How can I make the "R" key only rotate the object around the x & y axis? I have managed to make a change so that the the default rotate function for "R" (free) gets locked around the Z axis when in the perspective viewport. The problem is that when I do that Blender will not rotate around the correct axis when you enter the left, right, top viewports etc. Is there any way to keep Blenders' default on all viewports except the perspective one?
When you press R to rotate the object, press either X, Y, or Z on your keyboard. That will allow you to only rotate on one axis.