In 1995, Kubovy and Wagemans demonstrated that the probability of grouping elements can be quantified as a decreasing exponential function of the distance between those elements, thereby quantifying the law of proximity. This study has been the starting point for many more studies, for instance, on competing grouping principles. However, the scope of this type of research has been limited to dot lattices with little or no element variation, while we know that the local elements (e.g., shapes) in a more global configuration carry certain features that could guide perceptual organization. In this study, we added shape variation on top of proximity cues to investigate whether alignment of any shape axis (e.g., edge or symmetry axis) with the globally perceivable orientations in the lattices affects grouping by proximity. To create shape variation, we employed the recently developed Order and Complexity Toolbox for Aesthetics (OCTA; Van Geert, Bossens & Wagemans, in preparation). Circles functioned as a neutral condition, as well as squares and triangles that were tilted to avoid alignment with any of the global orientations. Upright squares created alignment with both main orientations (horizontal and vertical). Moreover, triangles were base-aligned along the shortest and the longer, perpendicular distance in the lattice. On a group level (n = 28), we observed a proximity effect across all conditions. Moreover, a significant interaction effect between proximity and element shape was found, indicating a smaller proximity effect when triangles were base-aligned along the shortest distance. However, large individual differences were observed.