Ampler distributes selected shapes with equal gaps — either spread evenly across the space or with a spacing you type in, so elements sit on a consistent rhythm instead of being nudged by eye.
Quick answer: Select the shapes and click Distribute horizontally for even gaps, or Distribute horizontally with predefined space to enter an exact spacing; the vertical equivalents work the same way.
How to use it
Distribute evenly, or type an exact gap between shapes.
- Click and drag to select the shapes.
- Click Distribute horizontally to spread them with equal gaps.
- Or click Distribute horizontally with predefined space, enter the gap, and click OK — tick Keep proportions to preserve relative sizing.
The vertical functions distribute the same way. Predefined spacing gives an identical, repeatable gap across slides.
Keyboard shortcut
The distribute functions have no default shortcut. To assign one, open the Settings dropdown on the Ampler ribbon, choose Shortcuts, click Set shortcut on the function, and press your key combination.
Why use it
Uneven gaps between elements are one of the first things a reader notices, and PowerPoint’s native distribute only spreads shapes across whatever space they already occupy. Ampler adds a predefined space option, so you can set an exact, repeatable gap — the same on every slide — rather than eyeballing it each time.
How consultants use it
Even spacing is a quiet signal of rigour: a row of boxes with equal gaps reads as deliberate, while uneven gaps read as rushed. Consultants distribute elements to a consistent rhythm, and often to an exact, repeated measure. Three conventions apply:
- Even spacing reads as rigour: equal gaps make a set of elements look composed and scannable.
- A consistent rhythm across the slide: spacing follows a deliberate measure, not the accident of where shapes landed.
- Set spacing for repeatable layouts: a predefined gap is reused so equivalent slides match exactly.
Predefined-space distribution makes that rhythm exact and repeatable.
Tips & best practices
- Use predefined space when several slides must share the same spacing.
- Tick Keep proportions when the shapes differ in size.
- Follow distribution with an alignment pass so the row or column is both evenly spaced and aligned.
Availability
Included in Ampler for PowerPoint and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop PowerPoint.
Frequently asked questions
How do you space shapes evenly in PowerPoint?
Select them and click Distribute horizontally (or vertically) on the Ampler ribbon for equal gaps, or use predefined space to set an exact spacing.
How do you set an exact gap between shapes in PowerPoint?
Use Ampler’s Distribute with predefined space: select the shapes, enter the gap, and click OK. The same measure can be reused across slides.
How do you keep spacing consistent across slides?
Apply the same predefined space on each slide, so equivalent layouts share an identical, repeatable gap.