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Temp Rotate

What is it?

The Temp Rotate tool allows you to temporarily rotate objects around any edge as an axis. It's perfect for quick adjustments and exploring different orientations without committing to permanent changes. The tool works in object mode and provides both visual and numeric input for precise control.

Access and Shortcuts

  • Pie Menu: Manipulation > Temp Rotate
  • Operator: damtools.temp_rotate
  • Modal keys:
  • Mouse Move → Adjust rotation angle
  • Shift → Fine control (slower rotation)
  • Ctrl → Snap to 5° increments
  • 0-9 → Enter angle numerically (in degrees)
  • Backspace → Clear numeric input
  • - → Toggle negative angle
  • Enter/Return → Confirm numeric input
  • Click/Space → Confirm rotation
  • ESC/Right Click → Cancel and restore original rotation

Workflow

Basic Steps

  1. Select object(s) to rotate
  2. Activate Temp Rotate
  3. Click an edge to use as rotation axis
  4. Move mouse to rotate around axis
  5. Optionally enter precise angle with numeric input
  6. Confirm with Click/Space

Numeric Input

  1. After selecting axis, type numbers for angle in degrees
  2. Use - to toggle negative angle
  3. Press Enter to apply exact angle
  4. Continue adjusting with mouse if needed

Parameters

  • Rotation Angle: Angle of rotation around selected edge
  • Input: Mouse movement or numeric entry
  • Range: -360° to 360°
  • Snap: 5° increments with Ctrl
  • Rotation Axis: Any mesh edge
  • Selected by clicking
  • Visualized with arrow showing rotation direction

Tips

  • Use edges from any visible mesh, not just the selected object
  • Hold Shift for finer control over rotation
  • Ctrl-snap is useful for common angles (90°, 45°, etc.)
  • The arrow visualization helps predict rotation direction
  • Numeric input is great for exact angles
  • You can rotate multiple objects at once around the same axis
  • The rotation is temporary until confirmed

Known Limitations

  • Only works in object mode
  • Requires mesh objects with visible edges
  • Numeric input limited to whole degrees
  • Cannot change axis without restarting tool
  • Edge must be part of a mesh object

See Also