A method manipulates a 3D image in three dimensions using two-dimensional gestures on a touchpad. The method moves the 3D image within an x-y plane in the direction of a multiple-finger linear gesture. A number of fingers used for the multiple-finger linear gesture is programmed in an instinct library associated with the touchpad. The method detects a multiple-finger linear gesture on a mutual capacitance touchpad and rotates the 3D image in the direction of the multiple-finger linear gesture about an axis in the x-y plane perpendicular to the multiple-finger linear gesture. The method also rotates the 3D image about the x-y plane in the direction of the multiple-finger linear gesture at a speed proportional to the speed of the multiple-finger linear gesture.