Local Axis Mod¶

What is it?¶

The Local Axis Mod tool allows you to redefine an object's local coordinate system by selecting two vertices. It's perfect for aligning an object's axes to specific features of its geometry, making subsequent modeling operations more intuitive and precise. The tool preserves the object's world position and scale while changing its orientation.

Access and Shortcuts¶

Pie Menu: Manipulation > Local Axis Mod
Operator: damtools.local_axis_mod
Modal keys:
Click → Select vertices (first for origin, second for Z-axis direction)
Space → Confirm axis modification
ESC/Right Click → Cancel operation

Workflow¶

Basic Steps¶

Select a mesh object
Activate Local Axis Mod
Click on first vertex (will become the origin)
Click on second vertex (defines Z-axis direction)
Object's local axes are recalculated while preserving world position

Axis Calculation¶

Z-axis: Direction from first to second vertex
X and Y axes: Automatically calculated to form orthogonal basis
Origin: Positioned at the first selected vertex
Preview: Colored axes (red X, green Y, blue Z) show the new orientation

Parameters¶

First Vertex: Defines the new local origin
Selected by clicking
Highlighted in green
Second Vertex: Defines the Z-axis direction
Selected by clicking
Creates Z-axis from first to second vertex
Preview Length: Automatically scaled to object size
Approximately 15% of the object's diagonal

Tips¶

Use for aligning objects to specific geometric features
Perfect for preparing objects for further modeling operations
The mesh geometry remains unchanged in world space
Only the local coordinate system changes
Helps with texture alignment and modifier application
Use on symmetrical objects to align axes with symmetry planes
Works well for aligning imported objects

Known Limitations¶

Only works with mesh objects
Requires at least two vertices
Cannot define exact X and Y axes (only Z)
Cannot move the origin outside the object
No numeric input for precise alignment
Cannot align to other objects' axes