How Do I Rotate a Group in AutoCAD?

To rotate a group in AutoCAD, you use the ROTATE command, treating the group as the set of objects to be rotated.

Rotating a group in AutoCAD is a straightforward process that involves selecting the group and specifying a pivot point for the rotation. When you select a group, all objects within that group are selected simultaneously, allowing you to manipulate them as a single unit.

Steps to Rotate a Group in AutoCAD

The standard method for rotating objects, including groups, in AutoCAD involves these steps:

Initiate the Command:
- At the Command prompt, enter rotate.
- Press Enter.
Select the Group:
- At the Command prompt to Select objects: Select the objects to rotate.
- Click on the group you wish to rotate. When you click on any object belonging to a group, the entire group should highlight.
- Press Enter or Spacebar to confirm your selection.
Specify the Base Point:
- At the Command prompt to Specify base point: In the object(s) to rotate, select the appropriate base point. This point acts as the pivot around which the group will rotate.
- Click a location on or near the group to set the base point.
Define the Rotation Angle:
- The command prompt will then ask you to Specify rotation angle or [Copy/Reference].
- You can either:
  - Type in the desired rotation angle (e.g., 45 for 45 degrees counterclockwise, -90 for 90 degrees clockwise).
  - Click a second point to define the rotation angle visually.
  - Use the 'Copy' option to leave the original group in place and rotate a copy.
  - Use the 'Reference' option to rotate based on an existing angle.
Complete the Rotation:
- Press Enter after specifying the angle or selecting the second point.

The selected group will then be rotated around the specified base point by the angle you provided.

Understanding the Base Point

The choice of the base point is crucial as it determines the center of the rotation.

Selecting a base point on the group will rotate the group around that specific point within the group's geometry.
Selecting a base point away from the group will cause the group to swing in an arc around that distant point.

Step	Action	Prompt
1. Start Command	Type `rotate`	`Command:`
2. Select Group	Select the group, press `Enter`	`Select objects:`
3. Specify Base Point	Click location for pivot point	`Specify base point:`
4. Specify Rotation Angle	Type angle or pick points, press `Enter`	`Specify rotation angle or [Copy/Reference]:`

By following these steps, you can easily rotate any defined group of objects in your AutoCAD drawing.