InDesign: Center Reference Point when not using Transformation Tools

Report · Aug 18, 2025

The latest update, 20.5, has removed the Center Reference Point from objects except when using Transformation Tools. This makes using the Selection Tool to move and center an object difficult. Is there a way to get the Center Reference Point back? I've searched the menus and internet, to no avail.

Report · Aug 18, 2025

Hello @David27007364tk1q,

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Could you try installing an earlier version of InDesign (https://adobe.ly/41cp7VX) to see if it works there? If it does, kindly share a small screen recording of your exact workflow, so I can check this with the team.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav

Report · Sep 15, 2025

This is how it looks when I drag around an object. There is no center reference point. The red box on the right is being dragged around for placement.

This is how it used to look when dragging around objects (this image was taken when creating a new box with Rectangle Frame Tool. You can see the center reference point. The red box on the right is being created.

It is not possible to switch to an earlier version as that is controlled by IT.

Report · Sep 16, 2025

There is no center reference point.

By @David27007364tk1q

I can't reproduce it: I do see the center reference point in InDesign 20.5 when drawing and dragging objects the way you described. macOS 13.7. What's your operating system version?

Also, try these general troubleshooting steps:

https://www.rockymountaintraining.com/adobe-indesign-rebuilding-preferences-cache/

Will it make a difference?

Report · Sep 17, 2025

Windows 10 version 22H2 (build 19045.6216)

I tried the listed troubleshooting and was able to reset my preferences, but I was not able to rebuild my cache.

The issue still exists.

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Im running Windows 10 version 22H2 (build 19045.6332) and don't see the problem.

Report · Sep 17, 2025

I was able to find another computer in the enterprise that has Windows 11 and was able to test this issue. This issue still exists in Windows 11 on a brand new installed InDesign version 20.5

Report · Sep 17, 2025

HI @David27007364tk1q , Is your Preferences>Interface>Options>Live Screen Drawing set to Immediate? I can replicate your problem if I set it to Never or Delayed.

Report · Sep 17, 2025

HI @David27007364tk1q , Is your Preferences>Interface>Options>Live Screen Drawing set to Immediate? I can replicate your problem if I set it to Never or Delayed.

By @rob day

Interesting... I can't reproduce it with any option. Maybe it also depends on memory and/or display conditions? I also tried with GPU on and off.

Report · Sep 17, 2025

I tested various versions of Live Screen Drawing. The center point is still not showing. Delayed is what the setting was at when I looked. And after the testing, delayed is what I am used to. Using Delayed or Immediate is a workaround solution for Frame Tool objects as they keep their cross hairs visible using this and the center junction would be visible. However, for any other objects, including placed objects, I'm still not seeing a center reference point.

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Hi @David27007364tk1q,

Thanks for the detailed update. I tested this on my end and the center points are showing as expected, so it’s possible the issue on your system is linked to corrupt preferences. Since you mentioned you couldn't reset them earlier, you can try taking a backup first and then reset using the steps here: https://adobe.ly/3VqF7jQ to see if that helps.

If the issue continues, please also test the same workflow after creating a new local user profile to rule out any profile-related corruption. You can follow the steps here: https://adobe.ly/4gwY6md

It would be great if you could also share a short screen recording of your workflow, from creating the box to using the Selection Tool to move it, so I can share it with the team for further review.

Looking forward to your update.

Abhishek

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I've reset my preferences, no change.

The issue existed on a brand new machine with a freshly installed InDesign, no change.

It is also happening to other users in my department.

I am not able to utilize a new user in my current environment, but it is happening with multiple users already.

Report

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Just to report that I'm having exactly the same problem, following the most recent update. I don't see why it would be anything to do with preferences/profiles, as they have not been changed. This is a bug introduced by the update. I'm on Windows 11, ID version 20.5 64 bit. Really need a fix for this.