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Inspiring
June 16, 2020
Answered

Why do Indesign let me choose only 2 objects within a group?

  • June 16, 2020
  • 5 replies
  • 822 views

When i click over the 3rd object, the whole group is being selected.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Laubender

Hi danezeq,

you cannot select items outside of a group and inside of a group at the same time.

Not using the selection tools, not using the layers panel.

 

A script could address the items, but not select them.

Adressing means: it could do things with the items one after another.

 

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )

5 replies

LaubenderCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
June 17, 2020

Hi danezeq,

you cannot select items outside of a group and inside of a group at the same time.

Not using the selection tools, not using the layers panel.

 

A script could address the items, but not select them.

Adressing means: it could do things with the items one after another.

 

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )

danezeqAuthor
Inspiring
June 17, 2020

Thanks again

Community Expert
June 17, 2020

danezeq said:

"…okay i just tried that and when i click on the 8th object, some of the previous objects i've selected, get un selected! incredible!"

When working with any selection tool note that you cannot select objects outside and inside of nested objects like groups or pasted inside items at the same time. InDesign is simply not doing this.

 

( There is one exception when scripting a selection in groups, but that is it. )

 

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )

danezeqAuthor
Inspiring
June 17, 2020

So the only way to do that is thrugh the layers window?

BobLevine
Community Expert
Community Expert
June 16, 2020

In addition to what the others have said, it has indeed been that way forever. I prefer using the layers panel to make the selections.

Community Expert
June 16, 2020

Hi danezeq,

to prevent this select the items of the group within the Layers panel. See into my screenshot below where I selected four items in a group nested inside a rectangle graphic frame. I used the Shift key and clicked the tiny spots to the right of the listed items in the Layers panel.

 

For the why: Sorry, no idea.

 

 

Please show a screenshot with the two items selected and a comment what item you try to select next.

Also show the expanded Layers panel so we can see into the group.

 

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )

rob day
Community Expert
Community Expert
June 16, 2020

The Direct Selection tool (white arrow) lets you select items with in a group. Use the Selection tool (black arrow) to select the entire group.

danezeqAuthor
Inspiring
June 16, 2020

okay i just tried that and when i click on the 8th object, some of the previous objects i've selected, get un selected! incredible!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck5Ig3yyc_U