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K
kennethh86981321
Participant
September 23, 2020
Answered

I can no longer move an object using the mouse

  • September 23, 2020
  • 4 replies
  • 2472 views

I have a complex InDesign document that has several images.  Starting this morning, I can no longer move anything in the document using the mouse.  The only way I can move anything is by using the arrow keys.  Any ideas?

Correct answer Barb Binder

Hi Ken:

 

So if the mouse is fine, try creating a new InDesign document. Can you move things around in the new file? If so, that points to something being an issue in the InDesign file you are currently working on. You could try working through the troubleshooting steps.

 

But you called it "complex". Can you elaborate on that? What makes it complex? And if you would like to share a dropbox link publicly in a reply or privately by messaging me directly, I'm happy to take a look. I don't need the linked files or fonts. Just the page(s) that is (are) giving you trouble.

 

~Barb 

4 replies

Barb Binder
Community Expert
Barb BinderCommunity Expert
Community Expert
October 1, 2020

That's great news, Ken. Glad you are back on track. 

 

~Barb

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
Barb Binder
Community Expert
Barb BinderCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
September 23, 2020

Hi Ken:

 

So if the mouse is fine, try creating a new InDesign document. Can you move things around in the new file? If so, that points to something being an issue in the InDesign file you are currently working on. You could try working through the troubleshooting steps.

 

But you called it "complex". Can you elaborate on that? What makes it complex? And if you would like to share a dropbox link publicly in a reply or privately by messaging me directly, I'm happy to take a look. I don't need the linked files or fonts. Just the page(s) that is (are) giving you trouble.

 

~Barb 

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
K
kennethh86981321Author
Participant
October 1, 2020

Barb -

I recreated the file following the instructions above and that seemed to resolve it.  Very strange though.

Thanks.

Barb Binder
Community Expert
Barb BinderCommunity Expert
Community Expert
September 23, 2020

Hi Ken:

 

Can you move objects with the mouse in other applications? For example, can you open a folder window and them move it around your screen by dragging the Title Bar? If you can, then perhaps there is something wrong with the file or with InDesign itself. 

 

~Barb 

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    K
    kennethh86981321Author
    Participant
    September 23, 2020

    Of course, my mouse works fine.  This works fine in other applications and in other InDesign files.  This particular file is the one that is having the trouble.  I will check out the link on "file issues."  Thanks.

    Randy Hagan
    Community Expert
    Randy HaganCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    September 23, 2020

    So you can select various elements with your mouse but cannot move them? Does the cursor move normally? Or is everything fine but the hold button and move part? If it's a two-button mouse, does the right  button work? 

     

    1. I'd try some compressed air under the mouse buttons and see if that works. Then I 'd try another mouse.

     

    I'd try some

    Randy Hagan
    Community Expert
    Randy HaganCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    September 23, 2020

    Edit: tried to revise this previous response but the system won't let me.

     

    If all the other functions are working fine — moving the cursor, right-clicking and getting the context-sensitive menu, etc., I'd focus on a faulty left-side mouse button.

     

    Note to self: Don't try to respond to questions by phone when you're on the train ... sorry.

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