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CSS 3D transform functions move, rotate, and scale elements in three dimensions, while perspective controls how that depth is projected on screen. Use functions such as translate3d(), rotate3d(), and scale3d() for readable transforms; use matrix3d() when you need low-level matrix control. The order of functions matters, and a convincing 3D scene can also require perspective and preserve-3d settings.

How CSS 3D transforms work

The transform property accepts a space-separated list of transform functions. Each function acts on the coordinate space produced by the preceding operations, so changing their order can change the result. For example, a translation followed by a rotation does not necessarily look like a rotation followed by a translation.

These functions apply a transform to an element; they do not, by themselves, create a complete multi-element 3D scene. Perspective, transform origin, and whether descendants retain their 3D positions can also affect what appears on screen.

Translation: move an element in 3D space

translate3d()

translate3d(tx, ty, tz) moves an element along the x, y, and z axes. The x and y arguments accept lengths or percentages; the z argument must be a length, not a percentage. For example:

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translateZ()

translateZ(z) moves an element only along the z axis. It is a concise choice when the x and y offsets are zero, such as transform: translateZ(40px).

Rotation: turn around an axis

Named-axis functions

rotateX(angle) rotates around the x axis, rotateY(angle) around the y axis, and rotateZ(angle) around the z axis. The angle can be expressed with an angle unit such as degrees.

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rotate3d()

rotate3d(x, y, z, angle) rotates around an axis specified by the x, y, and z components of a vector, by the given angle. For example, rotate3d(1, 2, -1, 192deg) describes a rotation around a vector that is not limited to one named axis.

Scaling: change dimensions along each axis

scale3d()

scale3d(sx, sy, sz) applies independent scale factors to the x, y, and z dimensions. A factor of 1 leaves that dimension unchanged; a value between zero and one shrinks it, and a value greater than one enlarges it. A negative factor reflects the element along that dimension. Equal factors scale all three dimensions equally, preserving their proportions.

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scaleZ()

scaleZ(sz) changes only the z dimension. It is useful when the other scale factors should remain at their default value of one.

Perspective: control how depth is projected

The perspective() transform function

perspective(d) sets the distance between the viewer and the z=0 plane. A smaller distance produces a stronger perspective effect. For instance, this transform combines perspective, a z translation, and a y-axis rotation:

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}

Because these functions are composed in written order, rearranging them may change the visual result. The value in perspective(700px) is a distance, not an angle.

The broader 3D scene

The perspective() function is distinct from the perspective property, which can establish perspective for transformed descendants. A 3D scene can also depend on perspective-origin, which sets the perspective point, and transform-origin, whose z component affects the point around which a transform occurs. To let child elements remain positioned in a shared 3D space rather than flattening them into the parent’s plane, use transform-style: preserve-3d where appropriate.

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The W3C CSS Transforms Module Level 2 describes these features as part of the 3D rendering model. The specification is a Working Draft dated 9 November 2021: CSS Transforms Module Level 2.

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matrix3d(): use the low-level representation when needed

matrix3d() takes sixteen values that describe a 4×4 homogeneous transformation matrix. It can encode combinations of transformations, but the values are less immediately understandable than named functions. Prefer functions such as translate3d() and rotateY() when people will need to read or edit the CSS; reserve matrix3d() for generated transforms or low-level composition. MDN documents its syntax and matrix representation: matrix3d().

Choosing the right function

Function Operation What it affects Key detail
translate3d(tx, ty, tz) Move x, y, and z x and y accept lengths or percentages; z requires a length.
translateZ(z) Move z only Use when x and y offsets are zero.
rotateX(), rotateY(), rotateZ() Rotate A named axis Choose the axis the element should rotate around.
rotate3d(x, y, z, angle) Rotate An axis vector Use for a rotation around an arbitrary axis.
scale3d(sx, sy, sz) Scale x, y, and z independently Negative factors reflect the corresponding dimension.
scaleZ(sz) Scale z only Use when only depth scaling should change.
perspective(d) Project Depth appearance Smaller viewer distance strengthens the perspective effect.
matrix3d(...) Matrix-map A 3D coordinate transformation Sixteen values; powerful but less readable than named functions.

Browser support and standards context

MDN marks translate3d(), rotate3d(), and scale3d() as widely available since July 2015. That general availability note is not a substitute for checking the compatibility data for a specific browser and feature. See MDN’s references for translate3d(), rotate3d(), and scale3d(). The broader model for 3D transforms and preserve-3d rendering is defined in the W3C CSS Transforms Module Level 2.

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