AutoCAD

How to Rotate Copy in AutoCAD?

Rotating Copies in AutoCAD

To effectively rotate copies of objects in AutoCAD, follow these structured steps that guide you through the process seamlessly.

1. Select Objects for Rotation

Begin by choosing the objects you want to rotate. This can be done simply by clicking on the items while holding down the Shift key to select multiple elements simultaneously.

2. Access the Grip Points

Once your objects are selected, locate the grip points which appear on the objects. Click on a grip point that will act as the pivot for your rotation.

3. Change Grip Mode

To adjust the grip mode, press Enter repeatedly until you see the "Rotate" option. This allows for a more specific control over how the object will be rotated.

4. Prepare to Copy

After setting the grip mode to rotate, type “C” for Copy and press Enter. This step ensures that you are preparing to create copies of the selected objects while rotating them in the same motion.

5. Positioning the Objects

Move your mouse to direct the copies to their intended locations. Click to establish the first new position. You’ll see your copies begin to appear.

6. Create Additional Copies

To create more copies, hold down the Ctrl key while clicking at each desired location for the additional copies. This feature allows for efficient placement without having to repeat the previous steps.

Additional Techniques to Rotate Elements in AutoCAD

Rotating Text in AutoCAD 2025

If you wish to rotate text in your AutoCAD 2025 project, follow these steps:

  1. Move the Text: Select the text object by clicking on a grip point and drag it to the desired location.
  2. Scale Adjustments: Click on a grip again, right-click to bring up the options, and select "Scale." Drag your mouse or type in a scaling factor as needed.
  3. Performing the Rotation: For rotating text, use a grip point as your rotation base, right-click, and then choose the Rotate option to specify the angle of rotation.

Maintaining Static Text While Rotating Other Elements

Sometimes, you may want to keep specific text from rotating when changing the orientation of the entire block. To achieve this:

  1. First, select the text you wish to preserve.
  2. Move the text away to a temporary location to keep it clear from the main elements.
  3. Execute the rotation of the surrounding drawing.
  4. After rotation, mirror the text back into alignment by using both the X and Y axis mirroring options.

Adjusting Text Orientation

Should you need to modify the orientation of text for clarity or visual effects:

  1. Type “Dimedit” in the command line and press Enter.
  2. When prompted, enter “R” for rotation, followed by your desired angle.

FAQ

Q1: How do I rotate an image in AutoCAD?
To rotate an image, first insert it into your drawing using the Imageattach command. Click on the edge of the image, type “RO” to activate the Rotate command, and then specify both the base point and the angle of rotation either by clicking or typing the degree.

Q2: What should I do if my text rotates unexpectedly while editing?
This issue usually occurs when your text style is set to adjust based on the layout orientation. To prevent this, check the text style settings to ensure that the “annotative” option is unchecked, or adjust the “match text orientation to layout” feature.

Q3: Can I rotate multiple objects at once, and how?
Yes, you can rotate multiple objects by selecting all the desired items first, and then following the rotation steps. Use a base point common to all to ensure they rotate around the same pivot, which can be especially useful for maintaining alignment across complex designs.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.