Rotating 3D Plots

The XYZ indicator shown at the lower-left of a 3D plot represents the plot’s horizontal rotation (azimuth) and vertical rotation (elevation) in 3D space. Any changes to a plot’s rotation are reflected in the XYZ indicator, helping you to visualize the plot’s orientation on the screen.

There are several ways to rotate or manipulate a 3D plot, using the mouse, keyboard shortcuts or the view cube.

Using a Mouse and Keyboard Shortcuts

If you want to	Use a mouse	Use keyboard shortcuts
Rotate the plot or change the viewing angle	Click anywhere in the plot area, and then press and hold the left mouse button while moving the pointer.	Press the Up, Down, Left or Right arrow keys.
Move the plot without changing its rotation	Click anywhere in the plot area, and then press and hold the right mouse button while moving the pointer.	Hold the SHIFT key while pressing the Up, Down, Left, or Right arrow keys.
Zoom in or out	Rotate the mouse wheel. Alternatively, you can choose 3D Plot > Display > Zoom In or Zoom out. or	Press the W or S keys.
Automatically center the plot on canvas	Choose 3D Plot > Display > Center on Canvas.	N/A

 

Using the View Cube

The View Cube helps you to easily orient a 3D plot using predefined viewpoints. The cube is located at the lower-right of the 3D plot.

The letters on the cube represent a particular viewpoint. For instance, clicking the "F" side of the cube orients the plot such that you are looking directly at the plot’s front side (e.g., Y and Z plane).

• Front
• Back
• Left
• Right
• Up
• Down

You can rotate the cube in the same way you would rotate any 3D plot (i.e., press and hold the left mouse button while moving the pointer anywhere on the screen; or press the Up, Down, Left or Right arrow keys on your keyboard).