Position the Manipulator

Position the manipulator along an axis, within a plane, or in 3D space.

  1. Select one or more objects.
    Note:
    • To select multiple objects, use box selection or hold down Ctrl while clicking the objects.
    • To chain select in the Model Browser, hold down Shift while clicking the names of the objects.
  2. Open the Move tool:
    • Press W.
    • From the Home tools, click the Move icon.

  3. Use the Control Panel and follow these steps:
    Step A Step B Step C
    To enter Move manipulator mode:
    • Press Shift.
    • In the Control Panel, for Mode Type, select Move manipulator.

    The manipulator is displayed in orange.

    		 Choose from the following options: To exit Move manipulator mode:
    • Press Shift.
    • In the Control Panel, for Mode Type, select Move objects.

    The manipulator is displayed in white.
    Translate the manipulator along an axis:

    Drag the X, Y, or Z arrow.
    Translate the manipulator within a plane:

    Drag the XY, XZ, or YZ plane.
    Rotate the manipulator

    Drag the XY, XZ, or YZ plane.
    Reposition the manipulator in 3D space:

    Drag the origin.

    Or in the Control Panel, type the x-, y, and z-coordinates.
    Reset the manipulator's position

    In the Control Panel, click the Reset Manipulator Position button.
    Tip: Sometimes you may want to numerically position the manipulator to specific coordinates. Understanding relative movement and absolute positioning is useful.
  4. Select the green check mark to exit the Control Panel.
Now you can translate, rotate, or scale the objects.