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InDesign 21.4 Bug: Unable to Move Multiple Selected Objects When Dragging Over Placed Images

Forum|Forum|9 days ago
May 27, 2026
71 replies
3148 views

In the latest update of InDesign when I have multiple shapes and frames on the page selected, if my cursor is above something like a rectangle with content/picture inside it, I only move the picture that is below it at the time.

Rather than the whole selection of objects as it used to. I tested before and after the update and it was something that only broke with 21.4. If I cursor over a solid shape object while still selecting the entire group (including the photo frame) that then moves the entire section but only if cursor above a placed fill object does it break.

What could possibly be happening?

Correct answer Abhishek Rao

Hi @StefanD2207 and everyone,

Thanks for reporting this. I was able to reproduce the same behavior on my end in InDesign 21.4 as well. I noticed that if I keep the Shift key pressed while dragging the selected objects, the selection behaves as expected and the entire group moves correctly instead of only the placed content inside the frame.

Could you please try this workflow on your end and let us know if it helps as a temporary workaround?

Additionally, I’ve logged this with the product team as a bug, and they’re currently investigating it further. I’ll keep you posted here as soon as I have any updates to share.

For those affected by this issue, I’d also encourage you to upvote and add your comments to the related UserVoice request here: https://indesign.uservoice.com/forums/601180/suggestions/51343807. This helps the team better understand the impact on customer workflows and ensures you receive notifications about any updates posted there.

Thanks for your patience and support.

Thanks,
Abhishek

Show previous replies

ali-ann_1116

Participant

Same issue here and holding the shift key makes is making it really jumpy

JClark60027

Participant

I’ve noticed that you only need to hold the shift key (which also locks the movement to 90 and 45 degree angles) when you START moving the objects, but you don’t need to hold the shift key once the objects are moving. This may help with the “jumpy” problem you’re having? Still clunky as heck and I really hope they fix this bug and several other selection bugs soon. Really messes with the workflow.

hemag nova grafik

Inspiring

same issue here.

L

Lisa34492829y00i

Participant

I’m having the same issue, it’s a massive problem. Please urgently look into this bug, it’s hindering one of the most basic editing functions. I will have to roll back to a previous version because this.

By the way - it seems to only affect photos. If I select several objects and move them, they move together - but not if I drag from a selected photo - then only the photo moves.

leo.r

Community Expert

Yes, Adobe is aware of all these issues by now. You can revert to InDesign 21.3 until it’s fixed: CC app > InDesign > 3-dot menu > Other Versions.

D

davetwo

Inspiring

When I have multiple objects or frames selected I cannot move them at the same time (as happend in previous versions).

When I try, it auto-selects the object closest to my cursor, and de-selects all the others.

Is this a bug or a ‘feature’?

It’s causing me huge frustration!

Abhishek Rao

Community Manager

Hi @davetwo,

Sorry to hear about the frustration this is causing. This has been identified as a bug in InDesign 21.4, and the product team is actively working on a fix. I've merged your post with the parent thread for better visibility and tracking of updates related to the issue.

As a temporary workaround, holding the Shift key while dragging allows the entire selection to move correctly. Alternatively, if your workflow is being significantly impacted, rolling back from InDesign 21.4 to InDesign 21.3 should resolve the issue.

I'll continue to share updates in the parent thread as soon as I hear more from the team.

Thanks for your patience.

Abhishek

marc steiner

Participant

Mon collègue a fait la mise à jour en 21.4 et il a le même bug. La solution c’est effectivement de garder la touche MAj enfoncée.

Par contre dès que l’on a commencé à déplacer les blocs on peut ne plus garder la touche MAJ enfoncée, comme cela il n’y a plus de déplacement vertical ou horizontal contraint.
C’est néanmoins contraignant de fonctionner comme ça.

Je n’ai pas fait la mise à jour et aucun problème pour moi.

leo.r

Community Expert

Yes, Adobe is aware of all these issues by now. Your colleague can revert to InDesign 21.3 until it’s fixed: CC app > InDesign > 3-dot menu > Other Versions.

marc steiner

Participant

Merci beaucoup. On a pu downgrader et ça fonctionne. Thx

EntertainmentGuide1980

Participant

I’m having the same problem, but I have noticed that if I am selecting a text box along with an image box and move the whole group while holding onto the text box it will work as normal. I don’t know if that helps to trouble shoot the issue but might be a useful temporary workaround for some people.

I have also tried the suggested workaround of holding down the shift key while moving the selected group and it works for me so thanks for that temporary fix.

leo.r

Community Expert

@EntertainmentGuide1980 Yes, all these details are known by now. You can revert to InDesign 21.3 until this is fixed: CC app > InDesign > 3-dot menu > Other Versions.

benjaminh35196974

Participant

Yes, same Here, only with objects with a link in it…
Very frustrating as I use it about 400 times a day :)
Thank you for a quick fix

rickc96450068

Participant

Also having this problem. Hopefully the big is fixed asap.

anthonys9286340

Participant

Same here, I was wondering why this has been changed and am glad that it is a bug.

K

karenc62466730

Inspiring

Same. I’m also having issues with aligning Key Objects in Align. Selecting object then selecting the actual key object doesn’t work. All objects simply get de-selected except the object using as key object. I do not have the app called Magnet which seems to have caused previous issues.

leo.r

Community Expert

@karenc62466730 It’s abug in InDesign 21.4, not related to Magnet or anything else. Revert to 21.3 until it’s fixed: CC app > InDesign > 3-dot menu > Other Versions.

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