Rotate and Translate

Move and rotate 3D objects using the Translate and Rotate tools with interactive gizmo handles.

The Rotate and Translate tools let you reposition objects in 3D space. Unlike the Height tool which adjusts vertical extrusion, these tools move and rotate entire objects, including any shapes drawn on different planes.

Translate tool

The Translate tool moves objects along the X, Y, or Z axis.

How to use:

  1. Select the Translate tool from the 3D toolbar
  2. Select one or more objects
  3. Drag one of the colored arrow handles to move along that axis:
    • Red arrow: X axis (left/right)
    • Green arrow: Y axis (up/down)
    • Blue arrow: Z axis (forward/back)
  4. Drag a colored plane square to move along two axes at once

The gizmo appears at the center of your selection. When you select multiple objects, they move together as a group while maintaining their relative positions.

Rotate tool

The Rotate tool rotates objects around the X, Y, or Z axis.

How to use:

  1. Select the Rotate tool from the 3D toolbar
  2. Select one or more objects
  3. Drag one of the colored rotation rings to rotate around that axis:
    • Red ring: Rotation around X axis (pitch)
    • Green ring: Rotation around Y axis (yaw)
    • Blue ring: Rotation around Z axis (roll)

The rotation gizmo appears at the center of the bounding box of your selection. Objects rotate around this center point.

Snapping with Shift

Hold Shift while dragging to enable snapping:

  • Translate: Snaps to 5mm increments
  • Rotate: Snaps to 15-degree increments

Snapping helps you position objects precisely without needing to enter exact values. Release Shift to return to free movement.

Working with multiple objects

Both tools support multi-object selection:

  1. Hold Ctrl/Cmd and click to add objects to your selection
  2. Use the Transform tool in the 2D panel to select multiple shapes
  3. Drag any gizmo handle to transform all selected objects together

When objects from different drawing planes are selected, the gizmo uses world coordinates. The objects transform relative to their shared bounding box center.

Select tool

The Select tool lets you click objects in the 3D view without transforming them. Use this when you want to inspect or select objects without accidentally moving them.

How to use:

  1. Select the Select tool from the 3D toolbar
  2. Click an object to select it
  3. Click empty space to deselect

The Select tool is useful when you want to change your selection before switching to a transform tool.

When to use these tools

Use the Translate tool when you need to:

  • Position objects relative to each other
  • Move shapes up, down, or sideways
  • Align objects that were drawn on different planes

Use the Rotate tool when you need to:

  • Tilt objects to a specific angle
  • Create angled surfaces
  • Rotate imported STL files or 3D primitives

For adjusting the vertical height of extruded shapes without repositioning them, use the Height tool instead.

Tips

  • The Translate tool is automatically selected when you select objects from multiple drawing planes.
  • Rotation creates a new drawing plane for the rotated objects. This allows you to continue drawing on the angled surface.
  • Combine rotation with the Place Space tool to draw on any angled surface.
  • For precise positioning, use Shift snapping and work in increments.