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generalbatzorig
generalbatzorig
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Aligning and Distributing objects in InDesign

Aug 27, 2012 12:05 AM

Tags: #cs4 #indesign #distributing #aligning

Hi,

I am using InDesign CS4. But I am having a trouble aligning objects. I know that in illustrator it is possible to align objects to a main object. For example, lets say I have several same square shapes on my page. I can make any one of the squares as the main object for others to get aligned or distributed to.

I wanted to do the same thing in InDesign but was never able to do that. I wonder if it is even possible to do that. InDesign doesn't seem to have that option. But it was such a handy tool.

 

Can you help me with the trick?

1233 Views   9 Replies   Latest reply: Peter Spier, Aug 29, 2012 4:09 AM
 
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  • Eugene Tyson
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    1. Eugene Tyson,
    Aug 27, 2012 3:37 AM   in reply to generalbatzorig
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    This feature is added to CS6 I believe.

     

    But for prior versions, you can lock one object and then Aligh the objects to the locked object.

     

    http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=1309259&seqNum=17

     
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  • Eugene Tyson
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    2. Eugene Tyson,
    Aug 27, 2012 3:40 AM   in reply to Eugene Tyson
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    If you can't select the Object after locking it - there might be an option in the Peferences to allow selection of locked objects.

     
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  • Bob Levine
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    3. Bob Levine,
    Aug 27, 2012 5:00 AM   in reply to Eugene Tyson
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    That was added in CS5, I believe. In CS4 locking the key object would be the way to go.

     

    Bob

     
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  • generalbatzorig
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    4. generalbatzorig,
    Aug 27, 2012 6:31 AM   in reply to Bob Levine
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    Thanks for the replies.

    My common sence also suggested me that I should try locking one of the objects. Unfortunately, after I do that and apply align or distribute tool, the program says "Object is locked" and nothing moves. So this trick doesn't work on my CS4. Also I looked up in the Preferences and couldn't find anything about Object Alignment option.

     
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  • Peter Spier
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    5. Peter Spier,
    Aug 27, 2012 6:40 AM   in reply to generalbatzorig
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    What, exactly are you trying to do? Alignment should work with a locked object, but make sure you are set to align to selection, rather than to page or margins. Distributing objects around a locked object, however, is problematic, especially if you are trying to use a fixed space.

     
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  • generalbatzorig
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    6. generalbatzorig,
    Aug 28, 2012 7:39 AM   in reply to Peter Spier
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    Thanks Peter Spier. I am sorry for the misleading information. You were right about the alignment and distribution tools. On my CS4, the Alignment option works with the locked object, but the Distribue Objects and Distribute with Set Space doesn't work with a locked object. I am trying to use the distribute with a set spacing around "the main object". In other words, it will make my work a lot easier if I first align an object at a certain point on the page and then use two other text frames on both sides of the object with an equal spacing (using the Distribute Spacing tool).

    I hope it makes a sence. Thanks.

     
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  • Peter Spier
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    7. Peter Spier,
    Aug 28, 2012 7:49 AM   in reply to generalbatzorig
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    I think distribute might work if the locked object is on one end (but then you wouldn't need to lock it, would you?), but not if you use spacing. I have some memory of filing a bug on this and it got deferred, so you may be essentially out of luck.

     

    My suggestion for a workaround would be to set some guides so you can reposition, unlock the object, do your distribution, group, and move the group.

     
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  • generalbatzorig
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    8. generalbatzorig,
    Aug 28, 2012 7:17 PM   in reply to Peter Spier
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    I tried it, distribute works only by referncing the space from the leftmost object. So it always distributes to the right side (and all objects has to be unlocked) even with a set spacing. As you suggested, my only option would be set a guide and reposition them manually. But it would have been so much easier if I were able to distribute automatically with the center object as the reference point. Because I have to do hundreds of pages of these things.

     
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  • Peter Spier
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    9. Peter Spier,
    Aug 29, 2012 4:09 AM   in reply to generalbatzorig
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    Well, the obvious response is it might be time to look at an upgrade. CS4 is getting long in the tooth and CS6 does what you want, and a few more new features, too. Your productivity improvements might pay for the cost of the upgrade, and now is about as good a time to do it as you'll find. When the next version is released you probably won't be eligible for upgrade pricing.

     
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