Aligning and distributing layers in 2D space

Use the Align palette to line up or evenly space selected layers across a composition. You can align or distribute layers along the vertical or horizontal axes of selected objects.


Align and distribute options

When you align and distribute selected layers, keep the following in mind:

• An alignment option aligns selected layers to the object that most closely represents the new alignment. For example, for right-edge alignment, all selected layers align to the selected object that is farthest to the right.
• A distribution option evenly spaces selected layers between the two most extreme layers. For example, for a vertical distribution option, the selected layers are distributed between the topmost and bottommost selected objects.
• When you distribute layers of different sizes, the spaces between layers may not be uniform. For example, distributing layers by their centers will create equal space between the centers--but different-sized layers will extend by different amounts into the space between layers.
• Locked layers cannot be moved by alignment or distribution options.
• Text alignment is not affected by the Align palette. For information on aligning text, see Aligning and justifying text.

To align or distribute layers:

1. Select the layers you want to align or distribute.

Note: To align, you must select two or more layers; to distribute, you must select three or more layers.

2. Choose Window > Align & Distribute.
3. In the Align palette, click the icon representing the type of alignment or distribution you want.