How to Rotate Text & Shapes in Keynote in 60 Seconds

Do you know how to rotate text, shapes, and images in Apple's Keynote presentation software?

Sometimes you'll need to apply a bit of a rotation to an objection, either for creative purposes or to get an object looking right in Keynote. Let's learn how.

We also have a helpful complement to this tutorial. Download our FREE eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations. Grab it now before you read on.

Note: In this tutorial we use the Sidewerk Template. You can find more great Keynote presentation templates on Envato Elements, on GraphicRiver, or in 15+ Best Keynote Presentation Templates.

How to Quickly Rotate Text and Shapes in Keynote

Note: Watch this short tutorial screencast or follow the quick steps below, that compliment this video.

1. Select the Object To Be Rotated

With any object selected, like a shape or the textbox here, go ahead and switch to the Arrange tab on the right side.

Select an object in Keynote — Start by selecting the object you want to rotate.

2. How to Rotate a Shape in Keynote

Grab the Rotate wheel and start turning it slightly to apply some tilt or rotation to the selected object.

Use the Rotate wheel to rotate an object — You can also type a number into the Angle field to rotate an object a specified number of degrees.

Another option is to simply type a number, like 90 for example, in the Angle field and press Enter for a 90 degree rotation. This is perfect if you know exactly how much you want to rotate an object. Try out another degree rotation like 180, for example, to rotate it a half turn on the slide.

Use the Angle field to define rotation — Use the **Angle** field to define how much an object rotates.

Dial in a certain amount and then pull on the wheel if you want to tweak it slightly.

3. How to Rotate an Image in Keynote

Let's click on another object like an image here and apply some rotation to it.

4. How to Mirror an Object in Keynote

Just in case you ever needed to mirror an object or reflect it, you can click on one of the Flip arrows to apply that effect as well.

Use the Flip arrows to create a mirror effect — The **Flip** arrows can help you mirror or reflect an object.

This is a really helpful feature that can help you skip editing and imaging another app.

More Envato Tuts+ Keynote Presentation Tutorials

Learn more in our Keynote tutorials on Envato Tuts+. We have an assortment of Keynote material to help you learn how to use the tool better:

You can also find great Keynote presentation templates with premium designs on GraphicRiver or Envato Elements. Or, browse through this selection of this collection of Keynote templates:

30+ Mac Keynote Themes: To Customize New Presentations Quickly (2022)

Sean Hodge

05 Apr 2021

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