How do I rotate objects in Adobe® InDesign®?

Graphics, text, graphic elements (lines, boxes, etc.) and photo blocks can be rotated in InDesign using the Rotate tool, Control palette or the Free Transform tool.

• Place the graphic or select the graphic with the Selection tool.
• The object can be rotated with the Control palette, the Rotate dialog box or the Rotate tool, or the Free Transform tool.

Rotate using the Control palette:

• Type an angle measurement in the Rotation angle field.
• Use a positive number to rotate counterclockwise and a negative number to rotate clockwise.
• The object will rotate from the point selected on the Proxy.
• Press Return/Enter.

InDesign CS5, CS4 & CS3

• Use the icons on the Control palette to rotate or flip elements
  • Top row of icons: Rotate Clockwise or Rotate Counterclockwise
  • Bottom row of icons: Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical
• With the element selected, click on one of the icons

Rotate using the Rotate tool dialog box:

• Double click on the Rotate tool  to open the Rotate dialog box.
  • CS5 users may need to click and hold the Free Transform tool to get the Rotate tool.
• Type an angle measurement in the Angle field.
• Use a positive number to rotate counterclockwise and a negative number to rotate clockwise.
• Select Preview to view the change.
• Click OK.

InDesign CS5, CS4 & CS3

InDesign CS2 and CS

Rotate with the Rotate tool:

• Select the object with the Selection tool.
• Click on the Rotate tool.
  • The object will rotate from the point selected on the Proxy.
• Click away from the object and drag around it.