Bounding box in Illustrator only shows when I mouse-over the object

[clairew4544962]

Hi

I'm new to illustrator and have noticed that the blue outlines / bounding boxes around objects are not shown until I hover over the object and press to select.

Is this how the bounding boxes are meant to behave or should they be visible at all times?

I have checked the View > Show Bounding Box in View and it is selected.

Or do I need to create a stroke/fill for the object in order to see it?

[Ton Frederiks]

Yes to be able to see an object it needs to have a stroke and/or fill (unless you check the artwork in Outline Preview (Cmd Y or Ctrl Y (Win)), then it is always visible).

I think you are talking about two different things when you mention Bounding Boxes.

When you hover over an object without selecting it, it highlights showing the Layer color when Smart Guides are on ((Cmd U or Ctrl U (Win)).

The Bounding Box is only visible when an object is selected with the Selection tool (V).

[Zeeshan30263724sqyh]

I'm benefiting from your comment here in 2025. Thank you 🙂