Transforms

Transforms

Transforms change the shape of a scaled grid. They are what turn a plain row or rectangle into something with gaps, height changes, offsets, or arcs.

Screenshot placeholder: one comparison image showing spacing, steps, stagger, and rotation.

Spacing

Spacing adds extra distance between each copy.

Use it for:

• Machine rows that need belt space.
• Foundations with deliberate gaps.
• Cleaner production layouts.

Controls:

• Hold ;.
• Use Num 8, Num 5, or mouse wheel.
• Press Num 0 to switch between X, Y, and Z spacing.

Steps

Steps raise or lower each row or column.

Use it for:

• Stair-step foundation layouts.
• Terraced factories.
• Ramps and decorative structure work.

Controls:

• Hold I.
• Use Num 8, Num 5, or mouse wheel.
• Press Num 0 to switch between X and Y stepping.

Stagger

Stagger offsets rows or layers.

Use it for:

• Diagonal-looking patterns.
• Offset machine rows.
• Leaning or angled multi-layer layouts.

Controls:

• Hold Y.
• Use Num 8, Num 5, or mouse wheel.
• Press Num 0 to toggle between the Stack and Flat stagger families; re-tap Y to switch direction within a family (Num 9 / Num 3 jump straight to Stack or Flat).

Rotation

Rotation places copies around a horizontal arc — each copy is yawed a little more than the last.

Use it for:

• Curved walls.
• Circular foundation patterns.
• Decorative arcs.

Controls:

• Hold ,.
• Use Num 8, Num 5, or mouse wheel to set the per-copy angle.
• Press Num 0 (or use the X/Y selector on the Rotation row of the Smart! Panel) to choose which grid axis the rotation builds up along:
  • X (default) — the rotation accumulates along the columns, so the run curves as it extends.
  • Y — the rotation accumulates along the rows, so the rows fan out around the vertical instead.

Either way it stays a flat, upright arc — nothing ever tilts or flips. (Smart! rotates around the vertical/yaw axis only; vertical arch rotation is not currently an active feature.)

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Last updated: 2026-10-06 · Smart! v34.4.0