How Do I Distribute Shapes Evenly in Photoshop?

Distributing shapes evenly in Photoshop involves using the distribution tools within the Layers panel. Here's how to do it:

1. Select Your Shapes: Ensure all the shapes you want to distribute are on separate layers and are selected in the Layers panel. You can select multiple layers by holding down the Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) or Shift key while clicking on the layer names.

2. Access the Move Tool: Activate the Move Tool (V). The distribution options are only visible when the Move Tool is selected and multiple layers are selected.

3. Locate Distribution Icons: In the Options Bar at the top of the screen, you will see a set of icons for aligning and distributing layers. The distribution icons are grouped together and look like bars with shapes positioned along them.

4. Choose Your Distribution Method: Photoshop offers several distribution options:

   • Distribute Top Edges: Evenly distributes the selected layers based on the topmost pixel of each layer.
   • Distribute Vertical Centers: Evenly distributes the selected layers based on the vertical center of each layer.
   • Distribute Bottom Edges: Evenly distributes the selected layers based on the bottommost pixel of each layer.
   • Distribute Left Edges: Evenly distributes the selected layers based on the leftmost pixel of each layer.
   • Distribute Horizontal Centers: Evenly distributes the selected layers based on the horizontal center of each layer.
   • Distribute Right Edges: Evenly distributes the selected layers based on the rightmost pixel of each layer.
   • Distribute Horizontal Space: Evenly distributes the space between the layers horizontally. This option is particularly useful when you want equal gaps between your shapes.
   • Distribute Vertical Space: Evenly distributes the space between the layers vertically. This option is also particularly useful when you want equal gaps between your shapes.

5. Apply the Distribution: Single-click the appropriate distribution icon to apply it to the selected layers. The spacing will be calculated based on the overall bounding box of all selected objects. Photoshop will adjust the position of each shape to create even spacing. Keep in mind that distribution is determined by the bounds of the objects, not necessarily their center points, so the visible gaps between objects of varying sizes will be equal.

Example:

Imagine you have three squares of different sizes that are roughly aligned horizontally but unevenly spaced.

1. Select all three square layers.
2. Activate the Move Tool (V).
3. Click the "Distribute Horizontal Space" icon in the Options Bar.

Photoshop will automatically adjust the horizontal position of the squares to create equal gaps between them.

Important Considerations:

• The distribution is relative to the leftmost and rightmost (or topmost and bottommost) objects. These outer objects will not move; Photoshop will only redistribute the layers between them.
• Make sure all objects are on separate layers for proper distribution.
• The distribution tools work with layer groups as well.