CSS 3D Transforms

Last Updated : 07 Jan, 2025

CSS 3D transforms are used to manipulate HTML elements in three dimensions by rotating them along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. There are three main types of transformation which are listed below:

rotateX(): Rotates an element around its X-axis.
rotateY(): Causes rotation around the Y-axis.
rotateZ(): Enables rotation along the Z-axis.

HTML

<!--Driver Code Starts{--> <html> <head> <!--Driver Code Ends }-->      <style>         .box {             width: 100px;             height: 100px;             background-color: green;             transform: rotateX(30deg) rotateY(30deg) rotateZ(30deg);         }     </style>  <!--Driver Code Starts{--> </head> <body>     <div class="box"></div> </body> </html>  <!--Driver Code Ends }-->

rotateX(30deg): Rotates the box 30 degrees around the X-axis (horizontal axis).
rotateY(30deg) and rotateZ(30deg): Rotate the box around the Y-axis (vertical axis) and Z-axis (depth axis), creating a 3D effect.

The rotateX() Method

The rotateX() method in CSS is used to rotate an HTML element around its X-axis, which is horizontal.

html

<!--Driver Code Starts{--> <html> <head> <!--Driver Code Ends }-->      <style>         .box {             width: 100px;             height: 100px;             background-color: orange;             transform: rotateX(45deg);         }     </style>  <!--Driver Code Starts{--> </head> <body>     <div class="box"></div> </body> </html>  <!--Driver Code Ends }-->

In this Example:

rotateX(45deg): Rotates the element 45 degrees downward around the X-axis.
This creates a 3D tilt effect, making the top edge move backward.

The rotateY() Method

The rotateY() method in CSS is used to rotate an HTML element around its vertical Y-axis. This method allows the element to flip side to side, creating a mirror-like rotation effect.

html

<!--Driver Code Starts{--> <html> <head> <!--Driver Code Ends }-->      <style>         .box {             width: 100px;             height: 100px;             background-color: green;             transform: rotateY(45deg);         }     </style>  <!--Driver Code Starts{--> </head> <body>     <div class="box"></div> </body> </html>  <!--Driver Code Ends }-->

In this Example:

rotateY(45deg): Applies a 45-degree rotation around the Y-axis, causing the left side of the box to move towards the viewer and the right side to move away.
This rotation provides a visual effect of the element spinning from left to right.

The rotateZ() Method

The rotateZ() method in CSS is used to rotate an HTML element around its Z-axis, which is perpendicular to the screen. This rotation affects the element as if it were spinning flat on the screen.

html

<!--Driver Code Starts{--> <html> <head> <!--Driver Code Ends }-->      <style>         .box {             width: 100px;             height: 100px;             background-color: red;             transform: rotateZ(45deg);         }     </style>  <!--Driver Code Starts{--> </head> <body>     <div class="box"></div> </body> </html>  <!--Driver Code Ends }-->

In this example:

rotateZ(45deg): Rotates the box 45 degrees around the Z-axis, creating a twist as if turning a dial.
This rotation pivots the element around its center, altering its orientation on the plane of the screen.

Best Practices for Using CSS 3D Transforms

Use a perspective property on the parent container to enhance the 3D effect of transformations.
Combine transforms with transitions or animations to smoothly animate changes in 3D space.
Test responsiveness across different browsers and devices to ensure consistent behavior and appearance.

CSS Media Queries

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Article Tags :

CSS 3D Transforms

The rotateX() Method

The rotateY() Method

The rotateZ() Method

Best Practices for Using CSS 3D Transforms

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