What does "snap to align" specifically do in terms of object arrangement?

The feature "snap to align" is designed to facilitate the precise arrangement of objects in Adobe Animate by automatically aligning them to specific, predefined settings. This means that when you move an object near another object or a guide, it will automatically cluster or snap into alignment based on the predetermined criteria. This helps in creating a tidy and structured layout, ensuring that elements are uniformly spaced and properly aligned, which is particularly important in graphic design and animation.

The concept of predefined settings could refer to guidelines established within the software, such as grid lines or other objects that dictate specific alignment parameters. This ability allows users to increase their efficiency during the design process, as they won't need to manually adjust each element to ensure they align correctly, saving both time and effort.

In contrast, aligning objects by their center points typically focuses on centering objects without regard to other alignment considerations. Creating random layouts is contrary to what "snap to align" aims to achieve, as it promotes organization rather than randomness. Free movement of objects, while a valuable consideration in design, does not incorporate the benefits provided by the snapping feature, as free movement can lead to misalignment without the guiding constraints provided by "snap to align."