Adjust Layout Elements

The Object Operation tab is a contextual tab tied to Layout. It appears on the ribbon only when the Layout window is active in the application.

The Object Operation tab provides functions for styling layout elements in Layout, including element ordering, grouping/ungrouping, alignment, sizing, etc.

Combine Layout Elements

  1. Select two or more layout elements in Layout.
  2. Navigate to Object Operation tab -> Group panel -> Combine to merge selected elements into a single layout object.

Note: This command is only available when selecting two or more layout elements.

Ungroup Layout Elements

  1. Select a grouped layout object in Layout.
  2. Navigate to Object Operation tab -> Group panel -> Ungroup to separate combined elements into individual components.

Notes

  • This command requires exactly one combined object selected.
  • Ungroupable objects include legends and composite objects created through combination.

Adjust Element Stacking Order

Object Operation tab -> Arrange panel contains four ordering commands:

  • Bring to Front: Moves selected element above all others
  • Send to Back: Moves selected element behind all others
  • Bring Forward: Raises element by one stacking level
  • Send Backward: Lowers element by one stacking level

Note

  • These commands require exactly one element selected.

Align Layout Elements

Object Operation tab -> Align panel provides multiple alignment options:

  • Align Left: Aligns elements to left edge of last-selected element (requires ≥2 selections)
  • Align Right: Aligns elements to right edge of last-selected element (requires ≥2 selections)
  • Align Top: Aligns elements to top edge of last-selected element (requires ≥2 selections)
  • Align Bottom: Aligns elements to bottom edge of last-selected element (requires ≥2 selections)
  • Center Horizontally: Aligns elements to horizontal center of last-selected element (requires ≥3 selections)
  • Center Vertically: Aligns elements to vertical center of last-selected element (requires ≥3 selections)
  • Page Vertical Center: Centers elements vertically relative to page (requires ≥1 selection)
  • Page Horizontal Center: Centers elements horizontally relative to page (requires ≥1 selection)
  • Page Absolute Center: Centers elements both horizontally and vertically on page
  • Distribute Vertically: Equalizes vertical spacing between elements (requires ≥3 selections)
  • Distribute Horizontally: Equalizes horizontal spacing between elements (requires ≥3 selections)
  • Distribute Both: Equalizes spacing in both directions (requires ≥3 selections)

Resize Layout Elements

Adjust selected elements to uniform dimensions (disabled when multiple text elements are selected):

  • Match Width: Equalizes widths based on last-selected element
  • Match Height: Equalizes heights based on last-selected element
  • Match Size: Equalizes both dimensions based on last-selected element

Note

  • These commands require ≥2 selected elements.