Selecting objects

Selecting objects

To work with an object on a layout, select it in Layout mode. You see small black squares, or handles, at the corners of selected objects.

Selected field

Selected text block

For information about selecting text, see Selecting a field in Browse mode or Find mode and Making text bold, italic, or setting other styles. For information about selecting tab control objects, see Selecting and working with objects in tab panels.

To select one or more objects on a layout:

1.

In Layout mode, click the Selection tool in the status toolbar.

The pointer becomes an arrow pointer.

2.

Do one of the following:

To

In Layout mode, do this

Select one object

With the arrow pointer, click the object. (If the object is transparent, click its border.)

Select several objects at once

  •

Drag the arrow pointer to make a selection box that completely surrounds the objects. If you press Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac OS) while dragging, the selection box does not have to completely surround the objects.

  •

Or, press Shift as you click each object individually.

Select all objects on the layout

Choose Edit menu > Select All.

Select a tab control and all the objects in the tab control

  •

With the arrow pointer, click inside the background of the tab control. (If the tab control is transparent, click its border.)

  •

Or, drag the crosshair pointer around the tab control.

Select all objects of the same type, including objects in tab panels that are not in front (for example, all text objects or rectangles

  •

Select an object, then click Select Objects by Type in the Arrange palette.

If you don’t see the Arrange palette, click Arrange in the layout bar.

  •

Or, click the tool for the type of object to select, then choose Edit menu > Select All.

Note  These methods do not select buttons.

Select all fields

  •

With the arrow pointer, click a field, press Shift (Windows) or Option (Mac OS), and choose Edit menu > Select All (Windows) or Select Same (Mac OS).

  •

Or, select a field, then click Select Objects by Type in the Arrange palette.

Select a portal

With the arrow pointer, click the border of the portal, or any other area within the portal that doesn't contain a field or object.

Deselect selected objects

  •

Click a blank area of the layout or any layout tool in the status toolbar.

  •

Or, press Shift and click selected objects.

Notes

  •

If an object's selection handles are gray instead of black, the object is locked. For information about locking and unlocking objects, see Protecting objects from change.

  •

If multiple objects are grouped, you can't move an individual object within the group. For more information, see Grouping and ungrouping objects.

  •

You can layer objects on a layout. If you can't see or select an object on a layout, you might need to send other objects backwards in the stacking order. For information, see Moving objects forward or backward on a layout.

  •

You can use buttons in the Arrange palette to work with objects (click Arrange in the layout bar, or choose View menu > Arrange Palette).

  •

To switch between the Selection tool and the last-used tool, press Ctrl-Enter or Enter on the numeric keypad (Windows) or press Enter (Mac OS).

Selected field	Selected text block

Was this topic helpful? Send feedback.