# Constraining a movement to a rotate

**URL:** https://forum.kirupa.com/t/constraining-a-movement-to-a-rotate/188301
**Category:** flash
**Created:** [May 6, 2006, 3:04am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/constraining-a-movement-to-a-rotate/188301 "2006-05-06T03:04:42Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![Hausnfranz](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.kirupa.com/hausnfranz/32/2427_2.png) [@Hausnfranz](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/Hausnfranz)
#### Post date: [May 6, 2006, 3:04am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/constraining-a-movement-to-a-rotate/188301/1 "2006-05-06T03:04:42Z")

</div>

Hi all,

I am interested in rotating an object around a central pivot point, on command from two buttons (a + button, and a - button).

This file would essencially be a clock hand, or dot representing the hand, being rotated either clockwise or counter clockwise manually by a plus and minus button.

Things I am unclear about:

1. what forms of syntax, variables, etc, would I need to accomplish this task? I am unclear about the proper protocol for setting up this movement.

2. I have a specific background graphic that all this will be happing on top of, how do I find the desired pivot point coordinates (i am assuming the pivot point is defined by an x and y) in relation to my background graphic? I can point with my finger to the spot, but I dont know how to define the actual point.

Thanks for the help!

Haus