3D Align to X, Y, or Z Axis
To align a 3D object to the X, Y, or Z axis in 3D mode:
1. Create a free axis or select an existing free axis. (See the topics under
3D Select Axis Tools for descriptions of the various ways to create a free axis.)
2. Select one or more 3D objects.
3. Click a free axis to make it active (red). You will align the active free axis for 3D object(s) to the X, Y, or Z axis.
4. On the Edit menu, click Align and then click the coordinate axis you want to align to: X axis, Y axis, or Z axis, or, click the 3D align X, Y, or Z axis button on the 3D Tools toolbar:
X axis
Y axis
Z axis
5. The selected 3D objects translate and/or rotate to align to the specified coordinate axis. Only the 3D objects move. The active (red) axis does not.
To align an edge on a rectangular block parallel to the X axis:
1. Create a free axis on the block edge.
a. Click the
3D Select axis
button on the
3D Tools toolbar.
b. When the cursor becomes a
, click the edge to create a free axis on it.
2. Select the block.
(Optional) Select other 3D objects if you want them to move with the block during edge alignment.
3. Click the 3D align
X axis button on the
3D Tools toolbar.
◦ The block translates and/or rotates to align the free axis edge parallel to the X axis.
◦ Other selected 3D objects translate and/or rotate with the block, keeping their same positions relative to the block.
To align a pulley wheel so its rotation axis is parallel to the Z axis:
1. Create a free axis along the pulley wheel’s rotation axis:
a. Click the
3D Select axis (based on a path)
button on the
3D Tools toolbar.
b. When the cursor becomes a
, click on the circular path that defines the pulley wheel’s outer edge. A free axis is created perpendicular to the wheel face along the central rotation axis. The free axis is active (red).
2. Select the pulley wheel.
(Optional) Select other 3D objects if you want them to move with the pulley wheel during alignment.
3. Click the 3D align
Z axis button on the
3D Tools toolbar.
◦ The pulley wheel translates and/or rotates such that the free axis created along the rotation axis is parallel to the Z axis.
◦ Other selected 3D objects translate and/or rotate with the pulley wheel, keeping their same positions relative to the pulley wheel.