> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.grunt.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Tools and shortcuts

> Work faster with workflow tools, Smart Selection, and keyboard shortcuts

Grunt includes workflow tools that help you align, resize, distribute, and edit objects faster than native PowerPoint alone.

## Workflow tools

Legacy support guidance groups these tools together:

* **Alignment tools** align selected objects to a reference object.
* **Distribute** creates equal spacing between objects.
* **Swap** exchanges the position of two objects.
* **Stack** removes the space between selected objects.
* **Arrange** changes object order in front of or behind other objects.
* **Same size** matches width, height, or both to a reference object.
* **Autofit** controls how text boxes and shapes react to text growth.
* **Shape margin** sets internal margins on shapes.
* **Select similar** finds matching objects by shared properties.
* **Sticky Notes** adds slide-level comments.
* **Set proofing language** changes proofing language across shapes and text boxes.

## Use Smart Selection

Smart Selection enhances the native PowerPoint selection experience.

Key capabilities include:

* **Tidy up** to align and distribute objects with one click
* **Smart spacing** to drag the distance between objects while keeping alignment
* **Smart resizing** to resize several objects together while preserving spacing

Smart Selection must be turned on in the **Grunt** ribbon. A pink marker identifies the current reference object in the selection.

Press `Esc` if you want to disable Smart Selection for just the current selection.

## Common tool patterns

Most workflow tools follow the same model:

1. Select the objects you want to change.
2. If needed, choose the reference object inside the selection.
3. Run the relevant tool from the ribbon.

Examples from the legacy support articles:

* Use **Align** when you need one stable object and want the rest to move toward it.
* Use **Distribute** when you want equal spacing between at least three objects.
* Use **Stack** when you want selected objects to touch without gaps.
* Use **Same size** when shapes should inherit width, height, or both from a reference object.

## Keyboard shortcuts

Use these shortcuts to speed up common actions:

| Area        | Action                      | Shortcut               |
| ----------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------- |
| General     | Add rule                    | `Ctrl` + `Enter`       |
| General     | Open Tag Manager            | `Ctrl` + `T`           |
| General     | Open Data Editor            | `Ctrl` + `Shift` + `E` |
| Visual Grid | Insert row or column before | `Ctrl` + `+`           |
| Visual Grid | Insert row or column after  | `Ctrl` + `Shift` + `+` |
| Visual Grid | Select row                  | `Shift` + `Space`      |
| Visual Grid | Select column               | `Ctrl` + `Space`       |
| Visual Grid | Select all cells            | `Ctrl` + `A`           |
| Visual Grid | Edit cell                   | `F2`                   |
| Text edit   | Commit text edit            | `Enter`                |
| Text edit   | Discard text edit           | `Esc`                  |
| Text edit   | Insert line break           | `Shift` + `Enter`      |

Chart-specific selection shortcuts from the legacy support page:

* `Shift` + click to select a range of labels
* `Ctrl` + click to add or remove an item from a selection
* `Ctrl` + `A` to select all items on the same chart level

## When to use tools instead of rules

Use workflow tools when you want a one-time layout change across existing slide objects.

Use [Rules](/powerpoint-add-in/user/rules) when you want formatting logic that stays attached to the data and updates automatically later.