Draftsight

Draftsight Rotate Object? | Tutocad

Understanding How to Rotate Objects in Draftsight

Rotating objects in Draftsight is a fundamental skill that enhances the design process. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps and techniques to efficiently rotate objects in various scenarios within Draftsight.

Rotating Basic Objects

  1. Activate the Rotate Command:

    • Navigate to the command panel and locate the "Modify" section. Click on the "Rotate" option.
  2. Select the Object:

    • Click on the specific object or objects in the drawing area that you wish to rotate. You can select multiple items by holding down the Shift key while selecting.
  3. Establish the Base Point:

    • Specify a base point around which the object will rotate. This is critical as it determines the pivot point for the rotation.
  4. Set the Rotation Angle:
    • You have the option to enter a precise angle of rotation or to visually rotate the object. Optionally, drag the object while observing its movement, and click when it reaches the desired position.

Rotating Viewports in Draftsight

  1. Choose the Viewport:

    • Click on the viewport you want to rotate within your layout space.
  2. Access the Rotate Function:

    • Right-click on the selected viewport and choose the "Rotate" option from the context menu. Alternatively, use the viewport’s grip located at its center to initiate the rotation.
  3. Follow the Prompts:
    • Draftsight will prompt you to define a base point for rotation and the angle. Enter your preferred angle, such as 90 or 180 degrees, for a standard rotation.

Using the Rotate3D Command

  1. Initiate the 3D Rotate Command:

    • At the command line, type Rotate3D and hit Enter.
  2. Select the Entities:

    • Click on the 3D objects you want to rotate. Confirm your selections by pressing Enter.
  3. Define the Axis of Rotation:

    • You can either click to select points in the graphics area to establish the rotation axis or input specific 3D coordinates.
  4. Set the Rotation Angle:
    • Input the angle you wish to rotate the objects about the defined axis. This offers precise control over the 3D rotation.

Managing Text Rotation

  1. Access the Text Rotation Command:

    • Enter RotateDimensionText at the command prompt to change the orientation of dimension-related text.
  2. Specify the Rotation Angle:

    • Define an angle to rotate the dimension text accordingly.
  3. Select Dimensions:
    • Click on the dimensions whose text you want to rotate and press Enter to apply the changes.

Working with the UCS (User Coordinate System)

  1. Rotating UCS within Viewport:

    • Double-click inside the viewport you wish to modify. This action makes the current UCS active for rotation.
    • Ensure the UCS aligns correctly with the rotation plane.
  2. Executing the Rotation:

    • Navigate to the View tab, access Coordinates, and select the Z option. Enter the desired rotation angle, such as 90 degrees clockwise.
  3. Apply Changes:
    • Confirm the changes to see the UCS and any associated objects rotate accordingly.

FAQ

  1. What is the function of the base point in rotation?

    • The base point acts as the pivot around which the object will rotate. It is essential to choose the correct base point to achieve the desired rotation.
  2. Can I rotate multiple objects simultaneously?

    • Yes, using the selection method, you can choose multiple objects to rotate them at once, ensuring they maintain the same relative positions to each other.
  3. How do I undo a rotation if I make a mistake?
    • If you need to revert a rotation, you can use the Undo command (CTRL + Z) to step back to the previous state of your drawing.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.