Orientate
- Last UpdatedAug 14, 2025
- 3 minute read
The axes (fixed reference lines) of an element can be explicitly orientated or the axes of an existing element can be used.
Note:
Once two of the axes are specified, the element’s orientation can be defined completely.
To change the orientation of an element explicitly:
The element to be oriented must be selected first, this can be performed in two ways, select the element in the Model Explorer, then identifying it as the CE or owner of the CE or in the 3D graphical view, pick the CE or pick the owner of the CE.
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Select |
From the drop-down menu, click to select the element to be orientated, in the Model Explorer:
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From the drop-down menu, click to select the element to be orientated:
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Note:
Once the element is selected, the name of the element is inserted into the Orientate window. The current axes of the element are also displayed.
Two of the axes must be explicitly defined, the third is automatically defined, from the drop-down menus. Click to select which axes are to be defined, amend the direction of the axes to the direction of choice. The axes displayed in the 3D graphical view are changed, the axes can be locked, select Lock check box.
To orientate an element by the use of an existing element’s orientation, in the 3D graphical view, click to select the element whose orientation is to be changed to that of an existing one.
From the Orientate window, select Derive to display the drop-down menu, choose from one of the following options:
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from CE |
Use the orientation of the CE, click to select the CE in the Model Explorer. |
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from Owner |
Use the orientation from the owner of CE, click to select the owner of the CE in the Model Explorer. |
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Through 3 points |
Click to define 3 points in the 3D graphical view: Identify the First point (reference point): In the 3D graphical view, you are prompted to: Orientate - base point (Snap) Snap. |
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Identify the Second point (X direction): Orientate - X through point from base point. |
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Identify the Third point (Y direction): Orientate - Y through point from base point. |
The new orientation is displayed in the Orientate window and the axes displayed in the 3D graphical view.
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Through 2 points |
Through 2 points - click to define 2 points in the 3D graphical view: |
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Identify the First point (X direction): Orientate - X through point from origin (Snap) Snap. |
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Identify Second point (Y direction): Orientate - Y towards point (Snap) Snap. |
The new orientation is displayed in the Orientate window and the axes displayed in the 3D graphical view.
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from picked |
In the 3D graphical view, you are prompted to Pick element to copy orientation from. Click to select the element, the new orientation is displayed in the Orientate window and the axes displayed in the 3D graphical view. |
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Apply |
Moves the element to its new orientation. |
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Dismiss |
Closes the Orientate window. |