---
title: "Make a layer turn from one end"
description: "Put a layer's anchor at one end so it turns like a hinge."
canonical: "https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/docs/how-to/make-a-layer-turn-from-one-end/"
last_updated: 2026-10-29
---

# Make a layer turn from one end

Put a layer's anchor at one end so it turns like a hinge.

Start with a wide rectangle or another layer that should swing from an edge.

1. Click the layer on the stage. The cross inside its selection marks the anchor.
2. Drag the cross to the middle of the left edge. The drawing stays in place at this frame.
3. Press `r`. A **Rotation** key appears at the playhead on the score (the timeline).
4. Press `L` three times. The playhead moves 30 frames forward; make sure the document is long
   enough to contain this frame.
5. Click **Rotation** in the rail's value column (the Properties panel in After Effects or Figma), type `45` and press `enter`. The layer turns
   about its left end, and a second rotation key appears.
6. Press `0`, then `space`. The layer swings about its left edge.

![A coral bar with its anchor at the middle of the left edge](https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/docs/assets/shots/draw-hinge-anchor.png)

Double-click the anchor to centre it again. See [Selecting and moving](https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/docs/editing.md#selecting-and-moving)
for the anchor grid, or [Ways to connect layers](https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/docs/concepts/connecting-layers.md) to carry
other layers with the hinged one.

Watch: [Anchor points](https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/anchor-points/).