Skip to main content
Inspiring
April 23, 2025
Question

Trouble moving objects precisely

  • April 23, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 913 views

I used to be able to precisely move an object using keyborad arrows or with the cursor but suddenly I can no longer do this without the object or text jumping to some randomly preset place or disappearing completely. I've checked text wrap and snap settings and neither of these seem to be the cause. Please help before I tear all my hair out! TIA.

4 replies

meh67
Inspiring
April 24, 2025

I see people mentioning Snap to grid, but it could be something similar - but applied at a Paragraph Style level. I had something similar when I inherited someone elses Indesign file (I hate that because some people use features I would NEVER use and I have to figure it out). Three things to check, two involve Paragraph Styles IF a Paragraph Style is applied. And the other is just found in the Paragraph fly out.

1) highlight the copy and choose Paragraph Styles > Style options > Indents and Spacing and make sure "Align to grid" is NONE (you probably already tried this)

2) Again, in the Paragraph Style options  > Keep Options > make sure the Keep options are not checked.

3) Now try NOT a Paragraph Style, but the Simple "Paragraph" Tab. The FOURTH option down on the left row is the "Space between paragraphs using the same style" input area - if its not set to "Ignore" try that.

 

Hope this helps in some way.

 

toddeindcAuthor
Inspiring
April 26, 2025

Thanks for these tips. I'll check this out and report back soon.

Abhishek Rao
Community Manager
Community Manager
April 24, 2025

Hi @toddeindc,

 

Thanks for the details! Adding to what the experts have already suggested, could you please try testing the issue in Safe Mode and also by creating a new local admin user account on your Mac? This can help rule out any interference from third-party apps or user-specific settings.

Here are the steps just in case you need them:
Safe Mode – https://adobe.ly/3Giyagb
Create a new admin user – https://adobe.ly/4jEybcE

Also, could you please confirm the exact version of InDesign 2025 you're using (whether it's 20.2, 20.3, or another version)? 

 

Looking forward to your update!

Abhishek 

toddeindcAuthor
Inspiring
April 24, 2025

Hi Abhishek, I'm using InDesign 20.2. What is the reason to add another admin user?

 

I'm also finding issues with type settings. For example when I  increase leading by just one point or adjust the space after a paragraph, the entire paragraph shifts to a much greater amount than what I know to be just a point difference. I quit and restarted the app but will try restarting my computer as these often fix bugs. Any other ideas welcome!

 

 

Peter Spier
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 24, 2025
quote

I'm also finding issues with type settings. For example when I  increase leading by just one point or adjust the space after a paragraph, the entire paragraph shifts to a much greater amount than what I know to be just a point difference. I quit and restarted the app but will try restarting my computer as these often fix bugs. Any other ideas welcome!

 

 


By @toddeindc

That sounds like you've got snap to baseline grid enabled...

Peter Spier
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 23, 2025

Is document specied for screen or print? Screen documents always increment on the pixel grid, so increments must be in whole points (in InDesign, 1 pixel is the same size a 1 pt).

Robert at ID-Tasker
Legend
April 23, 2025

@Peter Spier

 

I think it's related to the bug from the beginning of they year? Magnet app on Macs?

 

toddeindcAuthor
Inspiring
April 23, 2025

Hi Peter and Robert. Thank you for replying. The doc is set for printing and I'm using a Mac OS 14.6.1. Due for upgrade but haven't yet wanted to given bugs I've heard about. 

Robert at ID-Tasker
Legend
April 23, 2025

What platform, OS and InDesign versions? 

 

How many monitors?