A simpler way to align a pair of objects?

[DaveG74]

I am currently using Paint Shop Pro X8. I'm looking for a simpler way to align a pair of objects/an object and text. Please allow me to elaborate.

SAMPLE 1
A pair of 4x6 landscapes separated by a white divider line.



Normally, I do this by adding a white border to the right of the first image (first image width + size of divider line). Then I import the second image and, through painfully cumbersome scrolling and zooming in, I move that image into the right corner to even with the first image, leaving the white divider.

What is a more efficient way of doing this?

SAMPLE 2

Two fruits set vertically in a horizontal (rough) alignment.



Normally, I do this by importing the first image and either increasing the canvas size or adding a border vertically. This pushes the first image up/down to the edge, anticipating space for the second image in the center. I import the second image as a new Layer, which automagically puts the image into the center. Sure, this is an exact horizontal center, but I still have to finish vertically centering.

This scenario should also apply to a horizontal side-by-side image alignment, just as well as a vertical text-with-image alignment (i.e. a "For Sale", "Missing" or "Wanted" sign.)

What is a more efficient way of doing this?

If anyone might be able pass along a few pointers/suggestions or tips/tricks I may not be aware of, this is much appreciated. Thanks!

[LeviFiction]

With two objects on separate layers, you can use the Objects -> Align and Distribute menu options.

Align will let you align a single layer to the canvas, or two layers to each other. Distribute will let you evenly distribute two or more layers/objects horizontally or vertically across a canvas.

Let's take you first example, to do that with alignment you would do this.

1) Calculate the size of both image widths + border width you want between them.
2) Use Image -> Canvas Size to resize one of those images to match the new width. Use a white background to fill in the new image area.
3) Copy and paste the second image as a new layer (this will center the image on the canvas)
4) Use Objects -> Align -> Right

Now the second image is all the way to the right of the canvas. And the white background imitates a border between the two images.

[hartpaul]

For Sample 1 you can also set up guides and then adjust allow Snap to Guides and also change the Snap to Guides properties.
The set up of guides can also be saved as a script and so can be used quickly if you are setting up a number of pages with say 4 x 6 inch images .
Then you just do New make a canvas of the right size, run the script and the guide lines will be set up. Then copy and paste your images and use the move tool to move them near your guides and they will snap into place.