“Rotation in X” (XROT in CSS) is an axis found in some variable fonts that can be used to alter the letterforms so that they appear to rotate in the X dimension, giving the impression that they can interact in a three-dimensional space.

The Google Fonts CSS v2 API defines the axis as:

Default:Min:Max:Step:
0-1801801

An image showing three type specimens, each with an axis slider underneath. The specimen on the left shows the effects of the axis’ lowest value. The specimen in the middle shows the effects of the axis’ default value. The specimen on the right shows the effects of the axis’ highest value.

Leaving the axis at its default value of 0 results in the character appearing face-on; manipulating it to its minimum value results in it appearing to turn to the left; manipulating it to its maximum value results in it appearing to turn to the right.

It may be used in conjunction with other axes controlling Y-transparencies (vertical alignment zones), especially the Parametric Uppercase Height axis (YTUC) and Parametric Descender Depth axis (YTDE).