Move objects by specific distances

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn more on how to move objects by specific distances in Illustrator.

Select one or more objects using the Selection tool.

Select Object > Transform > Move.

Note

Alternatively, double-click the Selection , Direct Selection , or Group Selection tool to open the Move dialog box.

In the Move dialog box, adjust any of the given settings as required:

  • To move the object left or right, enter either a negative value (moves left) or a positive value (moves right) in the Horizontal text box.
  • To move the object up or down, enter either a negative value (moves up) or a positive value (moves down) in the Vertical text box.
  • To move the object by an Angle relative to the object’s x-axis, enter either a positive angle (counterclockwise movement) or a negative value (clockwise movement) in the Angle text box.
The Move dialog box is displayed on the screen displaying various Position settings such as Horizontal, Vertical, and more.
In the Move dialog box, select the Transform Patterns checkbox to move only the pattern, not the object.

Tip

You can even enter values between 180 degrees and 360 degrees. These values are then converted to their corresponding negative values. For example, a value of 270 degrees is converted to -90 degrees.

Select OK.