Template:Maya2017 Pivot Point
Pivot Point
Every object in Maya has a pivot point, which can be seen as the center of gravity of that particular object. All transformations of the object, like moving, scaling and rotating, act around the pivot point. When one of the transformation tools in the toolbox is selected, the pivot point is visible as the red, green and blue axis. By default the pivot point is in the center of the object, but it can be moved to every other position. To change its position press the D key on your keyboard to ‘unlock’ the pivot. Then click and drag the pivot to the position you want. Press the D key again to ‘lock’ the pivot. Now all transformation act around the new position of the pivot point. You can also hold the D key and release it when you're done, if you prefer that. Alternatively you can also use the insert key.
In some cases you want the pivot point back in the center of the object. Via
the pivot point is placed in the center of the object.