Technical Tips & Techniques

» Taming rotation in solidworks (Part II)


As we all know it is possible to rotate your model by using the middle wheel button on your mouse. You just hold it down like a button (don't roll it) & move your mouse. The problem is when rotating while zoomed in to a particular model detail you may loose what is on your screen upon rotate. Last newsletter / tech tip we described how to rotate the model about the center of the screen. This time we learn how to do this using only the mouse!

Did you know that is it is possible to rotate a model about a VERTEX, EDGE, or FACE anytime during regular rotate? It can be done by double clicking + hold with your middle wheel button on a VERTEX, EDGE, or FACE & then simply moving your mouse around. You will notice that:

Choosing a VERTEX will keep that point still & on screen; this one gives the greatest amount of rotation freedom. Choosing an EDGE keeps the edge still & on screen; this one feels like your peeking around the corner of a wall. Choosing a FACE keeps a point on the face still & on screen; it feels like rotating a piece of paper on a desk.

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