Learn how to rotate sketch items around a selected axis in Shapr3D.
What is the Rotate Around Axis tool?
You can use the Rotate Around Axis tool to rotate sketch items around a selected line, edge, or axis. Set a rotation angle and optionally create a rotated copy while keeping the original sketch items unchanged.
To learn how to rotate 3D geometry, visit Transform menu: Rotate Around Axis tool.
How to use the Rotate Around Axis tool
- Go to Sketch > Rotate Around Axis.
For other ways to access tools, visit Accessing tools. - Select the sketch items you want to rotate.
- Select Next, if prompted, to proceed to axis selection.
- Select a line, edge, or axis to rotate around.
- Optional: Select the Copy badge to rotate a duplicate instead of the original selection.
- Drag the rotation control to set the angle, or select the angle label to enter a precise value.
- To finish, select an empty area of the modeling space.
Tip
Turn on Copy to create a rotated duplicate while keeping the original selection unchanged.
History settings
Rotating sketch items around an axis does not create a separate Rotate Around Axis step in History. You can still reopen the existing Sketch step to review or modify its settings:
- Plane – Select Edit… or Select… to change the plane or face containing the sketch, then select Done.
- Projection – If applicable, select Edit… to modify existing projections in the sketch.
When to use the Rotate Around Axis tool
Use Rotate Around Axis to:
- Reposition sketch geometry – Rotate selected sketch items around a defined reference axis.
- Create repeated angled geometry – Use Copy to preserve the original and place a rotated duplicate.
- Adjust angled profiles – Set a precise rotation angle for sketch items relative to a chosen axis.
Best practices and troubleshooting
- Select the intended axis before setting the rotation angle.
- Use the angle label when you need an exact value.
| Issue | What to check |
|---|---|
| The sketch items rotate around the wrong axis. | Check the selected line, edge, or axis and choose the intended reference. |
| The original sketch items were rotated instead of duplicated. | Turn on Copy before applying the rotation. |
| The rotation angle is incorrect. | Select the angle label and enter the intended value. |
Read more
- Accessing tools – Understand how tools appear based on what you select in the modeling space.
- Selecting geometry – Master selection techniques for edges, faces, sketches, and bodies.
- Defining and calculating numerical values – Learn how to apply dimensions, enter precise values, and use formulas.
- Keyboard shortcuts, gestures, and hotkeys – View keyboard shortcuts you can use to access tools and speed up actions.
- Variables and expressions – Set up reusable values and expressions to control your design parametrically.