Software basics · Beginner

Transform gizmo

The colored on-screen handles for moving, rotating and scaling objects

Also called Manipulator, Gizmo

What is a transform gizmo?

A transform gizmo is the on-screen handle, made of colored arrows, rings and boxes, that lets you move, rotate or scale a selected object by dragging. Red, green and blue stand for the X, Y and Z axes, so dragging one handle limits the change to that direction. Most 3D apps have one.

Think of it like this

It is like the handles on a photo you resize on a phone: grab a corner or an edge, and the picture changes only in the way that handle allows.

Where it fits in a 3D project

  1. Create
  2. Surface
  3. Rig
  4. Animate
  5. Render
  6. Export

Create: Building the shape: modeling, sculpting, scanning or generating it.

How a transform gizmo works

  1. 01Select an object, and the gizmo appears at its pivot point.
  2. 02Arrows move it, rings rotate it, and box-ended handles scale it.
  3. 03Dragging one colored handle locks the change to that axis.
  4. 04Dragging a small square between two arrows moves it across both axes at once.

Where a transform gizmo is used

  • Moving and rotating objects precisely with the mouse
  • Locking a change to one axis
  • Learning how X, Y and Z work in a scene

Beginner tip

Gizmos are great while you learn, but keyboard shortcuts get faster. In Blender, press G, R or S, then X, Y or Z to lock the axis, then type a number for an exact amount.

Terms related to a transform gizmo

Transform gizmo FAQ

What is a gizmo in 3D?
A gizmo is any interactive handle drawn in the viewport. The transform gizmo is the most common, and apps also use gizmos for lights, cameras and the small axis widget in a corner that shows and changes the view direction.
How do I show the gizmo in Blender?
Pick the Move, Rotate, Scale or Transform tool in the toolbar on the left, and its gizmo appears on the selection. You can also turn on Object Gizmos in the Viewport Gizmos menu at the top right of the viewport.
What do the gizmo colors mean?
Red is the X axis, green is Y and blue is Z, in almost every 3D app. A white ring or handle usually works relative to your view, such as rotating around the direction you are looking.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms