Singular, one-click elements like cabinets and furniture can be rotated on the spot by simply clicking and dragging them while in Rotation mode. Railings can be rotated by clicking and dragging their end points. For most other elements such as walls, floors, ceilings or roofs, you need to use the Rotate tool. You also need to use the Rotate tool if you want to be able to enter a precise rotation angle in the Commander, or you want to rotate the element about a point other than the center point of the element.
Doing a Simple, On-the-Spot Rotation
If you see a triangular grab handle on an element when it is selected, it can be rotated by simply clicking and dragging it. Using this method, the element is rotated about its center point. If your Angle Snap is on, the element will rotate in increments of whatever angle is set for the Angle Snap. If the Angle Snap is off, the element will rotate in increments of 1º.
To rotate an element by clicking and dragging:
Select the element you want to rotate.
Hover your pointer over the triangular grab handle
to display the Rotate cursor. If you do not see the triangular grab handle,
the element can only be rotated with the Rotate tool.
Tip: If the triangular grab handle is in close proximity to the square grab handle, you may want to zoom in on the element to distinguish between the two grab handles.
Click and drag to rotate the element.
When the element is at the desired rotation, release your mouse button.
Using the Rotate Tool
Using the Rotate tool you can rotate an element about any selected base point. You should also use the Rotate tool if you want to be able to enter a precise rotation angle in the Commander. If your Angle Snap is on, the element will rotate in increments of whatever angle is set for the Angle Snap. If you are using the Commander, you can override the Angle Snap by entering the desired angle in the Commander. If the Angle Snap is off, the element will rotate in increments of 1º.
To rotate an element using the Rotate tool:
Select the element to rotate.
Right-click and select Rotate, or select Edit > Modify Elements > Rotate.
Select a base point for the rotation. The base point can be any point on the element (e.g. center point or corner point), or any point in the drawing area. The point you pick establishes an automatic baseline that runs through the point at 180°. You can rotate full-circle around this baseline. Example
Tip: If you want to align an element with another element that may be lying at an odd angle, select a base point on the other element, then line up your rotation line with that element.
Without holding your mouse button down, move your mouse to rotate the element. The element will rotate from the defined base point in the direction you move the mouse. If the Commander is turned on, you can view the angle of rotation as you rotate, or enter a precise angle. Positive angle values are read in a counter-clockwise direction, while negative values are read in a clockwise direction.
