What tool is used to align elements within a document accurately?

The ruler is an essential tool for aligning elements within a document accurately. It provides a visual reference along the top and left sides of the document, allowing users to see the measurements and determine the placement of text, images, and other objects. By using the ruler, you can ensure that elements are positioned at precise locations on the page, which aids in creating a clean and organized layout.

Gridlines, although useful for providing a more detailed structural reference for spacing, are typically used to assist with layout but may not convey exact measurements like the ruler. Margin guides can help define the overall usable area of the document but do not provide real-time measurement adjustments. The alignment tool, while effective for aligning objects with each other, may be secondary to the ruler when it comes to precise placement based on specific measurements. Thus, utilizing the ruler offers an enhanced level of control for document alignment tasks.