Rotate reorients geometry around coordinate axes using Euler angle rotations. Use Rotate for part alignment, orientation adjustment, and establishing angular relationships in assemblies and multi-body parts.
Options
Objects
Select what you want to rotate. Multiple objects can be rotated together.
Roll (X-axis rotation)
Rotation in degrees around the X-axis. Positive roll rotates counterclockwise when looking from +X toward the origin.
Pitch (Y-axis rotation)
Rotation in degrees around the Y-axis. Positive pitch rotates counterclockwise when looking from +Y toward the origin.
Yaw (Z-axis rotation)
Rotation in degrees around the Z-axis. Positive yaw rotates counterclockwise when looking from +Z toward the origin.
Global Coordinates
Enable (default) to rotate about world axes. Disable to rotate about the object's own local axes.
How Rotations Work
Rotations are applied in roll-pitch-yaw order (X-Y-Z). Use the right-hand rule: curl your fingers in the rotation direction with your thumb pointing along the positive axis.
Design Applications
Manufacturing Orientation
Orient parts for optimal build direction:
- Align print planes for additive manufacturing
- Position parts for CNC accessibility
- Establish nesting orientations for sheet cutting
Assembly Alignment
Establish angular relationships between components:
- Align bolt patterns to mating interfaces
- Orient connectors to access directions
- Position gears for meshing engagement
Analysis Preparation
Orient geometry to analysis coordinate systems:
- Align flow directions to computational domains
- Position load-bearing faces perpendicular to force vectors
- Establish symmetry planes for reduced models