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    • Add a primitive
    • Move
    • Rotate
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Modeling tools
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  4. Rotate

Rotate

Turn an object around its origin using the rotation controls or numeric angle fields.

Before you start

Select an object in object mode and locate its transform pivot. Rotation uses that pivot, so a distant origin can make the object travel around a large circle.

Use the operation

Orient a part without changing its proportions.

  1. Choose Rotate in Transform Mode; the displayed shortcut is E when the workspace has focus.
  2. Choose World or Local and drag the ring for the required axis.
  3. For a known angle on one object, edit Rotation in its properties. The interface shows degrees.
  4. Inspect the result from a second view and check connections to neighboring parts.

Controls and choices

ControlsWhat changes
Rotation X / Y / ZSets orientation in degrees relative to the parent. Multiple axis rotations interact; change one at a time when diagnosing a result.
Transform spaceWorld follows scene axes; Local follows the selected object's orientation.
OriginAffects the center of object rotation. Reset Origin can recenter a mesh on its geometry bounds.

Try it in your scene

Rotate a rectangular object around one axis and compare the result in a second view.

Check the result

Distances within the object should remain unchanged. If rotation makes the part swing away from its intended location, check the pivot before compensating with extra moves. Inspect parent transforms if numeric rotation does not match the apparent world orientation.

Related operations

Reset the originMoveApply transforms

Practice in Show3D

Open the editor and follow the steps with your own scene.
Open Show3DBrowse documentation

On this page

Before you startUse the operationControls and choicesTry it in your sceneCheck the resultRelated operations