Aligning parts - Align tool help

I love the align tool. But I wonder if there is an easier way to align parts that have another part in between therm. I am creating 2 panels with a hing In between them. But I want the 2 panels to be perfectly aligned and straight. Right now I am doing this with first aligning the panel with the hing and then I align the second panel with the other side of the hinge. But then I have to spend many hours aligning the two panels by eye. This is long and very tiring. I am thinking there must be an easier way.
Also when I move an object by copy. The copy of my part should be aligned on the same plain as the original but a lot of the time it is not “aligned” correctly, by way of the move tool.

There are many ways to align things:

  • Construction Lines used as rulers.
  • Pattern tool to space out repetitive objects.
  • I use translate tool more than align because it gives you more control.
  • Measurements to see gaps between objects and pin them.
  • Constraints to equal things or align vertically or horizontally during sketch.
  • Calculator to * or / measurements.

Also preplanning your measurements in sketch to avoid moving 3d extrude around. There are many clever ways to align things.

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Thanks, i will try some of your suggestions. It seems like there is not a clear easy way to do this. I hope in time Shapr3d can incorporate AI to analyze a set of objects that are already connected and aline them to the nearest grip line or plane. Or something like that. That is the power of AI going forward.