AltShift guide

Match PowerPoint shape widths and heights

Use one shape as a reference to match the widths or heights of other shapes. To keep one edge in place while moving the opposite edge, use the separate Extend operation.

Match widths to a reference shape
After size matching: the shapes have the same width as the reference.
Match widths across your boxes.Alt → M → WR

This example matches widths to a reference. Fixed-edge resizing is a separate operation.

Three steps

  1. Select the reference and target shapes

    Shift-click the reference shape and the shapes you want to resize. Size matching needs at least two shapes.

  2. Set the reference shape

    On the AltShift tab, choose “First Shape” or “Last Shape” so your example shape becomes the reference. If you used a drag selection, check that the intended shape is the reference.

  3. Match the width or height

    Use Alt → M → WR for width, Alt → M → HR for height, or Alt → M → SR for both. Press the characters in sequence, or use the size-matching buttons on the ribbon.

Use Extend to keep one edge in place

Size matching makes dimensions equal. Fixed-edge resizing keeps one edge where it is and moves the opposite edge to the reference shape’s edge.

For example, select the reference and targets, then choose “Extend” → “Extend left (right fixed)” to align the left edges while keeping each target’s right edge in place. There are corresponding operations for the other three directions. Alt → M → E opens the Extend menu.

Before you apply it
  • Width and height are compared using bounds that account for rotation. Line thickness and shadows are excluded. This is not proportional scaling that preserves the shape’s width-to-height ratio.
  • AltShift stops fixed-edge resizing if the target edge would cross the fixed edge, or if the rotation and requested dimensions cannot produce a valid size.
  • With just one shape selected, Extend uses the configured body area as its reference.

Common questions

What if I only want to align positions?
Use “Align to Ref.” to align edges or centers without changing dimensions.
Can I match the largest or smallest shape instead?
The Size group also has buttons to match the largest or smallest selected width or height.

Try it on your own slides

Try AltShift free for 14 days from first launch, with no email or card registration. AltShift is a Windows PowerPoint add-in. Administrator permission is required to install it.

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