Layout and Design
      Back to home
      1. SA Laser Knowledge Base
      2. Tools & Features
      3. Layout and Design

      Two-Point Rotate and Scale: Rotate and Resize with Precision

      Adjust Objects Around Custom Pivot Points for Perfect Alignment

      The Two-Point Rotate and Scale tool in LightBurn allows you to rotate and resize objects around custom pivot points. This feature provides precise control for aligning, scaling, and rotating objects, making it ideal for both design and calibration tasks.

      QuickRef-TwoPointRotateScale

      Where to Find Two-Point Rotate and Scale

      • Menu Location: Arrange → Two-Point Rotate / Scale
      • Keyboard Shortcuts:
        • Windows: Ctrl+2
        • Mac: Cmd+2

      How It Works

      1. Select Objects: Highlight the objects you want to edit.
      2. Access the Tool: Go to Arrange → Two-Point Rotate / Scale or press Ctrl/Cmd+2.
      3. Choose a Pivot Point: The Status Bar will prompt you to select the first point (center of rotation). This can be:
        • A point on any object, such as a node, midpoint, or intersection.
        • Any location in empty workspace.
      4. Rotate and Scale: Click and drag the second point to rotate the object. Hold Shift while dragging to scale as you rotate.
      5. Preview Changes: Release the mouse to apply edits or press Esc to cancel and revert.

      Key Features

      • Snapping: As you drag, your cursor will snap to nodes, corners, and other objects for precise alignment.
      • Shift Modifier: Holding Shift allows simultaneous rotation and scaling.

      Practical Applications

      Matching the Sides of Two Objects

      1. Align a node from each object using the Select Tool and snapping.
      2. Use Two-Point Rotate / Scale:
        • Select the aligned node as the center of rotation.
        • Click and drag the other node to match the stationary object’s side, holding Shift to scale simultaneously.
      3. Snap the node into place and release to finalize the alignment.

      Ref-TwoPointRotateScale-Overview

      Calibrating an Image to Known Dimensions

      You can use the tool to straighten and scale an image to its real-life dimensions for projects requiring precision:

      1. Import the Image: Include a ruler or known-size object in the image.
      2. Create a Reference Line: Draw a line equal to the ruler's real length.
      3. Align Ends: Use the tool to align one end of the line to one end of the ruler in the image.
      4. Scale the Image: Drag the second point to align the other end of the ruler with the line.
      5. Finalize Calibration: Use the calibrated image for tracing or scaling your project to the correct dimensions.

      Ref-TwoPointRotateScale-ScaleImage

      The Two-Point Rotate and Scale tool provides a simple yet powerful way to rotate, resize, and align objects with precision. Incorporate it into your workflow for accurate and efficient project adjustments.