Learn how to use the Reference option on AutoCAD's Rotate tool to adjust objects at irregular angles, aligning them to the 0˚ horizon line for a more precise design process.
This exercise is excerpted from Noble Desktop’s past AutoCAD training materials and is compatible with Photoshop updates through 2020. To learn current skills in AutoCAD, check out AutoCAD Bootcamp and AutoCAD classes in NYC and live online.
Note: These materials are provided to give prospective students a sense of how we structure our class exercises and supplementary materials. During the course, you will get access to the accompanying class files, live instructor demonstrations, and hands-on instruction.
Topics covered in this AutoCAD tutorial:
Intro to the Rotate tool’s Reference option, Using the Rotate tool’s Reference option
Exercise Preview
Exercise Overview
The bottom edge of this object is at an irregular angle that does not conform to Polar Tracking angles. In this exercise, you will use the Reference option on the Rotate tool to align the bottom edge to the 0˚ horizon.
Intro to the Reference Option on the Rotate Tool
When you enter an angle for the Rotate command 
, the angles are always measured from the horizon line at 0˚, so if you’re trying to rotate an object or edge that doesn’t already conform to an incremental Polar Tracking angle, rotate it to an angle that does conform. With the Reference option you can click 2 points to establish a reference angle line other than the 0˚ horizon angle, and then easily snap the reference angle line to a Polar Tracking line.
-
This rectangle at an irregular angle can’t be set right because the default reference angle is 0˚:
-
Matching the Reference Angle to the bottom edge of the rectangle allows you to snap the edge to a Polar Tracking angle, in this case 0˚:
Rotating the Shape Using the Reference Option
Open the file Rotate-Triangular Plate.dwg.
Start the Rotate command
. Type ALL and press Enter to select all objects. Press Enter again to end the selection stage.-
Click the left endpoint of the straight line segment of the bottom edge to establish the Base Point.
-
Press R Enter to select the Reference option. Click the left endpoint of the straight line segment of the bottom edge, same as the Base Point, for the first reference point, and click the right endpoint of the line segment for the second reference point.
-
Pull the cursor down to snap the bottom edge of the object to the 0˚ horizon line and click to end the command.
TIP: Use Polar Tracking.
