Arrange and align Objects

Align objects

Use the alignment tools to position multiple objects along the same horizontal or vertical line.

To align objects:

Select at least two objects on your whiteboard.
Open the Align content menu.
Choose one of the six alignment options.

The selected objects will be aligned according to the option you choose.

Use alignment guides

When moving an object on the whiteboard, red alignment guides appear when nearby objects are detected. These guides help you position objects accurately in relation to each other.

Show distances between objects

When moving an object near other objects, Collaboard can display the distances between them. This helps you position objects more precisely and maintain consistent spacing.

Distance indicators should be enabled by default. If you cannot see them while moving objects, open Settings > General > Interaction and make sure the Alignment distance option is enabled.

You can also use Snap to grid (Settings > Visual > Interaction) to position objects more precisely.

Distribute objects evenly

The distribution tools allow you to create equal spacing between multiple objects (more than two), either horizontally or vertically.

To distribute objects:

Select at least three objects.
Open the Align content menu.
Choose Distribute horizontally or Distribute vertically.

The objects will be spaced evenly between the outermost objects in the selection.

Tip: For a cleaner layout, combine distribution with alignment. For example, distribute objects vertically and then align them to the left to create an evenly spaced column.

Arrange objects in a grid

The Arrange feature allows you to automatically organize multiple objects into a neat grid. You can choose how many objects appear in each row and how they are sorted.

To arrange objects:

Select the objects you want to arrange.
Open the Align content menu and select Arrange.
In the Arrange objects window, enter the desired number of Objects per row.
Under Arrange objects by, choose how the objects should be organized:
- Position: Arrange objects based on their current position.
- Fill color: Arrange objects according to their fill color.
- Object type: Arrange objects according to their type.
- Tags: Arrange objects according to their assigned tags.
Click Save to apply the arrangement.

The selected objects will be automatically arranged into a grid based on your settings.

Note: Arranging objects changes their positions on the whiteboard but does not group them together. To create a group that can be selected and moved as a single unit, use the Group objects feature.

Change the order of objects

When objects overlap, you can change their order to control which objects appear in front of or behind others.

To change the order:

Select one or more objects.
Open the Arrange menu.
Choose one of the following options:

Bring to front: Moves the selected objects in front of all other objects.
Bring forward: Moves the selected objects one level forward.
Send backward: Moves the selected objects one level backward.
Send to back: Moves the selected objects behind all other objects.

This is particularly useful when working with overlapping shapes, images, text, or background elements.

Tip: If you are using a shape or image as a background, send it to the back and lock it to prevent accidental changes. Learn more about Locking and unlocking objects.