# Transform and align objects

> Rotate, reflect, scale and move objects in PlexiiDraw with tools, dialogs and the Transform panel, repeat with Transform Again, and align with the Align panel.

Source: https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-transform-and-align
Section: Office > PlexiiDraw
Plans: All plans
Updated: 2026-10-21

Transforming changes an object's position, size, angle or slant. In PlexiiDraw you can do it by hand with the transform tools, exactly with the **Object** > **Transform** dialogs, or by typing numbers into the **Transform** panel. **Transform Again** repeats what you just did, and the **Align** panel lines objects up with each other.

## Before you start

- Transforming and aligning are on every plan.
- Open an artwork with something on it. See [Start an artwork and set up the artboard](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-start-artwork).
- On Windows, press `Ctrl` for `⌘` and `Alt` for `⌥`.

## The transform tools

| Tool | Key |
| --- | --- |
| **Rotate** | `R` |
| **Reflect** | `O` |
| **Scale** | `S` |
| **Free Transform** | `E` |

**Select** (`V`) also moves, resizes and rotates objects with its handles. See [Vector tools and Pathfinder](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-vector-tools-and-pathfinder).

### Rotate by hand

1. Select a shape.
2. Press `R` for **Rotate**.
3. Drag on the artboard. The shape rotates.

### Rotate by an exact angle

With **Rotate** chosen, hold `⌥` and click on the artboard. The **Rotate** dialog opens, and the rotation turns around the point you clicked.

You can also double-click **Rotate** in the toolbox to open its options. Other tools whose tooltip says "double-click for options" work the same way.

## Repeat a transform with Transform Again

**Transform Again** (`⌘` `D`, or **Object** > **Transform** > **Transform Again**) repeats your last transform.

To make a row of evenly spaced copies:

1. Select a shape.
2. Hold `⌥` and press an arrow key. A copy is nudged across.
3. Press `⌘` `D`. Another copy appears, one more step along. Keep pressing for more.

## Transform with exact numbers

**Object** > **Transform** has a dialog for each kind of change: **Move…** (`⇧` `⌘` `M`), **Rotate…**, **Reflect…**, **Scale…**, **Shear…** and **Transform Each…** (`⌥` `⇧` `⌘` `D`).

1. Select what you want to change.
2. Choose the command. Its dialog opens.
3. Type the values. With **Preview** on, the artboard shows the change as you type.
4. Click **OK** to apply it, or **Cancel** to leave things as they were.

## The Transform panel

With something selected, the **Transform** panel shows on the right. It shows the selection's position (**X** and **Y**) and its size (**W** and **H**), and you can type new values.

- **Reference point.** The grid of nine small squares chooses the point of the selection that the panel works from, such as its centre or a corner. Click a square to change it.
- **Type sums and percentages.** The fields do the arithmetic for you. Type "50%" into **W** to make the selection half as wide, or "100+20" into **X** to put it at 120.

## Align and distribute

With objects selected, the **Align** panel shows on the right.

1. Select the objects. Hold `⇧` and click to add to the selection.
2. In **Align to**, choose **Align to selection**, **Align to key object** or **Align to artboard**.
3. Click an align or distribute button.

Rest the pointer on a button to see what it does, such as **Horizontal align left** or **Vertical align center**. Distributing needs three or more objects.

### Align to a key object

A key object stays still while the others line up to it.

1. Select the objects.
2. In **Align to**, choose **Align to key object**.
3. Click one of the selected objects. It gets a bold outline: that is the key object.
4. Click an align button. The others move to line up with the key object, and the key object stays where it is.

## Transform and align inside a group

You can work on one object inside a group, even after rotating the group. Double-click the group to go inside it, then select a member and align it to another shape. The member lines up as you see it on screen. See [Groups, clipping masks and compound paths](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-groups-masks-compound-paths).

## Common questions

**⌘D does not duplicate.** `⌘` `D` is **Transform Again**, as in Illustrator. To duplicate, use **Edit** > **Duplicate**. See [Cut, copy and paste](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-copy-and-paste).

**I cannot see the Transform or Align panel.** They show only while something is selected. Select an object first.

**The key object did not stay still.** Make sure **Align to** is set to **Align to key object**, and click the object you want to keep still so it has a bold outline.

## Related tasks

- [Vector tools and Pathfinder](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-vector-tools-and-pathfinder)
- [Groups, clipping masks and compound paths](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-groups-masks-compound-paths)
- [PlexiiDraw keyboard shortcuts](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-keyboard-shortcuts)
- [Cut, copy and paste](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-copy-and-paste)
- [Edit points and paths](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-points-and-paths)
- [PlexiiDraw overview](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-overview)