Skip to main content
M
manwithcomputer
Participant
November 25, 2024
Answered

InDesign Align to key object on single click not working

  • November 25, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 393 views

Suddenly "Align to Key Object" isn't working in any install of inDesign.  I select two objects then click one to make it the key object and they both just nudge very slightly. I swear, it was working just fine last week. On Mac OS Sequoia 15.1.1. 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Mike Witherell

Just lately, all the mac users have been having trouble with a small macOS app called Magnet. The solution is to remove Magnet or turn it off. Is this the case with you also?

3 replies

Mike Witherell
Community Expert
Mike WitherellCommunity Expert
Community Expert
November 25, 2024

You are welcome!

Mike Witherell
Mike Witherell
Community Expert
Mike WitherellCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
November 25, 2024

Just lately, all the mac users have been having trouble with a small macOS app called Magnet. The solution is to remove Magnet or turn it off. Is this the case with you also?

Mike Witherell
    M
    manwithcomputerAuthor
    Participant
    November 25, 2024

    YESSSSS!!!!!! THANK YOU!!! That was the issue! How weird! Man, I was getting so frustrated. You just save my sanity. Appreciate the tip!

    Abhishek Rao
    Community Manager
    Abhishek RaoCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    November 25, 2024

    Hi @manwithcomputer,

     

    Thanks for reaching out! To help narrow down the issue, could you please provide the following details:

    1. The exact version of InDesign you're using (e.g., 2024 or another version).
    2. Is this issue occurring with all InDesign files or just a specific document?

    In the meantime, possible solution to try:

    • Sometimes, preference corruption can cause unexpected behavior. To reset your preferences, hold down Shift + Option + Command (Mac) while launching InDesign, and click Yes when prompted. Reference: https://adobe.ly/4g5FGYG
    • Double-check that the Align to Key Object option is correctly selected in the Align panel. You can also try toggling it off and on again.

    Let me know how it goes or if the issue persists!

     

    Thanks,
    Abhishek Rao

    M
    manwithcomputerAuthor
    Participant
    November 25, 2024

    It's happening to all documents in 19.5.1 (2024) and 20.0 (2025). Here's what I've done:
    - Updated my Mac OS to the latest version. 
    - Dumped the prefs in both versions of InDesign multiple times. 

    - Created multiple documents and the behavior is the same.
    - Turned on and off all snapping and smart guides.

    When I manually select key object, it works ok, but when I select multiple objects, then perform the shortcut of clicking one of those selections to make it the key, it just nudges all of the selections. The only way it works (sporadically) is if I double click one object. But that doesn't always work.

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices