anchorpoint

An anchor point, or anchorpoint, is a reference location used as the basis for positioning, alignment, or transformation of an object across many software tools and disciplines. It serves as a fixed origin around which operations such as rotation, scaling, or snapping are performed, and can be moved to influence how an element behaves in composition.

In vector graphics and typography, anchor points form the control points of outlines that define shapes and glyphs. Moving an anchor point changes the curvature or angle of a segment, enabling precise editing of a path or a letter's stroke. In fonts, anchors delineate the vertices of glyphs.

In animation and 3D software, the anchor point (often called the pivot or origin) is the point around which the object transforms. Adjusting it changes how a layer rotates, scales, or shears, and it can affect stacking and composition within a scene.

In mapping, GIS, and layout work, anchor points provide fixed reference coordinates for aligning features, supporting georeferencing, anchoring labels, callouts, or connections between layers. In user interfaces, anchor points may define attachment points for layout grids or responsive positioning.

The term is widely used across fields, but its exact technical meaning varies by domain while preserving the core concept of a reference point used to anchor operations.