Above is the Align palette (FreeHand 10, MacOS X shown) we'll be using for the below techniques. It can be accessed via the Modify menu.

It's pretty obvious how to align certain objects or groups using the little preview window. But there are several shape combinations that you probably never thought about trying to align, which I'll be showing you about below.

In the sample above, I want to align the rectangles so that the Green rectangle touches the right side of the Blue rectangle. Normally you'd have to drag them so that they touch each other.

This method could be much easier for you.

First Ungroup the Blue rectangle.

Now select the top right point of the Blue rectangle, then Shift-select the Green rectangle.

In the Align palette, choose the Align Left option. You'll see the Green rectangle align with the selected point.

You can use similar techniques to align to the other sides of the rectangle if needed.

For triangles, it's much the same thing. To align the two triangles' facing sides, first I Group the Red triangle. While this is still selected, I shift-select the top point of the Orange triangle like shown above.

Note: For this example to work, the Red triangle must be slightly below the top of the Orange one like shown above.

Then in the Align palette, I turn on the Align Top and Align Left options. When I hit Apply, the triangles are now perfectly aligned to their sides.

For Hexagons, same idea... different points and alignment options.

First I Group the Purple hexagon, then shift-select the point on the Blue hexagon at the 2 o'clock position as shown above.

Then in the Align palette I only choose the Align Bottom option.

Note: For this example to work, the Purple hexagon must be slightly above the top of the Blue one like shown above.

Now deselect everything.

Then I select the 12 o'clock point on the Blue hexagon and shift-select the Purple hexagon like shown above.

In the Align palette I use the Align Left option.

To start a repetitive pattern, select and Clone the Blue hexagon. Move it way over to the right and give it a new color if you like.

While it's still selected, shift-select the 2 o'clock point on the Blue hexagon again.

Then use the Align Left option in the Align palette.

Very cool eh?

Now it's time to align the sides of circles and ellipses.

First I Ungroup the Green circle and select the point at the 3 o'clock position. Then shift-select the Orange ellipse.

Use the Align Left option.

Deselect everything. Now Group the Green circle again.

Shift-select the Orange ellipse, and use the Align Center option.

Here's an interesting combination. You may never have to do this, but it sure makes a neat pattern.

First Group the triangle. Then shift-select the point on the hexagon at the 5 o'clock position as shown above.

Then in the Align palette use the Align Bottom and Align Left options.

While the triangle is still selected, Clone it and move it way over to the left of the hexagon.

Then in the Align palette use the Align Bottom and Align Right options.