I can no longer move an object using the mouse

[kennethh86981321]

I have a complex InDesign document that has several images.  Starting this morning, I can no longer move anything in the document using the mouse.  The only way I can move anything is by using the arrow keys.  Any ideas?

[Randy Hagan]

So you can select various elements with your mouse but cannot move them? Does the cursor move normally? Or is everything fine but the hold button and move part? If it's a two-button mouse, does the right  button work? 

1. I'd try some compressed air under the mouse buttons and see if that works. Then I 'd try another mouse.

I'd try some

[Randy Hagan]

Edit: tried to revise this previous response but the system won't let me.

If all the other functions are working fine — moving the cursor, right-clicking and getting the context-sensitive menu, etc., I'd focus on a faulty left-side mouse button.

Note to self: Don't try to respond to questions by phone when you're on the train ... sorry.

[Barb Binder]

Hi Ken:

Can you move objects with the mouse in other applications? For example, can you open a folder window and them move it around your screen by dragging the Title Bar? If you can, then perhaps there is something wrong with the file or with InDesign itself. 

• If it is the file, see: https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/kb/troubleshoot-file-issues.html
• If it is the application, see: https://www.rockymountaintraining.com/adobe-indesign-rebuilding-preferences-cache/

~Barb 

[kennethh86981321]

Of course, my mouse works fine.  This works fine in other applications and in other InDesign files.  This particular file is the one that is having the trouble.  I will check out the link on "file issues."  Thanks.

[HHLLC_Marketing]

Thank you Barb, this did the trick for me! I couldn't move anything with the mouse. Now... fixed! 

[Barb Binder · Accepted solution]

Hi Ken:

So if the mouse is fine, try creating a new InDesign document. Can you move things around in the new file? If so, that points to something being an issue in the InDesign file you are currently working on. You could try working through the troubleshooting steps.

But you called it "complex". Can you elaborate on that? What makes it complex? And if you would like to share a dropbox link publicly in a reply or privately by messaging me directly, I'm happy to take a look. I don't need the linked files or fonts. Just the page(s) that is (are) giving you trouble.

~Barb 

[kennethh86981321]

Barb -

I recreated the file following the instructions above and that seemed to resolve it.  Very strange though.

Thanks.

[Barb Binder]

That's great news, Ken. Glad you are back on track. 

~Barb