Change the pivot point on a 3D model

The pivot point determines which point in the model the 3D viewer in the File Module rotates around when you navigate a 3D file - it makes navigation easier when you repeatedly need to rotate around a specific area of a large model, such as one particular technical room, instead of the model's geometric center. This article covers the two ways to change the pivot point: temporarily for yourself, or permanently as the default for everyone.

Set a temporary pivot point

A temporary pivot point applies only to you, and only for as long as you're working in the open drawing. If you reload the page or close the drawing, the pivot point reverts to the model's default point.

1. Open the 3D model in the File Module.
2. Right-click the point in the model you want to rotate around.
3. Select Pivot point in the menu that opens.

Set a permanent pivot point for everyone (Admin only)

A permanent pivot point becomes the new default for everyone with access to the file - until an Admin changes it again. The change applies only to that specific 3D file, not to other 3D files in the project.

1. Open the 3D model in the File Module.
2. Right-click the point in the model you want to use as the new default pivot point.
3. Select set default pivot point in the menu that opens.

If the permanent pivot point option doesn't appear

Only users with the project role Admin can see and use this option. If you have a different project role (Manager, Consultant, Designer, Contractor, or Viewer), you can still set a temporary pivot point for yourself, but you'll need a project Admin to set the permanent one.

Updated on: 08/04/2026