> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enercalc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enercalc.com/e3d-training-manual/building-the-model/general-modeling-theory/editing-model-geometry/reverse-node-order-for-selecte.md).

# Reverse Node Order for Selected Elements

How reversing node order flips the local axes of selected members and shells and why shells reorder to 2-1-4-3.

**Modify > Reverse Node Order for Selected Elements** has the following effects on selected elements:

**Members:** The starting node becomes the ending node, so the local X axis points in the opposite direction.

![](https://3750289988-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRZtG5Ynp58kYzLHYbR7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-b7270509fa752d0d51a138312b471c3edc963a2e%2FReverse%20member%20node%20order%20start.jpg?alt=media)

leads to

![](https://3750289988-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRZtG5Ynp58kYzLHYbR7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e9de2a362b47c66bfb3d317c471e4c3e3607fc4e%2FReverse%20member%20node%20order%20end.jpg?alt=media)

**Shells:** If the node order was originally 1-2-3-4, the order will be revised to 2-1-4-3. Notice that this has the effect of reversing the direction of the local z (normal) axis, as well as reversing the direction of the local x axis.

![](https://3750289988-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRZtG5Ynp58kYzLHYbR7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-518dc50d514eed7f3f362fbe438d45149f47b6f6%2FReverse%20shell%20node%20order%20start.jpg?alt=media)

leads to

![](https://3750289988-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRZtG5Ynp58kYzLHYbR7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-18b74beac1bdd6bf881b4ae8a390d9d94bbd64ad%2FReverse%20shell%20node%20order%20end.jpg?alt=media)

(Wondering why it didn't result in 4-3-2-1? Because, while that would have the effect of reversing the direction of the local z (normal) axis, it would also introduce the possibility of changing the orientation of the local x axis, rather than guaranteeing that it was simply reversed.)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.enercalc.com/e3d-training-manual/building-the-model/general-modeling-theory/editing-model-geometry/reverse-node-order-for-selecte.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.