# Navigation Customization: It's time

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/navigation-customization-its-time/39705>\
**Category:** Feature requests\
**Created:** [October 31, 2025, 2:35am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/navigation-customization-its-time/39705 "2025-10-31T02:35:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 8\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![turing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e68b1a/32.png) [@turing](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/turing)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 2:35am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/navigation-customization-its-time/39705/1 "2025-10-31T02:35:22Z")

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**The problem that this feature will solve:**

Currently, Shapr3D’s navigation behaves differently than other environments I am used to, which makes dealing with the camera infuriating vs. other environments. My needs will be different than others. Customization is the only reasonable way to handle these sometimes competing requirements that depend on history, parallel apps, and habit. Shapr3D also appears to be ignoring the navigation needs of users with disabilities, and a variety of associated navigation requests.

**Ensuring navigation is smooth and easy is the foundation of any modeling environment.**

**Brief description of the outcomes that you expect from this feature:**

I am literally waiting for the navigation issues to be solved in order to instantly subscribe. The current navigation is enraging lol.

**What can’t you achieve without this feature?**

Currently, clicks to orbit cause different behavior depending on their location, which causes the view either to center properly, or to wobble off screen because the camera orientation is moved by the click location.

Also, inability to create navigation presets and associate input devices is hindering my ability to use the hardware I have on hand to optimize navigation. These two concepts are related.

**Suggestions for implementation:**

- BEST: As a customized shortcut (Mouse-Right-Click mapped to ‘Orbit Navigation Cube’
  - **Custom mappings for navigation behaviors solves all of the other mentioned issues below as well. Some presets are nice, but customization beats all. Bottom line: Shapr3D already has the orbit mechanics I want, I just can’t use them reliably.**

- As a user preference: “Lock Orbit to Camera View” or “Lock Orbit to Navigation Cube”
- As an axis settings customization added to the ‘Appearance’ Tab  
_All this does is replicate the navigation cube behavior anywhere an orbit click event happens in the viewport. No other effect._
- Add a Navigation tab and allow selection of a specific mouse input device for secondary navigation (a trackball) which would make navigation fantastic, and the above option.

**See issues mentioning navigation view problems, and issues with lack of customization:**

> [@Problem rotating the model view](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/problem-rotating-the-model-view/7547/35):
>
> I have to agree with Chris. I use NX, SOLIDWORKS and Fusion with a mouse with ease, however, the iPad with it’s hands on approach of navigating is something Shapr3D does excellently in different ways. Navigating the model, however, sometimes leaves me questioning the intent of the gesture. Your control method seems to work similar to Apple Maps’ 3D globe, which forces the vertical positioning. This makes sense for a map which is required to be in that orientation, but it feels limiting and diso…

> [@Problem rotating the model view](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/problem-rotating-the-model-view/7547/35):
>
> Secondary, at first when I originally was swiping the screen, I would expect the camera to rotate about the same spot…however, the camera seems to continue shifting, eventually moving off the screen.

> [@Problem rotating the model view](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/problem-rotating-the-model-view/7547/35):
>
> This makes sense with a few parts, however, when you have hundreds of pieces and want to rotate about the assembly, It is nearly impossible to rotate with touching many different parts and so changing the the rotation origin. This causes major disorientation as I am used to touching large targets when using a finger. I think the problem lies with not being clear enough when first using the software as there is no indication as to what your touch movement is rotating about when it is a small target.

> [@Problem rotating the model view](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/problem-rotating-the-model-view/7547/37):
>
> I’ve realized I have the same problem with the rotation, and it seems to happen ONLY when coming from a view (any view like left, front, back etc). That said, if I double tap the orientation cube and then drag my finger, i can rotate the model without any problems.

> [@Problem rotating the model view](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/problem-rotating-the-model-view/7547/38):
>
> Liamwazzo makes a good point about the rotation point about a small and sometimes unpredictable ‘target’. I like the idea that rotation is centred around the object under the initial finger contact or about the model centre if initial finger contact is outside the model. But, as Liamwazzo suggests, it can become somewhat unpredictable in a busy, large model.

> [@Problem rotating the model view](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/problem-rotating-the-model-view/7547/40):
>
> With my second point, when working with a large assembly at a distance, I only want to rotate about the full assembly. Although rotating about a single part is useful, I tend to only do this when closer to the model. A gesture that separates a part’s Centre of mass with the Assembly’s Centre of mass could be useful. A ‘tap and hold’ on a part could come into play…although I know you already have plans to use it with the cube.

> [@Problem rotating the model view](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/problem-rotating-the-model-view/7547/40):
>
> Another small gripe occurs when rotating the camera. When moving the camera close to the horizon, the grid density rapidly changes which is slightly irritating. Although the camera does get closer to the plane, the density does not maintain consistent with the reverse side of the plane which instantly changes to the highest density.

> [@Problem rotating the model view](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/problem-rotating-the-model-view/7547/41):
>
> Same here, invested on a high end iPad just for Shapr3D, and this is driving me nuts too, improvements need to be made with selection features also. With your user interface item locations you are breaking so many ergonomics rules, lots of user will have neck and wrist pain from unnecessary head and hand movement. The tool is awesome, hope these features become available soon. Thank you.

> [@Problem rotating the model view](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/problem-rotating-the-model-view/7547/43):
>
> I have the same experience as the OP, about how the rotation works. However, for me it’s not always the same. Sometimes it works perfectly as I’d want it, and at other times in the same design and same session seen from the same angle, the rotation is totally different.

> [@Problem rotating the model view](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/problem-rotating-the-model-view/7547/43):
>
> If I swipe horizontally, I would want the equivalent to happen. That the object would rotate around a vertical axis perpendicular to my view (parallel to the screen surface). Sometimes it does exactly that. Great!
> 
> However, most of the time it doesn’t. A horizontal swipe will only rotate the object around a horizontal axis parallel to my view, (perpendicular to the screen surface). This rotation is almost useless, as it’s unpredictable and mostly gives a very large rotation, depending on where I put my finger.

> [@Problem rotating the model view](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/problem-rotating-the-model-view/7547/61):
>
> Currently the view swings about like a drunken bull in a china shop.

> [@Problem rotating the model view](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/problem-rotating-the-model-view/7547/62):
>
> 👍 INFURIATING at times. I suggested keyboard constraints on rotation a long time ago In “Feature requests”. 🤬

> [@Pan and orbit flexibility](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/pan-and-orbit-flexibility/14208):
>
> The defined mouse mechanisms for panning and orbiting are opposite of Cura 3D printing software (right click by default orbits in CURA vs panning and vice versa for panning). While neither is ‘right’ I guess I would like some flexibility to define the actions for mouse use to match other PC tools. A refined ask, for sure, but submitting just the same!

“I guess I would like some flexibility to define the actions for mouse use to match other PC tools.”  
”would it be possible to make Zoom, Pan and Rotate navigation be done by 2, 3 and 4 finger press on the Microsoft precision touchpad.”

> [@One finger navigation, odd behaviour](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/one-finger-navigation-odd-behaviour/3651):
>
> New here and not sure if I’m doing something wrong. Rotating the model with a single finger works as expected from the standard view. However, if I change to, say, Left or I double click on a face (that is not parallel with the ‘bottom’) then any subsequent single finger rotation does odd and uninstictive rotation. For example, rotating the model in the opposite direction to finger movement or rotating model around an axis at 90deg to finger movement. Really difficult to describe so hope what …

“I can overcome this by resetting the grid to the XY plane each time but might there be some logic in being able to control the ‘automatic’ behaviour of the rotation axis so it doesn’t necessarily have to change with a grid change but by request if needed to work on a particular component. I haven’t thought this through at all so there may be many reasons not to do this.”

> [@Customizable navigation](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/customizable-navigation/17264/14):
>
> I’d like to second the request for customizable navigation gestures. And not just “make Shapr3d work like program XXX.” Let me assign an arbitrary modifier key and mouse button for each pan, rotate, and zoom motion. Reason for me is that I have a disability in my hand that prevents me from using a traditional mouse. I have an old iGesture trackpad (which they don’t make anymore) that is wonderful at letting me do most things. But it’s limited in that the only type of drag motion it can emulate …

“I would like this wonderful program to be able to customize navigation, since it’s very annoying to switch hotkey context between softwares especially when Shapr3d navigation shortcut is the opposite of zbrush”

”I’d like to second the request for customizable navigation gestures. And not just “make Shapr3d work like program XXX.” Let me assign an arbitrary modifier key and mouse button for each pan, rotate, and zoom motion.”

”Just wondering where we are on fully customizable navigation presets? People with disabilities are still constructive members of society, how wouldn’t you want to accommodate them if a powerful feature adds to a software’s featureset and helps them in the process?”

> [@Trackpad "pressed two finger drag" gesture for navigation](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/trackpad-pressed-two-finger-drag-gesture-for-navigation/36969):
>
> I’d like to propose the following navigation preset option for trackpad: Pan: drag with 2 fingers (touching) Orbit: drag with 2 fingers while pressed(clicked) Zoom: pinch If we can differentiate between 2-finger drag while clicked or while just touching, it could make for a more convenient navigation preset. Just think about how natural it would feel. I suggested binding clicked gesture to orbit and touch to pan rather than vice versa because IMO orbit is a more “heavy” operation that, for …

> [@Feature request - toggle navigation method](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/feature-request-toggle-navigation-method/6804):
>
> I would really like to toggle the line creation tool on and off. By default the navigation is single finger viewport rotation and when the pen touches the screen, a sketch is created. I would like to have the option to change this… So, my suggestion would be… to make a finger to pencil navigation toggle… So, When creation tool is turned off, the pencil could rotate the viewport, instead of the finger, and you would access the sketch tools via the menu. I’m really struggling with the defaul…

“It’s just not intuitive to me that’s all.”

“When creation tool is turned off, the pencil could rotate the viewport, instead of the finger, and you would access the sketch tools via the menu.”

”I’ve been using shapr for a while (8 months) for making quick concepts on the go, and its navigation still feels alien.”

> [@5.880 - Navigate faster, manage items better, track edits clearly](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/5-880-navigate-faster-manage-items-better-track-edits-clearly/38173/34):
>
> Right clic \> Sketch on Face  
> but don’t find Sketch on Face in Help \> Keyboard Shortcuts and

> [@Navigation + Shortcuts](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/navigation-shortcuts/16442):
>
> Hello Shapr3D team, I have installed your software under Windows 11 and tested it very intensively - I must say I am very enthusiastic - CONGRATULATION! I work as a CG artist exclusively with C4D, MOI3D and 3DCoat - I tend very strongly to integrate Shapr3D as a CAD program in my daily workflow, but miss a very, very important possibility that all other programs have in the daily environment: 1.) the possibility to change the navigation (PAN, ZOOM, ROTATE within the 3D view should be able to be …

> [@Navigation + Shortcuts](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/navigation-shortcuts/16442/1):
>
> 1.) the possibility to change the navigation (PAN, ZOOM, ROTATE within the 3D view should be able to be set individually) - only then it is possible to work really fast with all programs together 2.) the assignment of shortcuts to be able to quickly execute commands. I hope very much that these 2 requirements will be implemented under the Windows version - speed, conception and stability are very good - congratulations!

> [@Navigation + Shortcuts](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/navigation-shortcuts/16442/5):
>
> I’d like to also use either my wacom cintiq or my 3d connexion enterprise with shapr3d. Keybindings for the menu items (extrude, rectangle, chamfer, ertc.) would be a start (I’m on a MAC BTW). I could then program my devices to emulate the keyboard.

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**Author:** ![DavidU\_Shapr3D](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/davidu_shapr3d/32/7319_2.png) [@DavidU\_Shapr3D](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/DavidU_Shapr3D)\
**Post date:** [November 3, 2025, 12:29pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/navigation-customization-its-time/39705/2 "2025-11-03T12:29:46Z")

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Hi,

Is this helping, or you mean something different?

[https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/7873881091356-Navigation-Presets](https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/7873881091356-Navigation-Presets)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![turing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e68b1a/32.png) [@turing](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/turing)\
**Post date:** [November 3, 2025, 7:43pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/navigation-customization-its-time/39705/4 "2025-11-03T19:43:55Z")

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@DavidU_Shapr3D If you want to see a video, grab the dropbox link in ticket [113480](https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/requests/113480) - that shows the camera orbit mechanics problem.

I don’t even need those orbit mechanics corrected for Shapr to be usable, because the navigation cube already does exactly what I want. It’s just not reasonable for me to go mouse over and drag that tiny symbol every time I want predictable orbit mechanics. So being able to map a behavior (right click drag → orbit navigation cube) would solve my problem without creating a special accommodation…

And if you allow custom mappings, that opens the door for a variety of the other requests from people with disabilities and issues using their specific hardware.

The templates are great, but they do not solve the above problems.

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**Author:** ![DavidU\_Shapr3D](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/davidu_shapr3d/32/7319_2.png) [@DavidU\_Shapr3D](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/DavidU_Shapr3D)\
**Post date:** [November 4, 2025, 7:48am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/navigation-customization-its-time/39705/5 "2025-11-04T07:48:43Z")

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For predictable orbiting, we provide view rotation by the arrow keys with Cmd/Ctrl by 15°, or press Shift too to make it 45° (see attached Mac screenshot).

 ![Screenshot 2025-11-04 at 8.44.24](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/b/d/bd448ef5a77e2f13eefc503adc9497d34caaa7eb.png)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![turing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e68b1a/32.png) [@turing](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/turing)\
**Post date:** [November 4, 2025, 4:12pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/navigation-customization-its-time/39705/6 "2025-11-04T16:12:07Z")

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orbiting in fixed increments with the keyboard is with respect… horrific, and I’d never pay for software that forced me to use such controls for a stable orbit.

Have you watched the video?

Do you understand the very specific suggestion I’m making? Have you used (for example) SketchUp or Rhino?

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**Author:** ![DavidU\_Shapr3D](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/davidu_shapr3d/32/7319_2.png) [@DavidU\_Shapr3D](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/DavidU_Shapr3D)\
**Post date:** [November 6, 2025, 9:45am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/navigation-customization-its-time/39705/7 "2025-11-06T09:45:42Z")

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I understand your need, you want manual control over orbit center, instead of the heuristic currently employed by the app, as you find it hard to predict. We will look into the specific example you documented: why the axis takes precedent over the object, but I can already see how the current behaviour is useful for some, while annoy others, including yourself. Another option would be to offer the setting to always default to scene mass center vs smart heuristics, but this has some non-trivial implications too, so not as simple as it sounds.

Thanks for your patience. In the meantime, you could use one of the previously mentioned workarounds: dragging on the orientation cube in the top right corner, keyboard arrow rotation, or if you have access to the SpaceMouse, it indicates the chosen orbit center, so it offers some predictability.

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**Author:** ![turing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e68b1a/32.png) [@turing](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/turing)\
**Post date:** [November 6, 2025, 3:49pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/navigation-customization-its-time/39705/8 "2025-11-06T15:49:11Z")

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Thanks for your response.

The space mouse is horrible because it’s not positional like a mouse, so movement volume is dependent on time not a positional delta. It’s a joystick. Really doesn’t work well for my needs.

With regard to the view, I am explicitly _not_ asking for changes to the orbit mechanics as they exist, for precisely the reason you point out: some people might want or need it, and you have already implemented stable view origin orbit with the cube.

The reason I took the approach of 1. Presenting this as a configuration issue and 2. Pointing out that solving my problem with configuration capability would also solve a wide variety of other accessibility problems, is instead of fighting for my specific way that fits my workflow, I fight for everyone’s opportunity to use the current capabilities fully.

The most frustrating aspect of the problem for me is that Shapr _already does_ what I need, but because that is not accessible in a reasonable way I cannot use it for daily work. It’s slow and infuriating.

Making it accessible is the issue. Changing the view mechanics is not the issue.

Again, I really appreciate the engagement here, regardless of whether we agree. I will immediately subscribe when view mechanics aren’t unusable for me. Until then I’m stuck with SketchUp, which is abysmal by comparison… except the view mechanics work. If it gets too annoying I’ll just buy Rhino. Thanks!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![turing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e68b1a/32.png) [@turing](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/turing)\
**Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 10:52pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/navigation-customization-its-time/39705/9 "2026-02-14T22:52:05Z")

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Any update on this? It’s a trivial preference or change.