How to Rotate a Shape

[FloridaJo]

When I rotate points of a shape, it grows and recedes in size.
Is the only way to rotate it via rotate layer with trying to get the origin in the center of the shape?

Thanks

[slowtiger]

The "rotation" of points is only useful in constructing a drawing, not for animation. Point animation always uses the shortest way from first to last position of every single point. If you need to rotate a whole shape, use layer rotation instead.

[FloridaJo]

Thanks.
So is there a best practice to get the 'origin' point in the middle of the shape, or just eye it?

[MustJee]

Thanks.
So is there a best practice to get the 'origin' point in the middle of the shape, or just eye it?

you can select all points and then rotate 'em via 'rotate points' - the button next to 'scaling points' (in my Win-AS; Mac might be some different place but leads to the same result); the size will be exactly the same. When the points of a shape grow and reced in size you haven't either selected all points or your using 'scaling points' instead of rotating.
But generally you can rely on this:

The "rotation" of points is only useful in constructing a drawing, not for animation. Point animation always uses the shortest way from first to last position of every single point. If you need to rotate a whole shape, use layer rotation instead.

[FloridaJo]

Actually I tried rotating all points.
It don't work.
Here's a screen cast of the issue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCERHLd571E

Thanks

[jonbo]

Hey Florida jo, Another forum member modified the rotate points tool to include an option that will rotate a shape around its gravity center. Search for fazeks tools, if you can't find it let me know. I've got his tool set.


EDIT
here's a link to Fazeks thread where you can download his tool set.
viewtopic.php?t=3507

[jonbo]

Sorry jo, just seen you're using Debut, I don't think it works on debut.

[FloridaJo]

Thanks Jonbo, but the rotate tool does the same thing.
I found a way though, create a bone bind it to the points, then rotate the bone.

[jonbo]

Ah yes, that will work. I remember Funksmaname suggesting that to another member who was trying to do the same thing a couple of months ago.

[FloridaJo]

Here I made a Tut on how to rotate an object
should someone in the future need to know.
Regards

http://youtu.be/1lB0MpFXSyI

[MustJee]

[quote="FloridaJo"]Actually I tried rotating all points.
It don't work.
Here's a screen cast of the issue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCERHLd571E

Thanks[/quote]

Saw it and in my opininion that is rotating objekts and not rotating points.

But I see you already solved your prob. Fine.

[Poptoogi]

Hi FloridaJo,

One way to do this is to set your object and orient it the center of the canvas by selecting all the points, select the translate points tool and setting the x and y values to zero. Then just use the rotate layers tool instead. You can also set the origin point by eyeballing it with the set origin tool but if you do this it's best to use the grid when creating a shape and setting the rotation point.

Also, just remember, even if you create a rotation of an object in the center of the stage, it doesn't mean it has to stay there. After creating the rotation move and scale it with the layer tools on frame zero to place it anywhere you want.