Set a reference system

Transformations operate by default along the principal x, y, and z axes of a scene in the world reference system. Additionally, for customization and precision, you can apply transformations using the object reference system or create a custom reference system to save and apply to other objects in the scene.

To choose a different reference system to apply to object transformations, click the drop-down menu next to Reference System in the transform Tool Options windows . Click any of the following:

• World—Transform tools are aligned to the axes defined by the scene coordinate system.

  

• Object—Transform tools are aligned to the objects' features (edges and normals). If multiple objects are selected the orientation is defined by the lead selection object.

  

• {Custom reference system}—Transform tools are aligned to the axes of a custom reference system that you create and save.

  

Create a custom reference system

You can create a custom reference system (CRS) in which the orientation of the axes handles are saved for later to apply with the transform tools.

To add or update a CRS in a scene, do the following:

1. Click the Adjust Position and Orientation toggle key or press O to reposition the transform tool.

   The transform tool switches to the position and orientation axes handles.

2. Drag or rotate the axes handles to change orientation, or drag the orange sphere handles.

   As you rotate the axes, they snap similarly as the Transform Rotate tool.

3. To add or update the current orientation of the axes as a CRS, click the Save CRS As... button to open the Add / Update Custom Reference System dialog box.
4. Choose to add or update an existing CRS:
   • To add the CRS, name the new CRS and click Add.
   • To update an existing CRS, select a CRS in the list and click Update.

   

   

   Note:

   The position of the CRS is not saved.

5. Click Cancel to close the window without adding or updating CRS.

Edit CRS

You can rename, reorder, or remove an existing CRS by doing one of the following:

• Click Edit CRSs... in the Reference System drop-down menu.
• Click Edit > Edit Custom Reference Systems... in the main menu.

The Edit Custom Reference Systems dialog box appears.