Ampler stacks selected shapes in order with a defined gap — horizontally or vertically — so lists, process steps, and stacked blocks line up with identical spacing.
Quick answer: Select the shapes in the order you want them, then click Stack horizontally with defined space (or vertically), enter the gap, and Ampler arranges them in sequence.
How to use it
Select in order, then stack with a defined gap.
- Hold Shift and left-click to select the shapes in the order you want them stacked.
- Click Stack horizontally with defined space and enter the gap between shapes.
- Click it twice to stack with no gap; use Stack vertically with defined space for a vertical stack.
Shapes are arranged in selection order (first, second, … last), so the sequence is exactly what you picked.
Keyboard shortcut
The stack 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
Process steps, stacked lists, and column blocks need to sit in a clean sequence with identical gaps. Doing that by hand means aligning and spacing each element in turn. Stacking arranges the whole selection in order with one defined gap, so a flow or a list is laid out in a single action.
How consultants use it
Process flows and stacked lists are staples of a consulting deck, and their spacing is expected to be uniform. Because stacking follows the order in which shapes are selected, the sequence is deliberate, not accidental. Three habits apply:
- Uniform gaps in stacks and flows: every step sits the same distance from the next.
- Order follows selection: the sequence is set by how you select, so it’s intentional.
- Repeatable spacing: the same defined gap is reused so equivalent flows match.
Stacking with a defined space enforces that sequence and rhythm in one step.
Tips & best practices
- Select shapes in the exact order you want them stacked.
- Click the stack function twice for a flush, no-gap stack.
- Use the same defined space on parallel flows so they line up across slides.
Availability
Included in Ampler for PowerPoint and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop PowerPoint.
Frequently asked questions
How do you stack shapes with equal spacing in PowerPoint?
Select the shapes in order, click Stack horizontally (or vertically) with defined space on the Ampler ribbon, and enter the gap. Ampler arranges them in sequence with identical spacing.
How do you arrange shapes in a specific order?
Select them in the order you want with Shift+click, then Stack — Ampler lays them out first-to-last in your selection order.
How do you stack shapes with no gap between them?
Click the stack function twice — the second click removes the spacing for a flush stack.
How is stacking shapes different from Align or Distribute in PowerPoint?
Align lines shapes up on an edge, and Distribute spreads them across the space they already occupy. Stack packs them one after another with a gap you set, so you control the exact spacing between them rather than the overall span.
Why did my shapes stack in the wrong order?
Stacking follows the order you select the shapes in (or their current position). Select them in the sequence you want them to appear, then stack — and set the gap, or use zero for a flush stack.