Objects cannot be distributed evenly

Symptoms

If one or more of these match what you are seeing, you are on the right page.

• •The distribution controls do nothing
• •Spacing still looks uneven after distributing
• •Distribution works horizontally but not vertically
• •Differently sized elements end up with unequal gaps

Causes and fixes

Ordered from most to least likely. Work down the list — each cause is paired with what to do about it.

1. 1

   Fewer than three elements are selected.

   Select three or more. Distribution positions the elements between the outermost two, so with only two there is nothing in between to move.

2. 2

   Centre-based distribution is being used on differently sized elements.

   Distribute Horizontally and Distribute Vertically equalise centre-to-centre distance, which leaves visually unequal gaps when elements differ in size. Use Distribute Horizontal Spacing or Distribute Vertical Spacing to equalise the gaps between edges instead.

3. 3

   The elements are already at their outer bounds.

   The first and last elements define the range and do not move. Reposition them to change the overall span before distributing.

4. 4

   One element is locked and excluded from the selection.

   Unlock it in the Layer Panel so it joins the selection and is included in the distribution.

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