How to Rotate or Move an Object’s Origin in Blender: Step-by-Step Tutorial

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Rotate objects in a new way by moving their origins

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You can easily set and rotate an object’s origin in Blender. This is helpful for when you need to rotate an object around a point that isn’t the default origin at the center of the object. You can also rotate every object in the workspace around the main origin. This wikiHow guide will show you how to rotate or move an object’s origin in Blender.

Things You Should Know

  • You can change an object’s origin to rotate it about a new point.
  • Rotate an object’s origin by changing the transformation settings to “Origin.”
  • Rotate every object around the main origin by snapping the 3D cursor to the origin.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Change an Object’s Origin

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  1. This is in the options bar directly below the main tabs. If you just created a shape or imported a model into Blender, you might need to change its origin to get the angle you need! [1] [2]
  2. This will allow you to select objects in the workspace.
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  3. It’s the cursor in a box in the left tool selection menu.
  4. This will highlight the object orange.
  5. This is an option in the mode drop down menu in the top left of the workspace. Your selected object should still be highlighted orange.
  6. The Edge button is in the options bar below the main tabs. Subdivide is an option in the Edge drop down menu. The selected object will be divided into even segments.
  7. This is where you’ll move the origin of the object to. To do so:
    • Click a point on the subdivided object.
    • Right-click the object.
    • Select Snap Vertices > Cursor to Selected in the right-click menu.
  8. To do so:
    • Switch back to Object Mode .
    • Right-click the object.
    • Select Set Origin > Origin to 3D Cursor in the right-click menu.
    • You’re done! You’ve successfully moved the origin to a new location on the object.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Rotate an Object’s Origin

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  1. This is in the options bar directly below the main tabs.
  2. This will allow you to select objects in the workspace.
  3. This is the button with two arrows forming a circle in the tool menu to the left of the screen.
  4. This option is in the “Transformation orientation” drop down menu at the top of the screen. It’s set to Global by default.
  5. This will allow you to transform the origin of an object.
    • If you don’t see the Options button, right-click the options bar below the main tabs and check the Show Tool Settings box.
  6. This will cause the three axis circles to appear around the origin.
  7. This will rotate the object’s origin. Rotate all three axis circles until the origin is oriented exactly how you need it to be.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Rotate all Objects around the Origin

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  1. This is in the options bar directly below the main tabs.
  2. This will allow you to move objects in the workspace.
  3. This is located in the options menu bar under the main tabs.
  4. This will move the 3D cursor to the global origin.
  5. This is the cursor inside of a box in the tool menu to the left of the screen.
  6. This will allow you to select every object in the workspace. They should be highlighted orange.
  7. This is the icon with two partial circles around a solid dot at the top of the screen.
  8. This is an option in the “Transform Pivot Point” drop down menu. This will allow you to rotate the objects around the origin.
  9. This is the button with two arrows forming a circle in the tool menu to the left of the screen.
  10. This will rotate every selected object about the global origin. You’re done! Now you’re ready to keep adding objects and apply new textures .
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      References

      1. ↑ https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/scene_layout/object/origin.html
      2. ↑ https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/editors/3dview/3d_cursor.html

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