How Do You Rotate Axis in Illustrator?

In Adobe Illustrator, the term "rotating axis" isn't typically used for manipulating the global X/Y coordinate system grid itself. Instead, users usually refer to:

1. Rotating Objects: Changing the orientation of selected objects around a specific point. This point acts as the object's rotation "axis" or pivot.
2. Rotating the Artboard: Changing the orientation of the entire canvas and its view relative to the screen.

Based on common Illustrator workflows and the provided reference discussing rotating an object around a point, the question likely pertains to Rotating Objects.

Rotating Objects Around a Point

Illustrator allows you to easily rotate objects using dedicated tools and controls. A key aspect is setting the point around which the object rotates – often referred to as the pivot point or axis of rotation for that specific object transformation.

Using the Rotate Tool

The primary method involves the Rotate Tool (R):

1. Select the Object: Choose the object(s) you want to rotate using the Selection Tool (V).
2. Activate the Rotate Tool: Click the Rotate Tool (R) in the toolbar.
3. Set the Pivot Point: By default, the pivot point is the center of the selected object(s). You can click anywhere on the artboard to move this pivot point to a different location. This is the point your object will rotate around.
4. Rotate: Click and drag away from the pivot point to rotate the object.

Controlling Rotation Increments

As noted in the provided reference video, holding down the Shift key while rotating with the Rotate Tool (or using the bounding box transform controls) constrains the rotation to specific increments.

• Holding Shift typically locks the rotation to 45-degree increments (0, 45, 90, 135, 180 degrees, etc.). This is explicitly demonstrated in the reference, showing the object locking onto 45-degree increments when Shift is held.

Rotating with Precision

For precise rotation:

• Double-click the Rotate Tool icon: This opens the Rotate dialog box where you can enter a specific angle.
• Right-click (Windows) or Control-click (macOS) on the object > Transform > Rotate: Opens the same dialog box.
• Use the Properties Panel or Transform Panel: With an object selected, you can type an exact rotation angle into the 'Rotate' field in these panels.

Rotating the Artboard

Another interpretation of "rotating axis" could be rotating the Artboard view. This doesn't change the objects' actual coordinates but rotates your perspective of the canvas.

1. Select the Rotate View Tool: It's nested under the Hand Tool (H).
2. Drag on the Artboard: Click and drag anywhere on the artboard to rotate the view.
3. Reset View: Double-click the Rotate View Tool icon or press Escape to return to the standard 0-degree view.

This is useful for drawing or editing at awkward angles but does not alter the objects' inherent orientation relative to the document's global X/Y axis.

In summary, while you can't rotate Illustrator's fundamental coordinate grid, you have robust control over rotating objects around custom points (incorporating the helpful Shift key shortcut for 45-degree snaps as seen in the reference) and rotating the artboard view.