Blender R vs Alt+R
Blender R vs Alt+R :
If you’re learning 3D modelling with Blender, mastering shortcut keys is essential for working faster and more efficiently. Two of the most important shortcuts related to object orientation are R and Alt+R. Both deal with rotation but serve very different purposes.
In this article, we’ll break down the difference between R and Alt+R in Object Mode, with practical examples and use cases.
R – Rotate the Object
When you press R in Object Mode, Blender enters rotation mode, allowing you to freely rotate the selected object around its pivot point.
How to Use:
- Press R → Free rotation using the mouse.
- Press R, then X, Y, or Z → Constrain rotation to that axis.
- Press R twice (R + R) → Enables trackball rotation for more natural, camera-based rotation.
Use Case:
You can use R to manually adjust the orientation of an object to fit within a scene, match a camera angle, or align with other objects.
Alt + R – Clear Rotation
While R applies a new rotation, Alt + R is used to reset any existing rotation.
What It Does:
- Resets the object’s rotation on all axes (X, Y, Z) back to 0°.
- Returns the object to its original orientation, based on its initial transform.
Use Case:
You’ve rotated an object but want to start over or reset it to its original angle? Just press Alt + R and the object will snap back to its unrotated position.
Practical Example:
- Select a cube.
- Press R → Rotate it randomly.
- Now press Alt + R → It returns to the default upright position.
Summary Table
| Shortcut | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| R | Rotate | Allows manual rotation of the object. |
| Alt + R | Clear Rotation | Resets all rotation values to 0°. |
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between R and Alt + R is crucial when working with transformations in Blender. Whether you’re setting up objects for animation, modelling, or just organizing your scene, these shortcuts will make your workflow more efficient.
If you’re just getting started with Blender or looking to speed up your modeling process, learning these types of shortcuts is a great place to begin.
You can also watch the step-by-step tutorial on our Mana 3D YouTube Channel to understand how R vs Alt+R works in Blender with real examples.
Want more Blender tips and tutorials? Explore our Blender section here or subscribe to our Mana 3D YouTube channel for weekly videos.
Article by Padmasri
Very nice, wonderful and knowledgeable tutorial. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m really glad you found the article helpful. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!