A 3-D view manipulation apparatus surrounds a 3-D model displayed on a display device, and allows a user to manipulate the view of the model by manipulating the apparatus, without having to divert the user's view from the model. The apparatus is transparent or semi-transparent, such that all of its surfaces are simultaneously visible. The apparatus may include control features on its surface, edges, or corners to facilitate changing the view of the model to a vantage point from or through that control feature. The apparatus may include a set of orthogonal axes at its center, about which the model may be made to rotate.