A practical reference for 3D orientation.
Rotation Converter brings numerical conversion, visual inspection, and formatted output together so a rotation can be examined rather than treated as an unexplained list of numbers.
What the tool is for
The converter accepts direction cosine matrices, quaternions, the six implemented distinct-axis Euler sequences, and axis-angle parameters. It is useful when moving orientation data between engineering, robotics, and graphics workflows that use different representations.
Core conversion, visualizations, and exports can be used without an account. Optional sign-in supports saved conversion history. CSV and ROS Bag import tools provide attitude-data playback, while STL import lets a user inspect a custom model with an applied orientation.
How the current implementation works
The interface is implemented in React. Rotation conversion and canvas-based visualization run in the browser using JavaScript. The matrix-to-quaternion routine chooses the largest squared quaternion component and normalizes the extracted result; Euler extraction uses sequence-specific trigonometric formulas and a defined singularity tolerance. The public guides describe these actual paths rather than assuming another library’s conventions.
Numerical output is formatted for MATLAB, Python, or Eigen workflows. Visual output includes PNG, SVG, GIF, and video recording where the browser supports it. Camera presets change the view; they do not infer source or destination frames or transform attitude data between NED and NWU.
Development transparency and limits
The current site does not publish verified author credentials, institutional affiliations, a maintenance schedule, or a development chronology. No such claims are made here. The implementation and its observable behavior are the basis of this reference.
A conversion is not certification of input data. The app does not automatically normalize input quaternions or repair invalid matrices. Euler angles are nonunique and become ill-conditioned near gimbal lock. Before using results in a safety-critical system, independently verify frame direction, units, numerical validity, and the receiving library’s conventions.
Reproduce a result or report an issue
Start with the verified worked examples. When reporting a discrepancy through the contact page or by email to support@rotationconverter.com, include the numerical input, representation, Passive/Active setting, units, Euler sequence, output format, and what you expected. Avoid including confidential project data.
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