The translate() function

Summary: The translate() function can be used to adjust the position of the canvas coordinate system

The translate() function adjusts the coordinate system of the canvas. Normally the [0, 0] coordinates are in the top left corner, but by using the translate() function you can move them to wherever you wish. To move things back and up the numbers can be negative. Translating is affected by the use of the save() and restore() functions so if necessary you can save(), translate(), restore() - and the state of the canvas will be as it was before you saved.

Arguments to the function

• Number of pixels to move in the X direction (can be negative)
• Number of pixels to move in the Y direction (can be negative)

An example

You can use the function like this:

<script>
    window.onload = function ()
    {
        var canvas  = document.getElementById("cvs");
        var context = canvas.getContext('2d');

        // After the translate the [0,0] coordinates will actually be 50 pixels down and 50
        // pixels to the right of where they would be normally
        context.translate(50, 50);
    
        context.beginPath();
        context.moveTo(100, 100);
        context.lineTo(200, 200);
        context.stroke();
    }
</script>