The Rotate around axis functionality rotates one or several objects in the layout space (e.g. 3D bodies imported from STEP files) around the center of the invisible rectangular body enveloping them. Edges, auxiliary lines, or the axis of a mounting point or a base point can be used as axes of rotation. Thus it is possible to rotate 3D objects also around non-orthogonal lines and edges, independently of the coordinate system of the layout space.

The following illustration shows the operating principle of rotating: The selected rotation axis (1) is projected in the center of the surrounding rectangle. Rotation is then carried out around this projected axis of rotation (2).

To rotate 3D objects around axes, edges, or lines, 4 operation steps are required:

• Select objects to be rotated
• Determine axis of rotation
• Determine direction of rotation on axis of rotation
• Enter rotation angle.

Preconditions:

• You have opened a project.
• The layout space navigator is open and a layout space is open.

1. Select the View > Mounting aids menu items.
   
   Mounting points and base points and their 3D coordinate systems are displayed.
   
   The X, Y, and Z axes of the coordinate systems can be used as axes of rotation.
2. Select the Edit > Graphic > Rotate around axis menu items.
3. Use the mouse to draw a frame around the object(s) to be rotated.
4. The following entry determines the axis of rotation around which the rotation is to be done. Use the cursor to touch any axis, edge, or line in the layout space.
   
   The axis, edge, or line touched by the cursor is highlighted.
5. Click the desired axis, line, or edge.
6. The next entry determines in which direction the object is to be rotated around the axis of rotation. Click an end point of the edge or line determined as axis of rotation.

30° rotation with different starting points on the axis of rotation


Selected axis of rotation: Edge	Starting point on axis of rotation	Result
	Left	Rotation to the left
	Right	Rotation to the right

7. Enter the rotation angle in the input box.

Note:

Depending on the setting, the input box appears at the cursor immediately, or after the first number has been entered. If the input box is always to be displayed for every possible entry in 3D view, select the Options > Settings > User > Graphical editing > Input box menu items, and activate the Always show input box (3D) check box.