InDesign 21.4 Bug: Unable to Move Multiple Selected Objects When Dragging Over Placed Images

Forum|Forum|2 days ago
May 27, 2026
15 replies
382 views

In the latest update of InDesign when I have multiple shapes and frames on the page selected, if my cursor is above something like a rectangle with content/picture inside it, I only move the picture that is below it at the time.

Rather than the whole selection of objects as it used to. I tested before and after the update and it was something that only broke with 21.4. If I cursor over a solid shape object while still selecting the entire group (including the photo frame) that then moves the entire section but only if cursor above a placed fill object does it break.

What could possibly be happening?

Correct answer Abhishek Rao

Hi @StefanD2207 and everyone,

Thanks for reporting this. I was able to reproduce the same behavior on my end in InDesign 21.4 as well. I noticed that if I keep the Shift key pressed while dragging the selected objects, the selection behaves as expected and the entire group moves correctly instead of only the placed content inside the frame.

Could you please try this workflow on your end and let us know if it helps as a temporary workaround?

Additionally, I’ve logged this with the product team as a bug, and they’re currently investigating it further. I’ll keep you posted here as soon as I have any updates to share.

Thanks,
Abhishek

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Participant

I have the same problem and have rolled back to 21.3 and is back working as it should. Looks like a bug in 21.4 and is not usable until it is fixed.

leo.r

Community Expert

I can also reproduce it (as well as the workaround of holding Shift).

Also, as far as I can see this only affects graphics but not text frames. That is, if you have two text frames selected, you can move them both as expected. And if you have a text frame and an image selected and drag the text frame, then both objects will move (while if you drag the image, only the image will move).

Abhishek Rao

Correct answer

Community Manager

Hi @StefanD2207 and everyone,

Thanks for reporting this. I was able to reproduce the same behavior on my end in InDesign 21.4 as well. I noticed that if I keep the Shift key pressed while dragging the selected objects, the selection behaves as expected and the entire group moves correctly instead of only the placed content inside the frame.

Could you please try this workflow on your end and let us know if it helps as a temporary workaround?

Additionally, I’ve logged this with the product team as a bug, and they’re currently investigating it further. I’ll keep you posted here as soon as I have any updates to share.

Thanks,
Abhishek