The 3D Rotation tool applies a combination of transformations to an object as if it were rotated in space. Before you use the 3D Rotation tool, you must set its controls.
To set the 3D Rotation controls:
Double-click the 3D Rotation tool in the Xtra tools toolbar . The 3D Rotation controls appears
Use the Rotate from menu to select the point from which the rotation should occur as follows:
o Mouse click sets the rotation pivot point to the position where you click.
o Center of selection makes the point the physical center of the object.
o Center of gravity sets the rotation pivot point to the center of the object when adjusted for uneven shapes.
o Origin sets the rotation pivot point to the bottom-left corner of the bounding box that surrounds the selection.
Set a Distance amount for how much distortion occurs during the rotation. For the greatest distortion effect, enter small numbers.
In the Expert mode, use the Project from menu to select the projection point (the perspective vanishing point) as follows:
o Mouse click sets the rotation pivot point to the position where you click.
o Center of selection makes the point the physical center of the object.
o Center of gravity sets the rotation pivot point to the center of the object when adjusted for uneven shapes.
o Origin sets the rotation pivot point to the bottom-left corner of the bounding box that surrounds the selection.
o X/Y coordinates sets the projection points from coordinates you enter in the fields.
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In the Easy mode, the projection point is set at the mouse click.
Limitations of 3D RotationsThe 3D Rotation tool actually combines several transformations into a 3D effect. However, there is one important part of the 3D Rotation that is missing: Depth. Unfortunately, the 3D Rotation tool doesn't show you any depth as it moves an object to its side. If you want you can use the Smudge tool (see page 289) to add a very primitive depth to the object. Also, the 3D Rotation tool isn't as powerful as the perspective grids. So unlike the grid, once you apply the 3D Rotation tool, you can't move the object to a new perspective position. |
Once you have chosen settings for the 3D Rotation tool, you can then apply it to objects.
To use the 3D Rotation tool:
Select the object or objects you want to modify.
Choose the 3D Rotation tool.
Press and drag the cursor away from this spot. A line extends out. The further along the line you drag, the greater the 3D rotation
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As you press, a preview shows how the object is being modified.
When you are satisfied with the rotation, release the mouse button, and the object changes shape
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In the Expert mode, use the 3D Rotation tool panel to track the changes to the object as you drag along the line
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