Numbers - Positioning Objects by x and y Coordinates

background image

Positioning Objects by x and y Coordinates

You can place objects precisely where you want them on a sheet by specifying spatial
coordinates using the ruler measurements.

To specify an object’s position by its x and y coordinates:

1

Select the object you want to position.

2

Click Inspector in the toolbar, and then click the Metrics inspector button.

3

Enter x and y values (in ruler measurements) in the Position fields.

The specified coordinates determine the position of the upper-left corner of the
object’s container box. If an object is rotated, the x and y coordinates specify the
upper-left corner of the container box of the rotated object, which may be a different
size from the original.

The x value is measured from the left edge of the sheet.

Â

The y value is measured from the top edge of the sheet.

Â

background image

When you enter x and y coordinates for line positions in the Metrics Inspector, the
Start coordinates refer to the first endpoint you created (or the upper-left endpoint,
if you didn’t draw the line). If you later flip or rotate the line, the Start coordinates
continue to refer to the same endpoint.

Position a line by specifying x and y
coordinates for its first endpoint.

Position a line by specifying x and y
coordinates for its second endpoint.

Another way to align objects as you work is to use built-in alignment guides that
appear as you drag objects around the sheet, or to create static alignment guides that
help you line up objects. See “Using Alignment Guides” on page 216 and “Creating Your
Own Alignment Guides” on page 217.