3D Snaps and Rotation in 3Ds Max 2027

[justin_burby]

I just transitioned from Max 2024 to 2027.  It appears the capability to rotate an object about an arbitrary snap have been lost.

The following instructions remain posted on the page  Snap Settings :

Example: To use 3D snaps and rotation transformations together:

1. Create a box.
2. Select the box and turn on Selection Lock Toggle.
3. On the toolbar, turn on 3D Snaps Toggle, then click Select And Rotate.
4. From the Use Center flyout on the main toolbar, choose Use Transform Coordinate Center.
5. Activate the Perspective viewport and move the cursor over the grid.

   A snap icon displays when the cursor passes over a grid point.

6. When the snap icon displays, click and drag to rotate the box around the selected grid point.

   You can rotate around anything you can snap to.

These instructions no longer effective.  I am able to rotate subjobject selections about an arbitrary point, but at the object level, it no longer responds, instead insisting on rotating the object about the world pivot point.

[MartinBeh]

Indeed! I can confirm this seems to be broken in 2027. It rotates around [0,0,0] instead of the snap point - another case for a bug report I guess. Edit: bug report sent.

There is also the Working Pivot feature that allows you to snap a temporary pivot to arbitrary locations and then rotate around that. This might be a little easier to use, and works in 2027.

[justin_burby]

Thank You for checking in with me, Martin.
Working Pivot is not something I use on a day to day basis, however it appears I will need to learn to make more regular use of it.
Thank You!

[Casey_H_]

I can confirm that this issue exists in Max 2025. 

[MartinBeh]

I think the Working Pivot feature has come a long way and allows for some nice workflows. Make sure you learn about the shortcuts/quad menus available for it.

In case this helps here are some quick Youtube find: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg_pgbxkgu8 and this one on snapping the working pivot, which is what might help you in this case.