Transform menu: Align tool

What is the Align tool?

You can use the Align tool to reposition 3D bodies by aligning their faces, edges, or other geometric references. After alignment, you can fine-tune the body's position and orientation.

How to use the Align tool

1. Go to Transform > Align.
   For other ways to access tools, visit Accessing tools.
2. Select the body you want to move.
   Note: If you select a body before opening Align from the adaptive menu, you can skip this selection.
3. Select Next.
4. Select a face or edge on the body you want to align. Available snap points appear in purple.
5. Select a face, edge, or other supported reference to align with. Alternatively, drag a snap point on the moving body to a snap point on the target.
6. Optional: Adjust the alignment using the gizmo or Flip badge . See Adjusting alignment.
7. To finish, click anywhere on an empty area.

Supported alignment references

Depending on the geometry, you can use these references to define the alignment:

• Planar, spherical, and conical faces
• Linear and circular edges
• Sketch lines and circular sketch geometry
• Sketches and construction planes
• Construction axes

Adjusting alignment

After choosing the alignment references, use the gizmo and Flip badge to refine the aligned body's position and orientation.

• Rotate – Rotate the body around the gizmo center.
• Move along an axis – Adjust the body's position along a gizmo axis.
• Move on a plane – Reposition the body within a plane.
• Flip – Reverse the alignment by 180 degrees.

Snapping into alignment

As you adjust the body, the gizmo can snap to likely alignments, including:

• Aligned vertices
• Collinear or parallel edges
• Coplanar arcs or faces

History settings

Aligning a body creates an Align step in History. Select the step to reopen the alignment controls and adjust the position of the aligned body.

When to use the Align tool

The Align tool is useful for:

• Positioning components – Place one part against another using matching faces.
• Aligning cylindrical features – Position round features using circular edges or faces.
• Matching orientations – Align parts to angled faces or construction references.
• Preparing assemblies – Position separate bodies before combining or further modifying them.

Best practices and troubleshooting

• Choose the body you want to move before selecting Next.
• Use faces or edges that clearly define the intended alignment, then refine the result with the gizmo.
• Use the Flip badge when the body faces the opposite direction from what you intended.