CSS Reference Function

rotateX()

The rotateX() function is used to rotate an element about the x-axis in three-dimensional space.

It is equivalent to:

transform: rotate3d(1, 0, 0, <angle>);
                

Where rotate3d() is the transformation function used to rotate an element in the three-dimensional space.

It takes an <angle> as a value. The element is rotated then by the specified value about the x-axis. If the value is positive, the element is rotated in a clockwise direction, if it is negative it is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction. The clockwise direction is determined by looking at the x-axis starting from the end (where the pointing arrow usually is) towards the origin. See the rotate3d() section in the transform entry for a visual representation of the clockwise direction along the x-axis.

Examples:

transform: rotateX(30deg);
transform: rotateX(-135deg);
transform: rotateX(90deg);
                

The following image shows the result of applying rotateX(50deg) and rotateX(-50deg) on an image:

rotateX-example
The result of applying rotateX(50deg) and rotateX(-50deg) on an image

The official syntax looks as follows:

transform: rotateX(<angle>);
                

For a better understanding of the transform functions, please refer to the transform entry.

Browser Support

The following is the support table for three-dimensional CSS transforms:

CSS3 3D Transforms

Method of transforming an element in the third dimension using the `transform` property. Includes support for the `perspective` property to set the perspective in z-space and the `backface-visibility` property to toggle display of the reverse side of a 3D-transformed element.

W3C Working Draft

Supported from the following versions:

Desktop

  • 36
  • 16
  • 10
  • 23
  • 15

Mobile / Tablet

  • 15
  • 122
  • No
  • 122
  • 123

* denotes prefix required.

  • Supported:
  • Yes
  • No
  • Partially
  • Polyfill

Stats from caniuse.com

Written by . Last updated December 11, 2016 at 9:33 pm by Manoela Ilic.

Do you have a suggestion, question or want to contribute? Submit an issue.