Distribute evenly within a specific area?

[Diddyfiddy]

Hi anyone know how to distribute vector or raster evenly within a specific part of my canvas, i can get it done evenly to the width of the canvas. for example i want about 4 rectangles in just a section of my canvas at the same distance from each other.

[Cassel]

I don't think it is possible as is. Maybe the only way around is to move those elements onto a new canvas that is the width you want to have as a maximum, distribute them evenly, then group them and copy/paste them back in the original image.
Not the most convenient, but it might work?

[photodrawken]

i want about 4 rectangles in just a section of my canvas at the same distance from each other.

The distribution function for vector objects uses the far left and far right objects to define the area of distribution. So, first place your left and right objects at the extreme sides of your "section", then select all your objects and they will be distributed within that area as you wish. (The same method holds true for vertical distribution.)

[LeviFiction]

With the exception of "Space Evenly" those two functions always use the canvas size for distribution.

Also, ever since X4 you can now use the distibution, alignment, and Make Same Size functions on raster layers. So you aren't limited to only distributing vectors.

[photodrawken]

With the exception of "Space Evenly" those two functions always use the canvas size for distribution.

??
The six options under the "Object Distribution" section work as I described -- all distribution relative to the two objects at the extremes. At least that's how it works with vector objects drawn in the same vector layer.

[LeviFiction]

Under "Object distribution" on the pick tool options maybe. However, the menu options Objects -> Distribute contain 8 items. The six main ones and two more called "Distribute Evenly Horizontal" and "Distribute Evenly Vertical"

"Distribute Evenly" Horizontal and Vertical always distribute across the canvas, and not limited to the area between the two outer objects.

[photodrawken]

In my tests the "Distribute Evenly" Horizontal and Vertical always distribute across the canvas, and not limited to the area between the two outer objects.

I'm talking about the other options to the left of those -- the ones in the "Object Distribution" group.

[LeviFiction]

I edited my above post before you answered.

Just to help prevent confusion if someone was using the menu rather than the pick tool options for distribution I wanted to make sure they understood that "Distribute Evenly" commands were for the whole canvas.

[coneill]

Hi anyone know how to distribute vector or raster evenly within a specific part of my canvas, i can get it done evenly to the width of the canvas. for example i want about 4 rectangles in just a section of my canvas at the same distance from each other.

Can you confirm if the 4 recatangles you want to use are all the same size? If so, there is a very easy method within PSP for getting the results you want.
It does not use distribution at all.

1) New image - say 800 x 800 (any size that will hold the 4 rectangles will work)
2) Select the vector rectangle tool
3) Draw a rectangle 150 x 100 (again any size will work provided they fit within your parameters)
4) Move the recatangle to the first position you want this to be in (say 100 left and 100 down from the top left of image)
5) Select the rectangle and convert to path (on Object menu)
6) Select all nodes (Object menu)
6) On Object menu, select the command Duplicate and Offset and change the values in horizonal to 200 and vertical 0
7) This creates a new rectangle 50 pixels to the right of your original recatangle (changing the horizontal/vertical values will change the position)
8 ) Repeat #6 but change the values to horizontal 0 vertical -150
9) New retangle 50 pixels below #2 rectangle
10) Repeat #8 but change the values to horizontal -200 vertical 0
11) New rectangle 50 pixels to the left of #3 rectangle (and 50 pixels below original rectangle)

You now have an image with 4 rectangles all distributed 50 pixels apart and all in the upper left quadrant of the image. Remember the values above are only samples. You can use anything that works for you

Hope this helps,

Conal