Indesign Gap tool doesn't work

Like @Robert Tkaczyk I use the align and distribute tool to space items.

As do I Eugene, but as an instructor, I'm obligated to understand how all the tools work, so that I can answer questions about them in class and offer choices to my students, who may not like/can't use a more mainstream workflow. For the duration of the Adobe Certified Instructor program, I was tested regularly on InDesign's feature set. Choosing to ignore a tool wasn't an option. 

~Barb

Hi @Sophiehasaquestion:

I use the Gap tool, and haven't ever had an issue with it not working. I suspect Eugene has mentioned the reason why: locked frames, locked layer, objects on the parent page or a corrupt preferences issue. Objects on a parent page will show that particular cursor, though, so that's my guess.

~Barb

@Sophiehasaquestion 

Like @Eugene Tyson - I never use this "tool" - but this:

Or when you move objects - InDesign will show you something like this:

Locked layers?
Locked objects?

Are they on a Parent Page? If they are you need to go to the Parent Page in the pages panel to adjust.

I don't think I've ever used the Gap Tool - never understood how it was even added to the program to be honest.

If it's completely not working

Try resetting your preferences:

Windows: Start InDesign, and then press Shift+Ctrl+Alt. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.
macOS: While pressing Shift+Option+Command+Control, start InDesign. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.
A dialog will appear asking to delete the InDesign Preferences, select 'Yes' on this dialog.
Further info and instructions here if needed:
https://helpx.adobe.com/in/indesign/kb/indesign-preferences-support-file-locations.html