Alignment options to outside (top, bottom, left, right) of key object
I would really benefit from options to automatically align an object to the outside edge (top/bottom/left/right of its bounding box) of a key object. For example, "Align below" would put the top edge of the bounding box of the repositioned object flush with and below the bottom edge of the bounding box of the key object.
While I can try to achieve the same results by dragging the object around and using smart guides and snapping, that may require a lot of time (and a little luck) when there are several nearby objects that smart guides are being generated from, particularly as some objects appear more likely to be used as the basis of a smart guide than others. This can make the smart guide I want (an outside edge of a given object) hard to "find".
Spike E. Dog
shared this idea
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Cory John
commented
These two can be merged. Great solution. Thanks, Egor!
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Cory John
commented
This works well. I was interested in the same feature. Thank you, Guys!
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There was a similar request, https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657-illustrator-desktop-feature-requests/suggestions/43796625-alignment-options-to-outside-top-bottom-left-r
Do you mind merging these two? -
Cory John
commented
This Alignment feature would allow us to position two objects precisely adjacent to each other based on the boundaries or vertices selected. Please see the attached example. I see a use for this often. It would resolve the issue of having to drag an element by a boundary or vertex and, with the assistance of SNAP TO and SMART GUIDES, position it manually.
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Mike, we can distribute objects using a key.
Illustrator uses the closest edge to distribute, so you could have to move objects closer to the left edge, like the GIF shows.
Does this method enough or it still feels not good enough? If yes — why? -
Spike E. Dog
commented
Egor,
You are correct; that does achieve the desired results. Thanks! I never would have thought to try the distributed space functions on just two objects -- I would have assumed that would have no effect.
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You can do it, if I got it right. Almost though.
If your target object is below your key object, pressing Vertical Distribute Space in Align panel will move the target object below the key. If the target is above the key — will position above.
Does it work for you? -
Mike Sexton
commented
I would like to align objects (art, text, groups, etc.) to the immediate opposing side of another object. In other words, align the left side of a square to the right side of a square that is right beside it. Yes, I know the smart guides will snap to objects in this manner, but on a large document I want to be able to align multiple items without having to zoom to a microscopic level to check that the art has indeed snapped accurately (which it doesn't always do). With an align option, I will be assured that the objects are indeed aligned properly.
