Is the "direct copy" offset random, or is it based on something?

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
April 22, 2025
1 reply
439 views

What is the special use of “Direct Copy” under the Edit menu?
Is the offset of the copied object randomized,Or can it be set?

Correct answer Robert at ID-Tasker

Not much use, same effect as holding Alt+Left click dragging.

Instead, a wasted shortcut setting.

Not much use, same effect as holding Alt+Left click dragging.

Instead, a wasted shortcut setting.

By @dublove

And that's how you control position of the duplicate - once you do it manually - drag with Alt click = first, manual duplication - next duplication will repeat this offset.

Abhishek Rao

Community Manager

Hi @dublove,

Thanks for the question! I couldn’t find a 'Direct Copy' option under the Edit menu in the current version of InDesign. Could you confirm if you're referring to a script/plugin, or maybe using a localized version where it’s named differently? If you can share a screenshot or a short clip of the feature you’re seeing, I’d be happy to check it out further and help clarify how it works.

Looking forward to your update!

Abhishek

dubloveAuthor

Legend

It can't be.
ID version 19.5

Abhishek Rao

Community Manager

Hi @dublove,

Thanks so much for the screenshot. The 'Direct Copy' you’re seeing is actually the localized name for 'Duplicate' in the English version of InDesign. As the name suggests, it simply duplicates the selected object or text frame.

The small offset you notice is part of the default behavior, just to make the duplicate visible over the original. It’s not random, but consistent unless you’ve manually changed the object’s position after duplicating.

I’ve added a reference screenshot below from the English locale for comparison. Let me know if you were trying to achieve something specific with this function, I would be happy to assist.

Looking forward to your reply.

Abhishek

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