Select one or more objects using the Selection tool.
Last updated on
Sep 11, 2025
Learn how to rotate objects by specific angles in Illustrator.
Rotate an object by a specific angle
Select Object > Transform > Rotate.
In the Rotate dialog box, enter a specific rotation angle in the Angle text box.
Tip
Enter a negative Angle to rotate the object clockwise.
Select OK.
Note
If the objects contain a pattern fill, select Transform Patterns checkbox to rotate the pattern.
If you want to rotate the pattern but not the objects, deselect Transform Objects checkbox.
Rotate the X and Y axes of a document
By default, the X and Y axes are parallel to the horizontal and vertical sides of the document window.
Select Edit > Preferences > General (Windows) or Illustrator > Settings > General (macOS).
In the General Preferences dialog box, enter the desired Constrain Angle in the text box.
Note
A positive angle rotates the axes counterclockwise, while a negative angle rotates the axes clockwise.
Select OK.
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