Tools and shortcuts

Use the workflow tools in the Grunt ribbon for one-time layout changes to shapes, text boxes, pictures, and Grunt objects. Use rules when the formatting should keep responding to data changes.

#Choose a reference object

Alignment, stacking, and same-size operations use a reference object that stays in place. Turn on Smart Selection to see its pink dot. Click another object inside the selection to make that object the reference.

The first object you select is the default reference. If you drag to select several objects at once, the top-left object becomes the reference. With Smart Selection off, you cannot change the reference this way.

#Align objects

1. Select every object you want to align, including the reference object.
2. Check the pink dot and change the reference if needed.
3. Choose an alignment command in the ribbon.

Hold Ctrl while clicking an alignment command to align the selection as a group against the slide, without grouping the objects first. A single selected object or an existing group aligns to the slide directly.

#Distribute and stack

Distribute creates equal gaps between at least three selected objects. Choose horizontal or vertical distribution; the outermost objects define the available space.

Hold Ctrl while distributing to use the slide: Grunt keeps the outermost reference spacing, mirrors that distance at the opposite slide edge, and distributes the remaining objects between them.

Stack removes the gaps between at least two objects. Choose Stack vertically or Stack horizontally. The reference object stays in place.

For a layout with both rows and columns, use Tidy Up.

#Swap positions and arrange layers

Select exactly two objects and click Swap to exchange their center positions.

Use Arrange to change which object appears in front:

• Bring to Front or Send to Back moves the object through the entire layer stack.
• Bring Forward or Send Backward moves it one level.

#Make objects the same size

Select at least two objects and choose the reference object. Click Same Size, or open its menu to apply only Same Width or Same Height.

Hold Ctrl while using a same-size command to use the slide's dimensions as the reference.

#Fit shapes to their text

Select shapes or text boxes, then open Autofit:

#Set shape margins

For native PowerPoint objects, choose Shape Margins and a preset:

For content inside Grunt objects, use the Margin rule.

#Select similar shapes

Select a native PowerPoint shape, then use Select similar. The main button selects identical shapes. Its menu can match just the shape type, size, fill, or outline.

Identical requires the same shape type, fill, outline, and size. This tool applies to native PowerPoint shapes.

#Add a sticky note

Click Sticky Notes to add a comment directly to the slide. The first line uses your PowerPoint or Microsoft account name. The default note font size cannot be customized.

#Set proofing language

Choose Set proofing language to apply a language to all shapes and text boxes across the presentation, including Grunt objects. The languages at the top of the menu reflect your installed language packs.

PowerPoint can assign a proofing language even when its dictionary is not installed. Install the corresponding language or proofing pack if you need spelling checks for that language.

#Keyboard shortcuts

These shortcuts apply on Windows. Inside the Data Editor, some keys have spreadsheet-specific meanings; see Data Editor.