Distribute Objects Evenly in Adobe Illustrator: Two Efficient Methods

Updated at: 13/06/2025

Achieving perfectly even object distribution in Adobe Illustrator can be surprisingly tricky. This article presents two efficient methods to conquer this common design challenge. Learn how to effortlessly space objects horizontally, vertically, or along a path, saving you valuable time and ensuring professional-looking results. Say goodbye to tedious manual adjustments and hello to streamlined workflow. Let's get started!

Methods: Method 1: Using the Alignment Panel's Distribute Spacing

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Duplicate Objects

    • Duplicate your object (heart shape in this example) multiple times across the page using Option/Alt-click and drag while holding Shift.
    Duplicate your object (heart shape in this example) multiple times across the page using Option/Alt-click and drag while holding Shift.
    Duplicate Objects

  2. Select All Objects

    • Select all the duplicated objects.
    Select all the duplicated objects.
    Select All Objects

  3. Open and Configure Alignment Panel

    • Go to Window > Align to open the Alignment panel. Click the hamburger menu and select "Show Options".
    Go to Window > Align to open the Alignment panel. Click the hamburger menu and select "Show Options".
    Open and Configure Alignment Panel

  4. Distribute Spacing

    • Choose either "Horizontal Distribute Spacing" or "Vertical Distribute Spacing" depending on your desired distribution.
    Choose either "Horizontal Distribute Spacing" or "Vertical Distribute Spacing" depending on your desired distribution.
    Distribute Spacing

Tips

  • This method distributes objects evenly between the first and last selected objects.

Methods: Method 2: Distributing Objects with Specific Pixel Spacing

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Select Objects

    • Select all objects you want to distribute.
    Select all objects you want to distribute.
    Select Objects

  2. Define Key Object

    • Choose a key object by clicking on it. This object defines the starting point for spacing.
    Choose a key object by clicking on it. This object defines the starting point for spacing.
    Define Key Object

  3. Set Pixel Spacing

    • Specify the desired pixel spacing in the Alignment panel.
    Specify the desired pixel spacing in the Alignment panel.
    Set Pixel Spacing

  4. Distribute Objects

    • Click "Horizontal Distribute Spacing" (or "Vertical Distribute Spacing") to distribute objects with the specified spacing from the key object.
    Click "Horizontal Distribute Spacing" (or "Vertical Distribute Spacing") to distribute objects with the specified spacing from the key object.
    Distribute Objects

Tips

  • The key object determines the starting point and direction of spacing.
  • This method is ideal when you need precise control over the spacing between objects.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Selection Order

Reason: Distributing objects unevenly happens when you don't select all the objects you intend to distribute before using the Distribute Spacing command. Illustrator only distributes the selected objects.
Solution: Ensure all objects to be evenly spaced are selected before applying the Distribute Spacing command.

2. Ignoring Object Properties

Reason: Overlapping or objects with varying sizes can lead to inaccurate distribution. The spacing is calculated based on the bounding boxes of the objects, not their visual appearance.
Solution: Check for overlapping objects and consider pre-processing (e.g., aligning or resizing) to ensure consistent spacing.

FAQs

Can I distribute objects evenly along a path or curve?
Not directly with Illustrator's built-in Distribute Spacing tools. These tools primarily work with objects arranged linearly on a single plane. For distributing along a path, you'd need to use a third-party plugin or employ a more manual method involving creating guides along the path and positioning objects accordingly.