To evenly space objects in Illustrator, you primarily use the Distribute functions within the Align panel.
Adobe Illustrator provides powerful tools for arranging multiple objects precisely. The "Distribute" functions are specifically designed to create equal spacing between selected items, either horizontally or vertically.
Accessing the Panels
As mentioned in the reference, the Align and Distribute panels are easily accessible within Illustrator:
- Go to the Window menu, and then select Align.
- Alternatively, navigate through Window > Object & Layout > Align.
- You can also find the distribution options conveniently located in the Control panel (usually at the top of the workspace) or the Properties panel (typically on the right side), especially when objects are selected.
Steps to Evenly Space Objects
Follow these steps to distribute your selected objects evenly:
- Select the Objects: Use the Selection Tool (V) to select all the objects you want to space evenly. You can drag a marquee around them or Shift-click each object.
- Open the Align Panel: If the Align panel isn't already visible, open it using one of the methods described above.
- Choose Distribution Type: Look for the "Distribute Spacing" options in the bottom part of the Align panel.
- Click Horizontal Distribute Space to add equal horizontal space between the objects.
- Click Vertical Distribute Space to add equal vertical space between the objects.
- Set Distribution To: Before clicking the distribute button, decide how the spacing should be calculated. This is determined by the "Align To" setting at the bottom of the Align panel (or visible in the Control/Properties panel when distributing).
Understanding Distribution Options
The spacing is calculated relative to a boundary or a specific object. Here are the main options:
- Align to Selection: (Default) Illustrator calculates the space needed to evenly distribute objects between the leftmost and rightmost objects (for horizontal distribution) or the topmost and bottommost objects (for vertical distribution) within your selection. The overall span occupied by the objects remains the same, but the gaps between them become equal.
- Align to Key Object: Select the objects, then click on one of them again to make it a Key Object (it will have a thicker outline). When you apply distribution, Illustrator will maintain the position of the Key Object and distribute the others relative to it, creating equal space between their edges.
- Align to Artboard: Illustrator distributes the objects evenly across the entire width (for horizontal distribution) or height (for vertical distribution) of the active artboard. The objects will be spaced from the edge of the artboard on one side to the edge on the other.
For simple equal spacing between objects based on their current positions, Align to Selection is the most common setting.
Using these functions ensures your layout is neat and professional, saving significant time compared to manually positioning objects.
