How to Set Pivot Point to 3D Cursor in Blender

Changing the pivot point to the 3D cursor in Blender allows you to rotate, scale, and transform objects or selected geometry around a precise custom point in 3D space. This guide covers the fastest keyboard shortcuts and interface menus to set the 3D cursor as your active transform pivot point, along with essential tips for placing the cursor accurately.

Method 1: Use the Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest)

  1. Open your Blender project and select the object or mesh components you want to transform.
  2. Press the Period key (.) on your main keyboard (do not use the Numpad period key).
  3. In the pie menu that appears, select 3D Cursor.

Your transform operations (Rotate R, Scale S) will now use the 3D cursor as their center point.

Method 2: Use the Header Menu

  1. Look at the top center of the 3D Viewport.
  2. Click on the Transform Pivot Point icon (it looks like two overlapping squares by default).
  3. Select 3D Cursor from the drop-down list.

How to Position the 3D Cursor Accurately

To make full use of this pivot point setting, you need to place the 3D cursor precisely:

  • Manual Placement: Hold Shift and Right-Click anywhere in the 3D Viewport to place the cursor.
  • Snap Menu: Press Shift + S to open the Snap menu. Use options like Cursor to Selected or Cursor to World Origin to place the cursor at exact locations.
  • Tool Mode: Select the Cursor tool from the left toolbar (or press Shift + Spacebar, then Spacebar) to click and drag the cursor along geometry.

Resetting the Pivot Point

To return to the default pivot behavior, press the Period key (.) again and select Median Point or Bounding Box Center.