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Modeling > Selections and manipulations > Rotating objects
Rotating objects![]()
Use the Rotate tool to turn an object around its center. You can also rotate an object by changing its Orientation parameters. Orientation values are in degrees.
By default, rotation is viewport-based, that is, objects rotate in the plane of the viewport in which you drag them. By holding the Shift key as you rotate the object, you can rotate the object around its local axes.
If there are several objects next to each other, it can be difficult to select and rotate the right one. In this case, select the object in the World Explorer, then press and hold the R key while you drag the object in the viewport. Holding a manipulation hot key (E, R, or T) locks the selection.
To rotate an object in a viewport:
- Press R or turn on the Rotate button (
).
- Drag the object in a viewport. To lock the selection, hold R while rotating the object.
It turns around its center, rotating in the plane of the viewport.
To rotate an object around its local X, Y, or Z axes:
- Turn on the Rotate button or press R.
- Hold Shift and drag the object in any viewport using one of the three mouse buttons:
To rotate an object around its own X, Y, or Z axis using precise orientation coordinates:
Select the object, then adjust the Orientation field in the Parameter Editor.
To change an object's center of rotation:
- Select the object, then press 5 to switch to Center mode.
- Turn on Translate or press T, and then drag the object's center in a viewport.
- Press 3 to switch back to Object mode and rotate the object.
To change the orientation of an object's X, Y, and Z axis:
- Select the object, then press 5 to switch to Center mode.
- Turn on Rotate or press R, and then drag the center in a viewport.
- Press 3 to switch back to Object mode and rotate the object using the Shift key and the left, middle, and right mouse buttons.
Selecting objects, points, centers
Manipulation tools, shortcuts, and tips
Example: setting an object's center
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