h>
 #include <view/view_controls.h>
@@ -51,7 +52,6 @@
 
 #include <router/router_tool.h>
 
-#include <dialogs/dialog_create_array.h>
 #include <dialogs/dialog_move_exact.h>
 #include <dialogs/dialog_track_via_properties.h>
 
@@ -794,7 +794,81 @@ int EDIT_TOOL::Duplicate( const TOOL_EVENT& aEvent )
     decUndoInhibit();
 
     return 0;
-}
+};
+
+
+class GAL_ARRAY_CREATOR: public ARRAY_CREATOR
+{
+public:
+
+    GAL_ARRAY_CREATOR( PCB_BASE_FRAME& editFrame, bool editModules,
+                       RN_DATA* ratsnest,
+                       const SELECTION& selection ):
+        ARRAY_CREATOR( editFrame ),
+        m_editModules( editModules ),
+        m_ratsnest( ratsnest ),
+        m_selection( selection )
+    {}
+
+private:
+
+    int getNumberOfItemsToArray() const //override
+    {
+        // only handle single items
+        return m_selection.Size();
+    }
+
+    BOARD_ITEM* getNthItemToArray( int n ) const //override
+    {
+        return m_selection.Item<BOARD_ITEM>( n );
+    }
+
+    BOARD* getBoard() const //override
+    {
+        return m_parent.GetBoard();
+    }
+
+    MODULE* getModule() const //override
+    {
+        // Remember this is valid and used only in the module editor.
+        // in board editor, the parent of items is usually the board.
+        return m_editModules ? m_parent.GetBoard()->m_Modules.GetFirst() : NULL;
+    }
+
+    wxPoint getRotationCentre() const //override
+    {
+        const VECTOR2I rp = m_selection.GetCenter();
+        return wxPoint( rp.x, rp.y );
+    }
+
+    void prePushAction( BOARD_ITEM* new_item ) // override
+    {
+        m_parent.GetToolManager()->RunAction( COMMON_ACTIONS::unselectItem,
+                                              true, new_item );
+    }
+
+    void postPushAction( BOARD_ITEM* new_item ) //override
+    {
+        KIGFX::VIEW* view = m_parent.GetToolManager()->GetView();
+        if( new_item->Type() == PCB_MODULE_T)
+        {
+            static_cast<MODULE*>( new_item )->RunOnChildren(
+                    boost::bind( &KIGFX::VIEW::Add, view, _1 ) );
+        }
+
+        m_parent.GetGalCanvas()->GetView()->Add( new_item );
+        m_ratsnest->Update( new_item );
+    }
+
+    void finalise() // override
+    {
+        m_ratsnest->Recalculate();
+    }
+
+    bool m_editModules;
+    RN_DATA* m_ratsnest;
+    const SELECTION& m_selection;
+};
 
 
 int EDIT_TOOL::CreateArray( const TOOL_EVENT& aEvent )
@@ -803,113 +877,19 @@ int EDIT_TOOL::CreateArray( const TOOL_EVENT& aEvent )
     SELECTION_TOOL* selTool = m_toolMgr->GetTool<SELECTION_TOOL>();
     const SELECTION& selection = selTool->GetSelection();
 
-    // Be sure that there is at least one item that we can modify
-    if( !hoverSelection( selection ) )
-        return 0;
+    // pick up items under the cursor if needed
+    hoverSelection( selection );
 
     // we have a selection to work on now, so start the tool process
 
     PCB_BASE_FRAME* editFrame = getEditFrame<PCB_BASE_FRAME>();
     editFrame->OnModify();
 
-    if( m_editModules )
-    {
-        // Module editors do their undo point upfront for the whole module
-        editFrame->SaveCopyInUndoList( editFrame->GetBoard()->m_Modules, UR_MODEDIT );
-    }
+    GAL_ARRAY_CREATOR array_creator( *editFrame, m_editModules,
+                                     getModel<BOARD>()->GetRatsnest(),
+                                     selection );
 
-    DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY::ARRAY_OPTIONS* array_opts = NULL;
-
-    VECTOR2I rp = selection.GetCenter();
-    const wxPoint rotPoint( rp.x, rp.y );
-
-    DIALOG_CREATE_ARRAY dialog( editFrame, rotPoint, &array_opts );
-    int ret = dialog.ShowModal();
-
-    if( ret == wxID_OK && array_opts != NULL )
-    {
-        PICKED_ITEMS_LIST newItemList;
-
-        for( int i = 0; i < selection.Size(); ++i )
-        {
-            BOARD_ITEM* item = selection.Item<BOARD_ITEM>( i );
-
-            if( !item )
-                continue;
-
-            // iterate across the array, laying out the item at the
-            // correct position
-            const unsigned nPoints = array_opts->GetArraySize();
-
-            // The first item in list is the original item. We do not modify it
-            for( unsigned ptN = 1; ptN < nPoints; ++ptN )
-            {
-                BOARD_ITEM* newItem = NULL;
-
-                // Some items cannot be duplicated
-                // i.e. the ref and value fields of a footprint or zones
-                // therefore newItem can be null
-
-                #define INCREMENT_REF false
-                #define INCREMENT_PADNUMBER true
-
-                if( m_editModules )
-                    newItem = editFrame->GetBoard()->m_Modules->DuplicateAndAddItem(
-                                                            item, INCREMENT_PADNUMBER );
-                else
-                {
-#if 0
-                    // @TODO: see if we allow zone duplication here
-                    // Duplicate zones is especially tricky (overlaping zones must be merged)
-                    // so zones are not duplicated
-                    if( item->Type() == PCB_ZONE_AREA_T )
-                        newItem = NULL;
-                    else
-#endif
-                        newItem = editFrame->GetBoard()->DuplicateAndAddItem(
-                                                            item, INCREMENT_REF );
-                    // @TODO: we should merge zones. This is a bit tricky, because
-                    // the undo command needs saving old area, if it is merged.
-                }
-
-                if( newItem )
-                {
-                    array_opts->TransformItem( ptN, newItem, rotPoint );
-
-                    m_toolMgr->RunAction( COMMON_ACTIONS::unselectItem, true, newItem );
-
-                    newItemList.PushItem( newItem );
-
-                    if( newItem->Type() == PCB_MODULE_T)
-                    {
-                        static_cast<MODULE*>( newItem )->RunOnChildren( boost::bind( &KIGFX::VIEW::Add,
-                                getView(), _1 ) );
-                    }
-
-                    editFrame->GetGalCanvas()->GetView()->Add( newItem );
-                    getModel<BOARD>()->GetRatsnest()->Update( newItem );
-                }
-
-                // Only renumbering pads has meaning:
-                if( newItem && array_opts->ShouldRenumberItems() )
-                {
-                    if( newItem->Type() == PCB_PAD_T )
-                    {
-                        const wxString padName = array_opts->GetItemNumber( ptN );
-                        static_cast<D_PAD*>( newItem )->SetPadName( padName );
-                    }
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        if( !m_editModules )
-        {
-            // Add all items as a single undo point for PCB editors
-            editFrame->SaveCopyInUndoList( newItemList, UR_NEW );
-        }
-    }
-
-    getModel<BOARD>()->GetRatsnest()->Recalculate();
+    array_creator.Invoke();
 
     return 0;
 }