Rotating Objects

Use

You can use the Rotate tool to rotate selected objects relative to the selected axis, and to duplicate objects.

When the Rotate tool is selected, the object position controls in the Tool Assistant display the objects' rotation around the X, Y, and Z axes. You can then rotate the selected objects by dragging them within the viewport or by using the Object Position controls. If you want to control the rotation further, you can hold the SHIFT button for 15 degrees incremental rotation.

Rotation can be performed on one axis only at one time. As you rotate, the viewport label displays the degree of rotation.

Activities

Rotating selected objects:

  1. Select the objects that you want to rotate.

  2. Open the Tool Assistant and display the available Rotate settings by choosing Object Rotate from the Tool Assistant or Rotate on the 3D Editor toolbar.

  3. Establish your rotation settings as required, in the Tool Assistant

  4. Do one or more of the following

    • Move the cursor over the objects' axis, and then drag the object. To rotate in 15 degree increments, press SHIFT and drag.

    • Use the X spinner to rotate the selected objects along the X axis of the Position controls

    • Use the Y spinner to rotate the selected objects along the Y axis of the Position controls

    • Use the Z spinner to rotate the selected objects along the Z axis of the Position control

Copying objects using the Rotate tool:

  1. Select the objects that you want to copy and choose Rotate.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • Press ALT + CTRL and drag the objects as you would normally to copy the objects.

    • Press CTRL and drag the objects as you would normally to instance the objects.