How to Align Objects in Google Slides
Short Answer
How do you align objects in Google Slides?
Select the objects, click Arrange › Align at the top, and choose how to line them up. While you drag an object, Google Slides also shows colored guide lines so it snaps into line. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then A A C.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Arrange › Align Center. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Using the Menus
- Select the objects you want to line up.
- At the top, click Arrange › Align.
- Choose how you want them aligned.
To center a single object on the slide itself, use Arrange › Center on page instead.
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Slides has no shortcut for this.
The PowerPoint-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Slides presentation.
- Select the objects you want to line up.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). PowerPoint-style key-tips appear.
- Press A, A, then C. ShortieCuts runs “Align Center”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt AAL | Align LeftArrange key-tips |
| Alt AAR | Align RightArrange key-tips |
| Alt AAT | Align TopArrange key-tips |
| Alt AAM | Align MiddleArrange key-tips |
| Alt AAB | Align BottomArrange key-tips |
| Alt JDAAC | Align CenterShape Format key-tips |
| Alt JDAAL | Align LeftShape Format key-tips |
| Alt JDAAR | Align RightShape Format key-tips |
| Alt JDAAT | Align TopShape Format key-tips |
| Alt JDAAM | Align MiddleShape Format key-tips |
| Alt JDAAB | Align BottomShape Format key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: If you align shapes all day, typing Alt, A, A and then L, C, R, T, M or B beats opening the Arrange menu each time. ShortieCuts also accepts a longer Shape Format version (Alt, J, D, A, A, then the letter).
More Google Slides How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt DD | Duplicate SlideBuilt-in: Ctrl + D |
| Alt NSH | Insert a Shape |
| Alt GB | Change Background |
| Alt SC | Present (Slideshow)Built-in: Ctrl + F5 |
| Alt HAC | Align TextBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + E |
| Alt DX | Delete SlideBuilt-in: Delete or Backspace |
FAQ
Is there a keyboard shortcut to align objects in Google Slides?
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Slides doesn't include one. Select the objects, click Arrange › Align at the top, and choose how to line them up. While you drag an object, Google Slides also shows colored guide lines so it snaps into line. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then A, then A, then C.
Does Alt + A + A + C work in Google Slides?
Not on its own. Google Slides has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + A + A + C there won't align objects. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then A, then A, then C, and ShortieCuts runs its "Align Center" command.
How do I align objects in Google Slides on a Mac?
The steps above work the same way on a Mac. With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then A, then A, then C.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.