Linear Pattern without an Edge to click on

I made a sphere (for example) and would like to linear pattern it to be three spheres that are merged slightly.  When I made the solid object, I have no linear edges to click on.  Is there a way to linear pattern by selecting x-axis, y-axis, z-axis etc. without having to create a dummy sketch just for reference?

TIA  -  Bram

SolidworksParts And Features