This research examines canal transportation and centering ability of single‐file systems when operated in continuous rotation or reciprocation. Sixty J‐shaped resin blocks were used. The specimens were divided into two main groups (n = 30). Then, based on the motion used to operate the instruments, each group was subdivided into two subgroups (n = 15). Group A1: One Curve/rotation, Group A2: One Curve/clockwise reciprocation, Group B1: WaveOne Gold/Reciprocation, Group B2: WaveOne Gold/counter‐clockwise rotation. Pre‐ and post‐instrumentation images were obtained using digital microscope. Canal transportation was measured at five levels. A non‐significant difference (p > 0.05) resulted between two motions at all levels. However, group A1 showed significantly less transportation at levels 3 and 4 (p ≤ 0.05), also more centered preparation at level 4 (p ≤ 0.05) than group B1. Within the limitations of this study, the apical transportation and centering ability of single‐file systems are unaffected by different kinematics.