InDesign Handles Not Working and Content Options Greyed Out

[KDH123]

When I insert text inside an object like a solid square block by selecting it with the Type Tool, I used to be able to double click the handles on the box to remove unwanted space. That doesn't seem to be working any more. And I'm not sure if this is related but when I go to the Object menu and select Content from the dropdown — Graphic, Text and Unassigned are all grey out. At least one of those three would be selectable at all times. I've tried resetting prefs but as usual this never seems to fix anything!

Can anyone help or has this been a intended (but very unuseful) change in InDesign.

I am using version 19.5.

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[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @KDH123,

I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with the handles and content options in InDesign. It sounds frustrating, especially since these tools are essential for efficient layout work.

Could you please ensure that the object you’re working with is indeed a text frame. The `Object > Content` options will only be available if the selected object is a text or graphic frame. If the object isn’t recognized as a text frame, the options will be greyed out.

Could you provide more details about the issue? For example:
- Are there specific types of objects or frames where the problem occurs?
- Does the issue persist with new or different documents?
- Could you provide a screen recoding of the whole workflow till the issue? It would be helpful. 

Looking forward to your response, and I’m here to help with any additional questions!

Thank you, 
Abhishek Rao

[KDH123]

Thanks for responding. In answer, i just created a text box using the type tool, filled it with text. Then went up to Object/Content and everything thing is greyed out. I suspect this is related. I also tried the same in a new document but still greyed out.

[KDH123]

Screen recording here.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hello @KDH123, 

The options under Object > Content in InDesign become active (not greyed out) when you have a frame selected that can potentially contain different types of content. Here is one scenario where these options are available:
Unassigned Frame

1. Create a Frame: Use the Rectangle Frame tool (F), Ellipse Frame tool, or Polygon Frame tool to create an empty frame on your page.
2. Select the Frame: Click to select the frame.
3. Access Object > Content: Go to Object > Content, and you’ll see options like “Graphic,” “Text,” or “Unassigned.”

Text frames created directly with the Type tool are automatically recognized as text frames, so there’s no need to change the content type—hence why the options are greyed out.

I hope this helps. 

Thank you, 

Abhishek Rao

[KDH123]

Thank you, back to my initial issue. I have created a block, changed it to a text box, then the handles don't work and everything remains greyed out as shown in the next video. I used to be able to do this.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hello @KDH123,

Thank you for your response. To address your issue, I’ve prepared a video demonstrating how handles adjust to fit the text within a frame and explaining when the `Graphic`, `Text`, and `Unassigned` options become available. 

The `Object > Content` menu is used to define or convert the selected frame into a specific type—Graphic, Text, or Unassigned. If you create a text frame directly with the Type Tool, it’s automatically recognized as a text frame, so you don’t need to change the content type. This is why those options might be greyed out for text frames.

I hope this clarifies things for you! Please let me know if any more assistance is needed. 

Thank you,  
Abhishek Rao

[KDH123]

Did you mean to attach a video?

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Thank you, back to my initial issue. I have created a block, changed it to a text box, then the handles don't work and everything remains greyed out as shown in the next video. I used to be able to do this.

By @KDH123

You can draw TextFrame and then fill it with color. 

And as @Abhishek Rao said - you can't convert TextFrame that has any text in it - if you delete text - those options will be available.

[KDH123]

Thanks, that's what i did. I tried it in a new document and the handles worked when i double clicked them, ie the box got smaller, but it doesn't work in the file i am trying to do it in. Perhaps it is corrupt?

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Thanks, that's what i did. I tried it in a new document and the handles worked when i double clicked them, ie the box got smaller, but it doesn't work in the file i am trying to do it in. Perhaps it is corrupt?

By @KDH123

Maybe - try IDMLing - export as IDML, open, save with a new name. 

[KDH123]

Just tried that but no luck I'm afraid. Thanks for the idea though.