Position and align objects

You can align multiple objects relative to one another, or specify an object’s location using its x and y coordinates.

Place an object using x and y coordinates

  1. Select the object.

  2. In the Format  sidebar, click the Arrange tab.

  3. Enter x and y values in the Position fields.

    The x value is measured from the page’s left edge to the object’s upper-left corner.

    The y value is measured from the page’s top edge to the object’s upper-left corner.

When you drag an object, its x and y coordinates are displayed.

Tip: You can open the Arrange controls in a separate window that you can move anywhere. Choose View > Show Arrange Tools (from the View menu at the top of your screen, not from the View menu in the toolbar).

Move an object incrementally

Tip: You can select multiple objects then move them together.

Align objects vertically or horizontally

You can align objects so they line up along a vertical or horizontal axis.

  1. Select an object, or Shift-click to select multiple objects.

  2. In the Format  sidebar, click the Arrange tab.

  3. Click the Align pop-up menu and choose an option.

    If two or more objects are selected, the objects align to the object most in the direction you selected. For instance, if you align three objects to the left, the object that is farthest to the left doesn’t move, and the other objects align to it.

Tip: You can open the Arrange controls in a separate window that you can move anywhere. Choose View > Show Arrange Tools (from the View menu at the top of your screen, not from the View menu in the toolbar).

Equally space objects

You can position objects so there is equal spacing between them on a horizontal or vertical axis, or on both axes.

  1. Shift-click to select three or more objects.

  2. In the Format  sidebar, click the Arrange tab.

  3. Click the Distribute pop-up menu and choose an option:

    • Evenly: Objects are spaced equally along both the horizontal and vertical axes.

    • Horizontally: Objects are spaced equally along a horizontal axis.

    • Vertically: Objects are spaced equally along a vertical axis.

Tip: You can open the Arrange controls in a separate window that you can move anywhere. Choose View > Show Arrange Tools (from the View menu at the top of your screen, not from the View menu in the toolbar).

See alsoPlace objects with textUse rulersUse alignment guidesLayer, group, and lock objects