> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pentaho.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pentaho.com/pba-report-designer/add-report-elements-in-report-designer-cp/align-elements.md).

# Align elements

Report Designer has several features to help you easily align your report elements.

The following alignment tools can be found in the **View** menu:

* **Grids**

  show a graph-paper-like grid on the report canvas. This can make it easier to evenly space elements by counting the exact number of hash marks between them. Grids can also make it easier to line up elements, but you may find it easier to rely on guides instead.
* **Guides**

  are markers you create by clicking on the rulers on the top and left of the report canvas. Once you have guides in place, it's easier to align report elements vertically and/or horizontally. To turn off guides, go to the **Guides** submenu in the **View** menu, then un-check the **Show Guides** item. You can remove individual guides by right-clicking them on the ruler, then selecting **Delete** from the context menu.
* **Element Alignment Hints**

  extends each report element's outer borders to the edges of the canvas, allowing you to easily line up multiple elements.
* **Snap to Elements**

  adds a kind of magnetism to elements so that they are easier to align with adjacent elements.

**Note:** If elements are not horizontally aligned with column borders, the affected columns may be merged into one in the report output.


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