<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "iOS: 8.0.0 - 26.0.0",
    "iPadOS: 8.0.0 - 26.0.0",
    "macCatalyst: 13.1.0 - 26.0.0",
    "macOS: 10.8.0 - 26.0.0",
    "tvOS: 9.0.0 - 26.0.0",
    "visionOS: 1.0.0 - 26.0.0",
    "watchOS: 3.0.0 - 26.0.0"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "SceneKit",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/SceneKit/SCNNode/localRotate(by:)",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Instance Method",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Instance Method",
    "modules" : [
      "SceneKit"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:objc(cs)SCNNode(im)localRotateBy:"
  },
  "title" : "localRotate(by:)"
}
-->

# localRotate(by:)

Changes the node’s orientation relative to its current orientation.

```
func localRotate(by rotation: SCNQuaternion)
```

## Parameters

`rotation`

The axis and angle of rotation to apply, in node-local space, expressed as a quaternion.

## Discussion

This method rotates the node according to its [`pivot`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNNode/pivot) transform.

The effects of this method are animatable; that is, calling this method during an implicit-animation transaction animates the rotation effect. (See [Animating SceneKit Content](/documentation/SceneKit/animating-scenekit-content).)

## See Also

[`simdLocalRotate(by:)`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNNode/simdLocalRotate(by:))

Changes the node’s orientation relative to its current orientation.



---

Copyright &copy; 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)