Question Is there a way to distribute shapes like this in illustrator?

[myront]

 

[Boudica]

It's under "Align"

 

[myront]

It's under "Align"
View attachment 176422

I must be missing a step, I can only get to to distribute to the edges to either the artboard not "within the artboard" or distribute equally between the selection.

 

[Boudica]

So you can "distribute objects" or "Distribute Spacing". In my example, I used "Distribute Spacing" - which puts the end boxes on the edge of the artboard. It sound like you want to distribute the objects (not the spacing). This (Distribute Objects) will create equal spacing between them, but not bring the objects out the edge of the artboard. You want to distribute the spacing evenly, but have them centered on the artboard?

Edit - I guess you have to place the outermost object to the edge to distribute them across the artboard.

 

[myront]

I have a script that will do it, just thought I'd check to see if it already existed.

 

[Solventinkjet]

I'm sure there are multiple ways, but I think I would just drop 2 guides on each edge of the artboard and then include them in my selection when hitting the distribute button.

 

[myront]

So you can "distribute objects" or "Distribute Spacing". In my example, I used "Distribute Spacing" - which puts the end boxes on the edge of the artboard. It sound like you want to distribute the objects (not the spacing). This (Distribute Objects) will create equal spacing between them, but not bring the objects out the edge of the artboard. You want to distribute the spacing evenly, but have them centered on the artboard?

Edit - I guess you have to place the outermost object to the edge to distribute them across the artboard.

A good example would be if each of the shapes were text headings and you wanted to ensure they're equally/evenly spaced on the sign blank. You wouldn't want the text to align butt up against the left or right side.

 

[myront]

I actually made two scripts, 1 for vertical spacing too.