Using Rulers to Measure Objects in Adobe PageMaker

When working in Adobe PageMaker, accuracy is very important. Whether you’re designing a brochure, magazine, or flyer, you need to place objects perfectly on the page. That’s where rulers come in handy. Rulers help you measure, align, and organize your layout with precision. Let’s learn how to use them step by step in simple words.

Why Use Rulers in PageMaker?

Rulers are a simple but powerful tool in PageMaker. They help you:

• Measure objects accurately.
• Align graphics, text, and shapes neatly.
• Set guides for consistent layout design.
• Ensure professional and balanced pages.

Step 1: Show or Hide Rulers

Before you can use rulers, you need to make sure they’re visible.

• Open your PageMaker document.
• Go to the View menu on the top bar.
• Click Show Rulers to make them appear.
• If they’re already visible and you want to hide them, select Hide Rulers.

Once enabled, you’ll see horizontal and vertical rulers along the top and left sides of your document window.

Step 2: Change Measurement Units

You can choose different units depending on your design needs—like inches, centimeters, or points.

• Go to the Edit menu (Windows) or Adobe PageMaker menu (Mac).
• Select Preferences.
• In the dialog box, click Units & Increments.
• Choose your preferred measurement units for both Horizontal and Vertical rulers.
• Click OK to save your settings.

Step 3: Measuring Objects Using Rulers

Now that your rulers are visible and units are set, let’s measure an object:

• Ensure your rulers are displayed.
• Align your object with the ruler.
• Find the zero point—the small cross at the corner where the rulers meet.
• Drag the zero point to the starting edge of your object.
• Read the measurement at the endpoint on the ruler to know its size.

This method helps you check the exact width, height, and position of objects on the page.

Example: Measuring and Drawing a Triangle

Here’s a simple example to practice:

1. Set your ruler units to millimeters.
2. Drag and place guides to mark an area of 5 cm x 6 cm.
3. Use the Polygon Tool to draw a shape inside the guide area.
4. Go to Element > Polygon Settings and choose 3 sides to create a triangle.
5. Adjust and fit the triangle exactly within the 5 cm x 6 cm guide area.

This way, you can ensure your shapes are perfectly sized and positioned on your page.

Extra Tip: Resetting the Zero Point

If you want to reset the zero point, simply double-click where the two rulers intersect. It will return to its default position.

5 FAQs of Using Rulers to Measure Objects in PageMaker

1. How do I make rulers appear in PageMaker?

Go to the View menu and click on “Show Rulers.” This will display rulers on the top and left of your workspace.

2. Can I change the ruler units in PageMaker?

Yes. Go to Edit → Preferences → Units & Increments, and choose the unit you prefer like inches or centimeters.

3. What is the zero point on the ruler?

The zero point is the intersection where both rulers meet. You can drag it to any location to start measurement from there.

4. Can I measure multiple objects at once?

Yes. You can drag guides from rulers and align them with multiple objects to measure spacing between them.

5. How do I reset the zero point?

Simply double-click at the intersection of the rulers. It resets the zero point back to the default corner.

Conclusion

Using rulers in Adobe PageMaker makes layout design cleaner, more accurate, and professional. Whether you are working on text boxes, graphics, or shapes, rulers help you stay consistent in measurement and alignment. With just a few steps—showing rulers, setting units, and measuring—you can create precise and beautiful page layouts with ease. Practice regularly, and soon you’ll be working like a pro!