Rotating graphical shapes

You can rotate graphical objects using Object - Turn permanently. A dialog box appears where you specify the rotation angle and the center point.

There are two rotation behaviors depending on the object type:

Type 1 (lines, polylines, and Bezier curves) - each point of the object is rotated by the given angle.

Type 2 (all other objects) - only the midpoint of the object is rotated by the given angle.

Here's a practical example: drawing a three-phase machine symbol.

Step 1

Create the first branch of the machine. It consists of two lines, three Bezier curves, and a connection point.

Step 2

Select all objects and copy them to the clipboard with Ctrl + C. Then go to Object - Turn permanently, enter 120° in the dialog, and click OK.

Step 3

Paste the original branch with Ctrl + V. Select it and rotate it by -120°.

Step 4

Paste the original branch once more. The symbol is complete.

💡 Pro tip: When rotating symmetrical shapes, calculate the angle first – for a three-phase machine it is 360° / 3 = 120°, for a five-pointed star 72°, and so on. Copying to the clipboard before rotating saves you from drawing the same shape again.