Skip to main content
M
Mathew36276046ildk
Participant
April 10, 2024
Question

How do I select specific objects?

  • April 10, 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 2295 views

I'm trying to edit a pdf that has graphics made of multiple objects. I want to select a big object that has smaller objects in front of it. Simply clicking on it does not seem to select it. The only way I can find to select it is to use the select tool to draw a box around the whole thing, but this also selects the smaller objects within the box. I can't find any way to deselect these objects either. I also can't find any way to list the objects within the pdf to select them like that. How do I select specific objects?

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    2 replies

    M
    Mathew36276046ildkAuthor
    Participant
    April 10, 2024

    Seriously, I’m not trying to be stupid here. All I want to do is extend some of the background graphics into a bleed box for print production, but that requires being able to select them without selecting everything else on the page. I’ve been using various types of graphical editing software for years, from many layered photo editing to 3D modelling and animation, and I’ve never before had such a difficult time working out how to do something as basic as SELECTING THE THING I WANT TO SELECT.

    Luke Jennings3
    Community Expert
    Luke Jennings3Community Expert
    Community Expert
    April 10, 2024

    Adding bleed is best done in the original application, as this is not what Acrobat is for. You can right click an object in Acrobat, after selecting it with the edit tool and "arrange" the order (send to back) until you have the desired object on top, edit the object, then return it to the original location. Other options include placing the pdf into an InDesign page, then duplicating and cropping the pdf just for the bleed area and exporting to a new pdf, or opening the pdf in Illustrator, where selecting and editing objects is much easier. Note, Illustrator is not a universal pdf editor and other issues could arise, unless the original pdf was created with Illustrator and saved correctly. Lastly, Pitstop has good pdf editing tools, and has a tool for adding missing bleed, but it's expensive.

    M
    Mathew36276046ildkAuthor
    Participant
    April 10, 2024

    So I've found the Content sidebar which lists all the objects and allows them to be re-ordered in front or behind each other, but selecting them in that doesn't seem to select the objects on the page so they can be moved, resized, etc. Seriously, how do I select specific objects?

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices