Align or distribute selected objects

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn more on how to align or distribute selected objects in Illustrator.

Select Window > Align to access the Align panel to align or distribute selected objects along the specified axis.

The Align panel is displayed on screen showcasing various Alignment and Distribution options.
Align objects in the artwork to a selection, key object, or an artboard.

Align or distribute relative to the bounding box of all selected objects

Select the objects that you want to align or distribute using the Selection tool.

Select Window > Align.

In the Align panel, select Align to Selection .

In the Align panel, select the desired alignment or distribution option based on the design needs.

Align or distribute relative to one anchor point

Select the Direct Selection tool and press Shift and select the anchor points you want to align or distribute.

Select Window > Align.

In the Align panel, select the desired alignment or distribution option based on the design needs.

Align or distribute relative to a key object

Select the objects that you want to align or distribute using the Selection tool.

Select again on the object you want to use as a key object using the Selection tool without pressing the Shift key.

Note

A blue outline appears around the key object and Align To Key Object 

gets automatically selected in the Align panel.

Select Window > Align.

In the Align panel, select the desired alignment or distribution option based on the design needs.

Align or distribute relative to an artboard

Select the objects that you want to align or distribute using the Selection tool.

Select the Selection tool and Shift-click the artboard you want to use.

Select Window > Align.

In the Align panel, select Align to Artboard .

In the Align panel, select the desired alignment or distribution option based on the design needs.