Move Tool

Use the Move tool to translate, rotate, and align parts and other objects.

This tool can be accessed from the Home group or by pressing M or T on your keyboard.

Drag the white planes or arrow manipulators to move selected objects, or enter a value in the microdialog to move them a precise distance. You can also select a plane or arrow to restrict translation or rotation to the selected plane or direction. Select the tool center to translate in 3D.



Figure 1. 1D Translation Within a Plane


Figure 2. 2D Translation Within a Plane


Figure 3. 2D Rotation Within a Plane


Figure 4. 3D Translation

Certain types of entities (like parts, concentrated masses, and forces) can be moved with the Move tool. Other entities cannot be moved because their position and orientation are determined by the object to which they are applied. When a part is translated or rotated, all entities applied to the part move with it.

Translate Objects

Translate objects along an axis, along a plane, or in 3D space.

  1. From the Home tools, click the Move tool.
    Or press M or T.
  2. Select one or more objects.
  3. Choose from the following options:
    • Drag the objects.
      Tip: Grab and release parts by their snap points (end points, midpoints, center points, etc.) to align them precisely. You can temporarily disable snapping by holding down the Alt key.
    • For more precision, click a graphic manipulator, and then drag the graphic manipulator or type a distance in the microdialog.
      To Do this
      Translate along an axis Click the X, Y, or Z arrow.
      Translate along a plane Click the XY, XZ, or YZ plane.
      Translate in 3D space Click the origin.

  4. Right-click to exit the tool.
Tip: When you move parts, they are allowed to pass through each other. To prevent this, turn on collision detection in the Preferences window.

Rotate Objects

Rotate objects around the x-, y-, or z-axis.

  1. From the Home tools, click the Move tool.
    Or press M or T.
  2. Select one or more objects.
  3. Choose from the following options:


    • Drag a curved arrow.
    • Click a curved arrow, and then enter an angle in the microdialog.
    • Click a curved arrow, and then drag the object.
    Tip: Grab and release parts by their snap points (end points, midpoints, center points, etc.) to align them precisely. You can temporarily disable snapping by holding down the Alt key.
  4. Right-click to exit the tool.

Microdialog Options

Select a graphic maniulator to open a microdialog with additional options. The options will change based on which type of manipulator is selected.

Align the Move tool to the object's global axes.
Align the Move tool to the object's local axes.
X, Y, Z
Align the Move tool to the x, y, or z-axis.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Mouse Controls

To Do this
Activate the Move tool M or T
Add to or remove from selection Ctrl
Reposition the Move tool Shift+drag
Temporarily disable snapping Alt
Enter editing mode Double-click
Exit editing mode Right-click
Exit tool Esc