To straighten or reset the bounding box in Adobe Illustrator, especially when dealing with rotated objects, you need to use the Transform options. This ensures the bounding box aligns with the artboard axes, making scaling and moving easier.
When an object is rotated, sometimes its bounding box rotates along with it. This can make it difficult to scale or transform the object relative to the main artboard orientation. As noted in the reference, if your object is rotated and you want to perform actions, the rotated bounding box can become a problem. The solution is to go to Object > Transform and reset it.
Steps to Straighten the Bounding Box
Here’s how you can fix a rotated bounding box and return it to its default, straightened state aligned with the artboard:
- Select the Object: Use the Selection Tool (V) to click on the object or group of objects whose bounding box you want to straighten.
- Access Transform Options: Go to the main menu at the top of the Illustrator window.
- Click on Object.
- Hover over Transform.
- Reset the Bounding Box: Within the Transform sub-menu, select Reset Bounding Box.
| Menu Path | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Object > Transform | Reset Bounding Box | Aligns the bounding box to the artboard axes |
Once you select "Reset Bounding Box," the bounding box handles will immediately snap back to a horizontal and vertical alignment, regardless of the current rotation of the object itself. The object remains in its rotated position, but the bounding box is now straightened.
This simple command is essential for streamlining your workflow when working with rotated elements in Illustrator.
Why Straighten the Bounding Box?
- Easier Scaling: Scaling handles will be horizontal and vertical, allowing for simpler scaling relative to the artboard.
- Predictable Transformations: Operations like moving or aligning using the bounding box become more predictable.
- Alignment: Helps when aligning objects relative to the artboard or other non-rotated objects.
By following these steps, you can quickly and effectively straighten the bounding box for any selected object in Illustrator, resolving potential issues caused by rotated bounding boxes.
