adobe - Evenly distribute objects within another object -

adobe - Evenly distribute objects within another object -

is there simpler way distribute multiple objects within bounds of object?

i've included image help illustrate want done.

the greenish portion artboard, grayness portion main body , item1-6 distributed within bounds of white box. typically accomplish desired result have create additional objects (represented reddish lines) , place 1 @ left end of box, 1 @ right end, , 1 between each item, , utilize distribute evenly button , remove reddish lines afterwards.

i imagine there faster way can't seem find it. ideas appreciated.

okay, fiddly, seem quite inuitive 1 time you've done 1 time or twice.

short version;

find width of container. select container , objects - set container key object. enter width of container align window: distribute spacing, split figure number of objects, click horizontal distribute center. group objects , center them container. ungroup them again, if desired.

long version;

1. work out width of containing box (or artboard, if distributing items that). if, example, have rectangle can select , @ 'w' (width) value @ top of window (click on transform reveal info if you're working on smaller screen). remember number - nil else.

2. select of items , container. click on container 1 time again create 'key object' (you should see selection border becomes distinctly fatter).

3. if necessary, open align window (window > align). window visible, should see 3 rows or sections take - 'align objects', 'distribute objects' , 'distribute spacing'. if latter missing, may need click on little up/down arrow symbol next 'align' tab title few times in order expand of options.

4. ensuring still have of items selected , container set key object (the 'align to' box should automatically set 'align key object' in recognition of this), come in container width took note of before 'distribute spacing' box - , append /x x = number of items have. so, if box 200 pts wide, , have 5 items, come in 200/5 - save having maths. illustrator automatically split starting figure , (in case of example), alter 40 pt (200 divided 5).

5. click on horizontal distribute center button , of items set right spacing. won't aligned container, though, ...

6. in order prevent nicely spaced items beingness messed next step, de-select container (so items selected), grouping them - either keyboard shortcut ctrl+g (or command+g on mac), or going object > group.

7. items grouped, re-select container (so container , grouping of objects selected), create container key object 1 time again - if don't want see move) , click on horizontal align center. items centered in container , can safely ungrouped if wish (ctrl+shift+g / command+shift+g).

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