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Answered

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

Forum|Forum|10 days ago
May 27, 2026
74 replies
3249 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

Resthal

Participant

I’m having the exact same issue and as I use Distribute spacing align tool a lot - it’s a real problem...

colinb1638334

Participant

I am having the same issue. It’s really frustrating 😬

J

Jayne_Clements2091

Participant

I can confirm this issue on macOS Sequoia with InDesign 21.4.

The bug affects normal magazine/newspaper production workflows when repositioning multiple selected image frames.

Resetting preferences did not resolve the issue.

Rolling back to InDesign 21.3 immediately restored normal behaviour.

Ged_Traynor

Community Expert

@Pozsa Jozsef you’d be better off reporting the issue on the InDesign forum

P

Pozsa Jozsef

Participant

Indesign legutóbbi frissítése óta többszörös kijelöléskor az objektumokat nem lehet együtt mozgatni, a többszörös kijelölést nem lehet egyesével csökkenteni.

ihector

Participating Frequently

I’m also experiencing this issue. There is also a related problem with object alignment, in that I can no longer set an object as a key object to align to: with multiple objects selected, the moment I click one to set it as my key object, it deselects all the others.

S

Simon5CE7

Inspiring

I have this same issue. I found the workaround with the shift key. The way it works for me is:

1. Make the selection

2. Hold Shift key

3. Click and drag the selection.

Holding shift after you click the selection only moves one object, so it needs to be in that order.

I can also duplicate a selection with the option key:

1. Make the selection

2. Hold Shift key + Option key (I find I can press either first)

3. Click and drag the selection.