Item frames placed on the bottom of a block will face south, and item frames placed on top of a block will always face north. The ideal frame would face in the direction it is placed in. (e.g. frames placed while facing east would have the top be facing east)
Steps to reproduce:
1. Place an item frame on top of or under a block. (Doesn't matter which direction)
2. Place an item in the frame.
Linked issues
is duplicated by 6
MC-170887
Item frames on the floor and on the ceiling always face north
Resolved
MC-181159
Horizontal Item Frames Placed Face North, Not Direction Faced
Resolved
MC-181865
Putting things in item frame doesn't face to the player
Resolved
MC-190615
item-frames default item facing north
Resolved
MC-191568
Items placed in horizontal (flat) item frames always points north.
Resolved
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Attachments
Comments 3
Contrast with buttons and levers, which can be placed in four different orientations on the ground 🙂
Most likely WAI because items in item frames can be rotated anyway.