How-to

Vector Ink Selection Tool Part 4: Align & Arrange Objects Like a Pro

Introduction

Whether you’re designing a logo, interface, or intricate vector illustration, alignment and organization are what make your composition feel balanced and professional. In this tutorial, we’ll explore Vector Ink’s Align and Arrange panels — powerful tools that let you snap, distribute, and organize elements with precision and ease.

What You’ll Learn

  • How to align objects to the canvas or each other
  • How to distribute multiple shapes evenly with perfect spacing
  • How to use the Arrange panel to control stacking order
  • How to create grids and linear layouts efficiently

Step 1: Access the Align Panel

You’ll find the Align panel next to the Object panel in the control bar. On mobile, it appears at the bottom. Select the objects you want to align — you can align to the canvas or to other selected objects.

Together mode: Aligns all selected objects as one group (their collective bounds are used for alignment).
Separate mode: Aligns each object independently to the chosen edge or center.

Step 2: Align Precisely

With your objects selected, choose from Align Left, Align Right, Align Top, Align Bottom, or Center. These controls let you line up shapes precisely, whether you’re positioning icons in a logo or creating clean interface layouts.

Tip: Combine align actions with snap-to-grid or guides for pixel-perfect symmetry.

Step 3: Use the Arrange Panel

Next to the Align panel, the Arrange panel lets you organize spacing and layout automatically.

Linear Arrangement: Choose Arrange Horizontally or Arrange Vertically. Then set your Spacing value (e.g., 2px). Vector Ink will distribute objects evenly in one direction, keeping consistent gaps between them.

Grid Arrangement: Toggle to grid mode and set the number of Columns. Leave Spacing X and Y to 0 to let Vector Ink auto-calculate based on object size. Press Apply and watch your elements snap into a perfect grid.

Step 4: Master Object Stacking

Beyond position, arranging also controls stacking order. Use the Arrange panel or right-click menu to bring items Forward, Backward, To Front, or To Back. This helps manage overlapping layers and ensures visual hierarchy in your composition.

Tips for Balanced Layouts

  • Start aligned: Roughly place elements, then use Align for precision.
  • Distribute evenly: Avoid manual spacing—use the spacing input to stay consistent.
  • Check symmetry: Turn on canvas guides or rulers to confirm balance.
  • Combine tools: Use Align + Arrange together for clean, structured designs.

Conclusion

Clean alignment and consistent arrangement make the difference between an amateur layout and a professional design. With Vector Ink’s intuitive Align and Arrange panels, you can quickly structure complex scenes, grids, or logo compositions with pixel-perfect precision.

Ready to streamline your next project? Align, arrange, and perfect your layout now —

Launch Vector Ink and start designing with confidence.

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