---
title: "Axis Rotation"
url: "https://help.maxon.net/zbr/en-us/Content/html/getting-started/basic-concepts/2d-and-3d-navigation/axis-rotation/axis-rotation.html"
section_path: "Getting Started > Basic Concepts > 2D and 3D navigation > Axis Rotation"
description: "Lock your model to one rotational axis to give you that real world feeling of working on a sculpture stand, just like the clay masters did. You can also …"
---

# Axis Rotation

*Pick Your Rotation*

![Alt image text](https://help.maxon.net/zbr/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/turntable_preview_0004.png)\
*Axis Rotation is action – ZBrush artist: Sakaki Kaoru*

Lock your model to one rotational axis to give you that real world feeling of working on a sculpture stand, just like the clay masters did. You can also use the Axis Rotation option to specify a degree of rotation for your model during a presentation meeting, or to limit your viewing area of interest to just one portion of the model.

---

## Axis Rotation Functions

![Alt image text](https://help.maxon.net/zbr/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/axis_rotation_ui.png)\
*The Axis Rotation Functions are in the Transform >> Axis Rotation sub-palette.*

To select the desired axis, press the Transform >> Rot XYZ, Rot X, Rot Y or Rot Z buttons. These buttons (except Rot X) are also found at the right of the standard UI. For Rot XYZ, rotation will be relative to the screen viewing plane.

![Alt image text](https://help.maxon.net/zbr/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/axis_buttons.png)\
*The Rotation buttons in the Transform palette*

It is recommended to assign hotkeys to the \<> buttons, such as “J” and “K.” Do not use Shift, Ctrl or Alt combinations for this as they will not work properly.

### \<\<R

Rotate the model backwards around the selected axis by the amount set in the Increment slider.

### R>>

Rotate the model forwards around the selected axis by the amount set in the Increment slider.

### Increment

Sets the number of degrees in which the model rotates with each button press.

### Use Local

Turn on to rotate around the most recently edited point on the model. With this option off, rotation will be around the mesh’s central axis.

### Use Pen

Turn on to use pen or mouse movement. This option can only be used with hotkeys assigned to the \<> buttons. Hold down a hotkey and move the pen or mouse from side to side to rotate the model around the selected axis. Either hotkey will work as forward/backward rotation is controlled by which direction the pen or mouse is moved.

**Important!**

Note: When using this option, the Transform >> Local Transform and Preferences >> Edit >> Allow Click To Solo buttons are temporarily switched off. They will be restored after clicking the pen/mouse when the rotation is finished.