In PowerPoint, a slide can hold pictures, shapes, text boxes, and more. You can place these items exactly where you want using alignment, grouping, ordering, and rotation tools.

Aligning Objects

When you move objects, orange dashed alignment and spacing guides help position them. For perfect placement, use the Align commands.

To align objects with each other:

1. Select the objects (hold Shift while clicking each).
   
   
   
2. Go to the Format tab → Align → Align Selected Objects.
   
   
   
3. Choose one of the six alignment options.
   
   
   

To align to the slide:

1. Select objects.
   
   
   
2. Format tab → Align → Align to Slide.
   
   
   
3. Pick an alignment option (top, bottom, left, right, center, or middle).
   
   
   

To distribute evenly:

1. Select the objects.
2. Choose Align to Slide or Align Selected Objects.
   
   
   
3. Align → Distribute Horizontally or Distribute Vertically.
   
   
   

Grouping Objects

Grouping keeps multiple items together so they move or resize as one.

To group:

1. Select the objects.
   
   
   
2. Format tab → Group → Group.
   
   
   

You’ll see one box with sizing handles around the group. Double-click an item inside to edit it.

To ungroup:

1. Select the group.
2. Format tab → Group → Ungroup.
   
   
   

Tip: Place images directly from the Insert → Pictures command, not from placeholders, to allow grouping.

Ordering Objects

When objects overlap, their order matters. Newer items sit on top.

To move up or down one level:

1. Format tab → Bring Forward or Send Backward.
   
   
   
   
   
   

To send to the front or back instantly:

• Format tab → Bring Forward → Bring to Front.
• Format tab → Send Backward → Send to Back.

Use the Selection Pane (in the Format tab) to drag items into order if several overlap.

Rotating Objects

Rotate or flip objects for a better look.

To rotate:

1. Select the object.
   
   
   
2. Format tab → Rotate.
   
   
   
3. Pick Rotate Right, Rotate Left, Flip Vertical, or Flip Horizontal.