Aligning Objects - which object to move

[lb]

When trying to align objects in PowerPoint, I select my two objects and
choose the alignment I want. Inevitably, PowerPoint moves the object that I
want to remain stationary. Is there a way to get PowerPoint to move the
other object - perhaps by selecting objects in a specific way?

 

[Sandy]

Use the object that you want to stay in place as your anchor. For example,
you have 2 objects.

#1. Is at the height you want it to be (your anchor)
#2. Is the one you want to move and is lower than the anchor.

Highlight both objects. Select align top. #1 will stay in place and #2 will
align to the top of number 1.

#2. Is higher than Object 1.

Highlight both objects. Select align bottom. #1 will stay in place and #2
will align to the bottin of of number 1.

Note if your objects are not the same size or they are images that are
cropped differently they may not align accurately.

 

[Glen Millar]

Sandy,

Thats' good.

--
--

Regards,

Glen Millar
Microsoft PPT MVP
www.powerpointworkbench.com

Australia

glen at powerpointworkbench dot com

Please tell us your PowerPoint / Windows version,
whether you are using vba, whether
your cows are in the corn paddock, or
anything else relevant.

 

[Sandy]

Thanks Glen.

 

[Chris Watts]

Sabdy:
Are you saying that which one moves depends on the alignment requested AND
the current relative position of the objects irrespective of which you
select first? Or does the order of selection of the objects to be aligned
have an influence?

To my way of thinking (2) makes sense but (1) is just weird thinking by the
designers!

Chris

 

[John Wilson]

Thanks Sandy - live and learn!! It is a bit weird but now I understand it the
"wrong" object will never stay in place again!

_____________________________
John Wilson
Microsoft Certified Office Specialist
http://www.technologytrish.co.uk/ppttipshome.html

 

[lb]

Thanks Sandy!

Use the object that you want to stay in place as your anchor. For example,
you have 2 objects.

#1. Is at the height you want it to be (your anchor)
#2. Is the one you want to move and is lower than the anchor.

Highlight both objects. Select align top. #1 will stay in place and #2 will
align to the top of number 1.

#2. Is higher than Object 1.

Highlight both objects. Select align bottom. #1 will stay in place and #2
will align to the bottin of of number 1.

Note if your objects are not the same size or they are images that are
cropped differently they may not align accurately.

 

[Sandy]

Chris - it doesn't matter which one you select first. It's the current
position of the objects with one of them being the anchor. That way, by
placing your anchor in position first, all other objects can be aligned with
that one...

 

[Chris Watts]

I'm missing something here then. How do you choose which object is to be
the anchor?
Will it, for example, always be the highest one if you are aligning to top?

Chris

 

[Sandy]

Yes.

Or the lowest one if aligning to the bottom. Or the furthest right when
aligning to the right...or the furthest to the left when aligning to the left.

Clear as mud? Better?

 

[Chris Watts]

Yes, quite clear now - thanks for being so patient, Sandy.

What about align to middle? - oh there is always some smart-ass!

Chris

 

[Sandy]

I love this tool - can you tell?

 

[Sandy]

Indeed. : ).

Align-to-middle doesn't work the same way. I usually perform the alignment,
keep all the objects selected, then use the arrow keys to move them where
desired. Hold down the CTRL key if you don't want the objects to snap and
desire finer movements.

 

[Chris Watts]

Thanks once again, Sandy. A very useful tool, I agree - and now I can get
more from it now I know how it works!
Chris

 

[lb]

So to clarify on the align-to-middle...There is no way to control which
object is the anchor?

 

[Sandy]

No in the case of Align to middle and align to center the objects align based
on a relative center to all objects.

 

[lb]

Thanks for your help!

No in the case of Align to middle and align to center the objects align based
on a relative center to all objects.

 

[Atreides]

Ah, yes, Align-centre is the problem! It often causes the "wrong" object to
move. A suggestion has already been posted to Microsoft about this, so we can
only hope.

By the way, Sandy means hold down ALT for fine placement. CTRL copies the
object when you release the mouse.

Atreides.