# rotation(atTime:) Returns the orientation of the transform relative to its parent coordinate space, as of the specified time sample. ``` func rotation(atTime time: TimeInterval) -> vector_float3 ``` ## Parameters `time` The time sample for which to request information. ## Return Value The orientation, as a vector of Euler angles in radians, of the transform. ## Discussion The three components of the rotation vector describe counterclockwise rotation around the corresponding axes. In a coordinate system where the negative z-axis direction is considered “forward”, these components are pitch (rotation about the x-axis), yaw (rotation about the y-axis), and roll (rotation about the z-axis). Together with the translation, scale, and shear factors, rotation defines the local coordinate space for any object affected by the transform, relative to a parent coordinate space. To work with the complete transform, use the [`localTransform(atTime:)`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLTransformComponent/localTransform(atTime:)) and [`setLocalTransform(_:forTime:)`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLTransformComponent/setLocalTransform(_:forTime:)) methods. Requesting a sample outside the time range clamps results to the [`minimumTime`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLTransformComponent/minimumTime) or [`maximumTime`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLTransformComponent/maximumTime) sample. Some asset formats support continuous sampling, with interpolation for times between the samples stored in the asset; others are discrete. For an asset with discrete time information, requesting a sample time in between the samples stored in the asset returns data for the immediately preceding time. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)