Expert: Scott Valentine - 10/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: I am a design student and in my work i like to space images equally on a page, then add text and other illustrations. I wondered if there was a way to equally space each image from the image next to it quicker than using grid lines and a small object on a separate layer to orient them.

ANSWER: Hi Rich. I can't remember if CS2 had this feature, but CS3 allows you to both align and distribute objects on different layers. It does this by using transparent pixels, so won't work on items in a filled layer.

You'll have to set the outer boundary elements first, meaning left and right or top and bottom to their proper positions, then select each layer by holding SHIFT and clicking each layer icon you want distributed. Then go to Image > Distribute and select the appropriate type.

I don't know that this can be done automatically, but you can ask at forums.adobe.com or photoshoptechniques.com/forum for more details. If you want to try a scripting solution, head to http://ps-scripts.com/bb/ for some advanced discussions. The site owner may actually write something for you if he's in a good mood and it can be done.

Cheers,

-Scott

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks again for your prompt reply!!

i have cs3 on my other computer. how do i do it on there?

space images equally that is.

Answer
The answer I gave is for CS3 specifically. It should get you what you need. I still haven't found a way to do it automatically, since you have to select the items and layers individually, anyway. However, once you've selected them, the rest is simply pushing a button!

=)

-Scott