Editing objects, layout parts, and the layout background > Arranging objects
 

Arranging objects

To group, align, or distribute objects or change the stacking order:

1. In Layout mode, select the objects.

2. In the Inspector, click the Position Position tab.

3. Click an appropriate button in the Arrange & Align area.

 

To

Click a button in this area

Group or ungroup objects

Group

Work with a grouped object as if it were a single object.

Align objects with one another

Align

Or, choose from the Arrange menu or the shortcut menu.

Distribute space between objects

Space

Or, choose from the Arrange menu or the shortcut menu.

Move objects forward or backward in a stacking order

Arrange

Objects located on a tab control, slide control, popover, or portal maintain a stacking order within the panel control, popover, or portal.

To rotate objects:

1. Select one or more objects.

You cannot rotate portals, tab controls, slide controls, web viewers, or popovers; but you can rotate popover buttons.

2. Choose Arrange menu > Rotate.

Notes 

To work with objects in a group without ungrouping them, select the group, then select individual objects.

You can use the Objects tab to work with objects—for example, to select objects in a group or change the stacking order of objects. See Using the Objects tab to work with objects.

You can edit text that's part of a group by double-clicking the text.

Here is how objects move when you click an Arrange button:

 

Before

After

 

Original stacking order

Bring to Front:

Object moves to the front of the stacking order for the Bring to Front command

Send to Back:

Object moves to the back of the stacking order for the Send to Back command

Bring Forward:

Object moves forward in the stacking order for the Bring Forward command

Send Backward:

Object moves backward in the stacking order for the Send Backward command

Related topics 

Positioning objects on a layout

Resizing and reshaping objects

Using guides and dynamic guides

Protecting objects from change