Fixing Model Rotation and Pivots

Vehicle Physics requires correct model rotation and scale. This guide uses Blender to fix common import issues.

Critical Requirements

Warning: Vehicle root transform in Unity MUST have:

  • Scale: [1,1,1] - Use import scale, not transform scale
  • Rotation: [0,0,0] - Fix orientation in the 3D model itself
  • Axis orientation: Z-forward, X-right, Y-up

Unity's official guide is here. For proper workflow, fix rotation in Blender before import.

Download Blender: https://www.blender.org/

Checking Rotation in Unity

Switch transform handle to Local rotation to see object axes instead of world axes.

Handle rotation set to Local.

Correct orientation:

Unity correct rotation. Blue arrow (Z-axis) is pointing forwards, green (Y-axis) is point up and red (X-axis) is pointing to the right.

  • Blue arrow (Z): Points forward
  • Green arrow (Y): Points up
  • Red arrow (X): Points right

If arrows point in different directions, rotation is incorrect. If arrows are not centered, pivot is incorrect.

Fixing Rotation in Blender

Import your model in Blender 2.8+ (File → Import → [Format]).

Blender model after import.

Note: Blender uses Y-forward, X-right, Z-up. Unity uses Z-forward, X-right, Y-up.

Steps

  1. Select vehicle (A key to select all)
  2. Rotate: Press R → X/Y/Z to rotate on chosen axis
    • Model should point towards -Y axis (see image below)
    • Z should be up, X should be left

Model after rotation.

  1. Apply rotation: Ctrl + A → Rotation (resets rotation values to 0)
  2. Center model: Press G → X/Y/Z to move along axis
  3. Repeat for moving parts: Wheels and steering wheel need correct rotation
  4. Export: File → Export → FBX with these settings:

Blender FBX export settings for Unity.

  1. Verify in Unity: Check rotation in Inspector

Fixing Pivot

Pivot is the rotation point for objects. Incorrect wheel pivots cause off-center rotation.

Check Pivot in Unity

Set tool handle to Pivot and select the object. Wheel pivot must be at exact center.

Handle position set to Pivot.

Fix Pivot in Blender

Pivot is marked by a small yellow dot.

Pivot of this wheel is way off to the right instead in the center. Note the small yellow dot to the right of the image.

To center pivot:

  1. Select the object
  2. Press F3
  3. Type "Set Origin"
  4. Select Origin To Center Of Mass (Volume)

Yellow dot should now be centered:

Example wheel model with correct wheel pivots and rotation.

Export to FBX (File → Export → FBX) when complete.