How to Rotate an Object 90 Degrees in Maya

Rotating an object 90 degrees in Maya is a fundamental task that can be accomplished using several methods, including interactive tools and precise input. One common way involves using the Rotate tool and keyboard modifiers for snapping.

Here's how you can rotate an object 90 degrees in Maya:

Using the Rotate Tool with Snapping (Reference Method)

Maya's Rotate tool allows you to interactively rotate objects in the viewport. By holding down the J key while rotating, you can activate snapping, which is particularly useful for achieving exact rotations like 90 degrees.

Based on the provided reference, holding down J will make your rotation snap at 15-degree intervals. To achieve a 90-degree rotation using this method, you would rotate the object while holding J until it has snapped 6 times (6 intervals * 15 degrees/interval = 90 degrees).

Steps:

1. Select the object you want to rotate.
2. Activate the Rotate Tool (press E on your keyboard or select it from the Tool Box).
3. Click and drag one of the rotation handles (X, Y, or Z axis) in the viewport.
4. While dragging, hold down the J key.
5. You will feel the rotation snap at 15-degree increments. Continue rotating while holding J until you have snapped 6 times, reaching the desired 90-degree rotation along that specific axis.
6. Release the mouse button and then the J key.

This interactive method is quick for visual adjustments and precise rotations using snapping.

Using the Channel Box for Precise Rotation

For the most precise 90-degree rotation, you can directly input the value into the Channel Box.

Steps:

1. Select the object.
2. Look at the Channel Box (usually on the right side of the Maya interface).
3. Find the Rotate attributes (Rotate X, Rotate Y, Rotate Z).
4. Type 90 into the attribute field corresponding to the axis you want to rotate around (e.g., Rotate X, Rotate Y, or Rotate Z).
5. Press Enter.

The object will instantly rotate exactly 90 degrees around the specified axis from its current orientation.

Using the Rotate Tool Settings

The settings for the Rotate tool also allow you to define snap values.

Steps:

1. Select the object.
2. Double-click the Rotate Tool icon in the Tool Box to open its settings.
3. In the settings window, find the Step Snap section.
4. Ensure Step Snap is enabled.
5. Enter 90 in the Step Size field.
6. Close the settings.
7. Now, when you use the Rotate Tool to drag any handle, it will snap directly to 90-degree increments.

Understanding Rotation Axes

Rotation in Maya occurs around the X, Y, or Z axis. A 90-degree rotation is typically performed around one of these primary axes.

Axis	Description
X	Rotates around the object's local X axis (usually red)
Y	Rotates around the object's local Y axis (usually green)
Z	Rotates around the object's local Z axis (usually blue)

By using one of these methods, you can easily and accurately rotate any object in Maya by 90 degrees along the desired axis.