You can rotate objects within an InDesign document using the Rotate tool dialog box. While InDesign doesn't have the concept of rotating the entire "canvas" (as in a global rotation of the view or the document itself), you can effectively rotate all elements to achieve a similar visual result.
Rotating Elements in InDesign
Here's how to rotate an object (or multiple objects) in InDesign using the Rotate tool:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Select the Object(s): First, use the Selection tool (black arrow) to select the object or group of objects that you wish to rotate.
- Access the Rotate Tool: The Rotate tool is nested under the Free Transform tool. To access it:
- Click and hold the Free Transform tool icon in the Tools panel.
- A fly-out menu will appear where you can select the Rotate tool.
- Open the Rotate Dialog Box:
- Double-click on the Rotate Tool icon in the Tools panel to open the Rotate dialog box.
- Enter the Rotation Angle: In the Rotate dialog box:
- Type the desired angle measurement in the Angle field.
- A positive number rotates the selection counterclockwise.
- A negative number rotates the selection clockwise.
- Click OK: After you have entered the angle, click 'OK' to apply the rotation.
Example: Rotating a Rectangle
Let's say you have a rectangle you want to rotate 45 degrees clockwise.
- Select the rectangle with the Selection tool.
- Click and hold the Free Transform tool and select the Rotate tool.
- Double-click the Rotate tool.
- In the Angle field, type -45.
- Click OK. The rectangle will now be rotated 45 degrees clockwise.
Important Considerations
- Rotation Point: By default, the rotation point is at the center of the selected object. You can move the rotation point by clicking in a different area.
- Rotating Multiple Objects: When rotating multiple objects, they will rotate around a common rotation point, typically the center of their bounding box.
Alternative: Using the Free Transform Tool
While the above method specifically uses the Rotate tool dialog box for precise input, you can also rotate objects interactively with the Free Transform tool itself.
- Select the Free Transform tool.
- Hover your cursor just outside a corner of the bounding box of your selected object.
- The cursor changes to a curved arrow.
- Click and drag to rotate the object visually.
Summary
In summary, to rotate elements in InDesign, utilize the Rotate tool, accessible by double-clicking the icon in the Tools panel after clicking and holding on the Free Transform tool icon. Input the desired angle in the Rotate dialog box using a positive number for counterclockwise rotation or a negative number for clockwise rotation. You can also rotate interactively using the Free Transform tool. Although there is no way to rotate the entire "canvas" view, you can select and rotate all elements within a document to achieve the desired visual rotation.
