Inspiring

Answered

Select vs. Direct Selection tool

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
July 14, 2022
4 replies
1803 views

I've noticed this with all versions of InDesign I've worked with, but a frustrated coworker on my computer said there should be a way around this. Here's the issue:

When resizing things on an InDesign page, using the Select (left arrow) tool only resizes the outer border (highlighted in blue) around the image/object. To resize the object itself, I have to use the Direct Selection (white arrow) tool, and the object will then be highlighted in orange/yellow. However, if resizing the object goes past where the blue outer highlight is, then the image gets cut off. So it's a constant fight of going back and forth to resize an object. Is there a way around this, like being able to use only one tool to resize an entire image rather than its "area" and the object itself? Thanks!

How to

This topic has been closed for replies.

Correct answer Peter Spier

Use the selection tool. With no modifier keys using this tool crops the image, but if you hold the Ctrl/Cmd key while moving a control point you will scale the image as you resize the frame. Adding the Shift key with Ctrl/Cmd will maintain the aspect ratio so you don't distort the image.

Kevin Stohlmeyer

Community Expert

Have you tried double clicking in the frame with the selection tool? It will switch between direct and regular selection tool.

Peter Spier

Correct answer

Community Expert

Use the selection tool. With no modifier keys using this tool crops the image, but if you hold the Ctrl/Cmd key while moving a control point you will scale the image as you resize the frame. Adding the Shift key with Ctrl/Cmd will maintain the aspect ratio so you don't distort the image.

Geоrge

Legend

Déjà vu

Remember, never say you can't do something in InDesign, it's always just a question of finding the right workaround to get the job done. © David Blatner

L

Laubender

Community Expert

Hi @Holton Recorder ,

never use the Direct Selection tool if you want to scale container frames plus their contents.

Use the Selection tool.

From the Selection tool switch to the Free Transform tool, hold the Shift key and scale the selection with your mouse.

If you want to do precise values use the Selection tool and the input fields for x-Scale (Percentages) or y-Scale (Percentages) and insert a value together with a measurement unit like e.g. 100 mm or 400 pt.

Regards,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Professional )

Geоrge

Legend

I don't see any problem, that's how program works. Any image have their frame and frame border can cut image. Say more clear what you want.

Are you have problem with scaling frame with placed image? - Use it black arrow with pressed CTRL+SHIFT for scale proportionally, only CTRL - scale without proportions.

Remember, never say you can't do something in InDesign, it's always just a question of finding the right workaround to get the job done. © David Blatner

James Gifford—NitroPress

Legend

I don't see any problem, that's how program works. Any image have their frame and frame border can cut image.

That's the key here: there are two different elements involved. Unlike some apps, where the "frame" and the object (image, text, etc.) are the same, they are two separately managed elements in ID.

You adjust the frame and the object it contains separately. Once that's clear, what the tools are doing should make more sense.

Oh, and the Fitting menu and its keyboard shortcuts are your friends. 🙂

—

Sign up

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Sign in to Adobe Community

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Scanning file for viruses.

This file cannot be downloaded