> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://saveenr.gitbook.io/visiopowershell/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://saveenr.gitbook.io/visiopowershell/cmdlets/shapes/arranging-shapes.md).

# Format-VisioShape

The **Format-VisioShape** cmdlet arranges the active selection: nudge by an offset, align edges/centers, or distribute evenly along an axis. The cmdlet operates on whatever is currently selected; use [Select-VisioShape](/visiopowershell/cmdlets/shapes/selecting-shapes.md) first if you need to set up the selection.

## Syntax

```powershell
Format-VisioShape [-NudgeX <Double>] [-NudgeY <Double>]
                  [-AlignHorizontal <AlignmentHorizontal>]
                  [-AlignVertical <AlignmentVertical>]
                  [-DistributeHorizontal] [-DistributeVertical]
                  [-Shape <Shape[]>]
```

## Parameters

| Parameter               | Type                  | Required | Description                                                                                                                     |
| ----------------------- | --------------------- | -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `-NudgeX`               | `Double`              | No       | Horizontal move (inches). Positive = right, negative = left.                                                                    |
| `-NudgeY`               | `Double`              | No       | Vertical move (inches). Positive = up, negative = down.                                                                         |
| `-AlignHorizontal`      | `AlignmentHorizontal` | No       | One of `Left`, `Center`, `Right`.                                                                                               |
| `-AlignVertical`        | `AlignmentVertical`   | No       | One of `Top`, `Center`, `Bottom`.                                                                                               |
| `-DistributeHorizontal` | `SwitchParameter`     | No       | Space the selection evenly along the X axis.                                                                                    |
| `-DistributeVertical`   | `SwitchParameter`     | No       | Space the selection evenly along the Y axis.                                                                                    |
| `-Shape`                | `Shape[]`             | No       | Shapes to operate on. If omitted, the active selection is used. When supplied, those shapes are first selected, then formatted. |

## Examples

### Nudge

```powershell
# nudge shape 1 inch right
Format-VisioShape -NudgeX 1

# nudge shape 1 inch left
Format-VisioShape -NudgeX -1

# nudge shape 1 inch up
Format-VisioShape -NudgeY 1

# nudge shape 1 inch down
Format-VisioShape -NudgeY -1
```

### Align shapes

```powershell
# Align vertically
Format-VisioShape -AlignVertical Top
Format-VisioShape -AlignVertical Center
Format-VisioShape -AlignVertical Bottom

# Align horizontally
Format-VisioShape -AlignHorizontal Left
Format-VisioShape -AlignHorizontal Center
Format-VisioShape -AlignHorizontal Right

# Combine
Format-VisioShape -AlignHorizontal Left -AlignVertical Bottom
```

### Distribute shapes evenly

```powershell
# Evenly along the X axis
Format-VisioShape -DistributeHorizontal

# Evenly along the Y axis
Format-VisioShape -DistributeVertical
```

## See also

* [Select-VisioShape](/visiopowershell/cmdlets/shapes/selecting-shapes.md): control what's selected before formatting.
* [Format-VisioPage](/visiopowershell/cmdlets/pages/format-visiopage.md): page-level layout / sizing.