How Do You Distribute Equally in InDesign?

To distribute objects equally in InDesign, you can use the Distribute Objects options in the Align panel or utilize keyboard shortcuts.

Here's a breakdown of how to do it:

1. Using the Align Panel:

• Select the objects you want to distribute.
• Go to Window > Object & Layout > Align to open the Align panel.
• In the Align panel, locate the Distribute Objects section.
• Choose your desired distribution method:
  • Distribute Spacing: This option distributes the objects based on the amount of space between them. You can specify the exact amount of space you want between each object.
  • Distribute Objects: These options distribute the objects evenly within the selected area based on their outer edges:
    • Distribute Left Edges: Makes the distance between the left edges of the selected objects equal.
    • Distribute Centers: Makes the distance between the centers of the selected objects equal.
    • Distribute Right Edges: Makes the distance between the right edges of the selected objects equal.
    • Distribute Top Edges: Makes the distance between the top edges of the selected objects equal.
    • Distribute Vertical Centers: Makes the distance between the vertical centers of the selected objects equal.
    • Distribute Bottom Edges: Makes the distance between the bottom edges of the selected objects equal.

2. Using Keyboard Shortcuts:

While not direct distribution shortcuts, you can use alignment shortcuts in combination with step and repeat to achieve equal distribution:

• As mentioned in the reference, there aren't direct shortcuts for distribution itself. The Align panel provides the comprehensive options.

3. Distribute Spacing Options in Detail

The "Distribute Spacing" options are especially useful when you need precise control:

• Horizontal Distribute Space: This distributes the objects horizontally by adjusting the space between them. Enter a value for the space.
• Vertical Distribute Space: This distributes the objects vertically by adjusting the space between them. Enter a value for the space.
• Use Spacing: Enabling the "Use Spacing" option ensures the objects are distributed exactly the specified amount apart. This is different from simply evening out the existing spacing.

Example:

Let's say you have three squares that you want to distribute horizontally across a page, with equal space between them:

1. Select all three squares.
2. Open the Align panel (Window > Object & Layout > Align).
3. In the Align panel, choose "Distribute Horizontal Centers".
4. If you want to control the spacing, choose "Horizontal Distribute Space" and input your desired spacing value.

Tips for Equal Distribution:

• Grouping: Grouping objects before distributing them can be helpful if you want to treat them as a single unit.
• Reference Object: You can set a specific object as the "key object" and distribute relative to it. To do this, select all objects, then click on the object you want to use as the key. The key object will have a heavy border. Now, when you distribute, the other objects will adjust to maintain equal spacing relative to the key object.