Imported .Obj, need help with XYZ axis

[wowdragon73]

How do I assign an object new XYZ coordinates, Axis points? (Not sure of correct terminology, Hoping the following explanation will help).

Hello, I have imported an Object file into 3DS Max that is badly misaligned XYZ axis and I would like to assign it a new XYZ axis.

Refer to the images attached.

Using Autodesk Meshmixer for image and reference to the problem for 3DS Max 2022.

As you can see by the .Obj file shown, this is how it is imported naturally into 3ds max as well..

I can rotate the model to get the red line to align with the Green so that the model is easier to with using the tape tool, link and align setup.

After Rotating the object to align Along the X axis (L to R along green line), I want to assign the model with a new XYZ axis so that if I export / import into a different 3d program it will stay aligned to the green (X axis), basically not revert to the badly angled version as the picture shows along the Red.

[RobH2 · Accepted solution]

Try this:

1. Go to the Command Panel and go to 'Utilities.' 

2. Find the button for 'Reset XForm.' You might have to look in the 'More...' section. Use it and return to the 'Modify' tab of the Command Panel. Add an 'Edit Poly' to the object and collapse it. 

3. The axis should be aligned nicely again but if not, now go to 'Hierarchy' in the Command Panel and click 'Affect Pivot Only' and manually rotate the axis to however you want it. Sometimes I snap the axis to another object that I want it to match and then just move it back in place if it moved far away. 

Sometimes manually moving the pivot doesn't hold so you might need to do it twice. There are some other workflows for doing this but you can explore those if it's still not working.