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# translation

The x-, y-, and z-axis offsets of the transform relative to its parent coordinate space.

```
var translation: vector_float3 { get set }
```

## Discussion

Together with the [`rotation`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLTransform/rotation), [`scale`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLTransform/scale), and [`shear`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLTransform/shear) properties, this property defines the local coordinate space for any object affected by the transform, relative to a parent coordinate space. Use the [`matrix`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLTransformComponent/matrix) property to work with the complete transform.

If the transform includes time-based information, reading this property returns the translation as of the earliest time sample (as reported by the [`minimumTime`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLTransformComponent/minimumTime) property). Writing to this property erases any time-sampled data for the translation factor. To work with time-sampled data from an animated transform, use the [`translation(atTime:)`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLTransform/translation(atTime:)) and [`setTranslation(_:forTime:)`](/documentation/ModelIO/MDLTransform/setTranslation(_:forTime:)) methods.

---

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