What's the fastest way to distribute objects in PowerPoint?

The fastest way is using keyboard shortcuts with Deckary. Press Cmd+Alt+H (Mac) or Ctrl+Alt+H (Windows) to distribute horizontally, or Cmd+Alt+V to distribute vertically. This instantly creates even spacing between objects without clicking through menus.

What's the difference between align and distribute in PowerPoint?

[Align](/guides/align-objects-powerpoint) moves objects to a common edge or center (left, right, top, bottom). Distribute spaces objects evenly between the outermost objects. For example, if you have 5 shapes, distribute creates equal spacing between all of them.

How many objects do I need to distribute in PowerPoint?

You need at least 3 objects to distribute. PowerPoint uses the outermost objects as anchors and evenly spaces everything between them. With only 2 objects, there's nothing to distribute between.

How do I distribute objects evenly in PowerPoint?

Select 3+ objects (shapes, text boxes, or [icons](/guides/insert-icons-powerpoint)), go to Shape Format → Arrange → Align → Distribute Horizontally or Distribute Vertically. Or use Deckary shortcuts: Cmd+Alt+H for horizontal, Cmd+Alt+V for vertical distribution.

Why is distribute grayed out in PowerPoint?

Distribute is grayed out when you have fewer than 3 objects selected, or when objects are grouped. Make sure you've selected at least 3 separate, ungrouped objects.

Can I distribute objects without using the mouse?

Yes, with Deckary's keyboard shortcuts. Select your objects (Shift+Click or Cmd+A), then press Cmd+Alt+H for horizontal or Cmd+Alt+V for vertical distribution. No menu navigation required.

How do I distribute objects with equal spacing in PowerPoint?

Select your objects and use the Distribute command (either via Format → Arrange → Align, or with Deckary shortcuts). PowerPoint measures the distance between the outermost objects and divides it equally.

What's the difference between horizontal and vertical distribution?

Horizontal distribution (Cmd+Alt+H) creates equal spacing left-to-right. Vertical distribution (Cmd+Alt+V) creates equal spacing top-to-bottom. Use horizontal for columns, vertical for rows.

Guide

How to Distribute Objects in PowerPoint

Stop manually spacing objects. Learn the native methods plus keyboard shortcuts that create perfect spacing instantly.

5 min read

Updated January 2025

Written by Bob • Former MBB and Big4 consultant with 6 years of experience

Quick Answer

PowerPoint has three native ways to distribute objects:

Ribbon menu: Go to the Format tab, click Arrange, then Align, and choose Distribute Horizontally or Distribute Vertically.
Quick Access Toolbar: Add Distribute commands to your Quick Access Toolbar for one-click access.
Alt key navigation (Windows only): Press Alt, then J-P, then A-A, then AH for horizontal or AV for vertical distribution.

Faster with Deckary: Select objects and press a shortcut — perfect spacing in 2 seconds.

⌘+⌥+H or V (Mac) or Ctrl+Alt+H or V (Windows)

The Manual Distribution Struggle

You have five shapes, text boxes, or icons that need equal spacing. Here's what happens:

Click. Shift+Click. Shift+Click. Miss one. Click empty space. Start over.
Navigate to Format → Arrange → Align → Distribute Horizontally
Spacing looks uneven. Realize you forgot to align first. Undo everything.
Repeat for every row and column. Waste 20 minutes per slide.

3 Ways to Distribute Objects in PowerPoint

Native PowerPoint provides three methods. Each requires multiple steps.

Ribbon Distribute Buttons

Select 3+ objects (need at least 3 to distribute)

Go to Shape Format or Picture Format tab

Click Arrange → Align

Choose: Distribute Horizontally or Distribute Vertically

Limitation: Multiple clicks required. Distribution button is grayed out with fewer than 3 objects. Easy to miss objects in selection.

Quick Access Toolbar

Right-click the Quick Access Toolbar → Customize Quick Access Toolbar

Find Distribute commands under "All Commands"

Add Distribute Horizontally and Distribute Vertically to toolbar

Click the toolbar buttons to distribute objects

Optional: press Alt+number for any toolbar slot

PowerPoint Quick Access Toolbar customization showing how to add Distribute Horizontally and Distribute Vertically commands for one-click object distribution

Limitation: Requires one-time setup. Toolbar has limited space — not many commands will fit. Still need to click buttons. Often requires aligning first, then distributing separately — two clicks per operation.

Alt Keyboard Navigation (Windows Only)

Select 3+ objects

Press Alt to show ribbon shortcuts

Press sequence: Alt → JP → AA → AH (horizontal) or AV (vertical)

Memorize different key sequences for each distribution type

PowerPoint Alt key navigation step 1: Pressing Alt key to reveal ribbon shortcuts for accessing distribute commands in Windows

Step 1: Press Alt to show shortcuts

PowerPoint Alt key navigation step 2: Key sequence Alt JP AA AH for Distribute Horizontally or AV for Distribute Vertically in Windows

Step 2: Follow the key sequence

Limitation: Windows only. Requires many keypresses (4-5 keys per distribution). Non-intuitive sequences. Difficult to memorize.

See All Shortcuts

Faster Method

How Pros Distribute Objects in PowerPoint

The native methods work well. When building multiple slides per day, keyboard shortcuts turn a 20-second task into 2 seconds.

Distribute Horizontally

⌘+

⌥+

H

Distribute Vertically

⌘+

⌥+

V

Perfect spacing every time — mathematically precise

One keystroke replaces 5+ clicks

Works instantly — no setup required

H for horizontal, V for vertical — easy to remember

Combine with alignment shortcuts and professional icons for complete slide control.

Try Free See All Shortcuts

Native Methods vs Keyboard Shortcuts

Here's the measurable difference in speed:

Time Saved

2 sec

vs 20 seconds manually

Clicks Required

vs 5-7 clicks manually

Learning Curve

< 1 min

H = horizontal, V = vertical

Common Questions About Distributing Objects

Everything you need to know about PowerPoint distribution

Looking for More PowerPoint Tips?

Explore our other guides on aligning objects, inserting icons, and other PowerPoint productivity techniques.

View All Guides