Resizing objects while maintaining a fixed centre point

[slowtoes]

Hi,

I'd like to know if there's a way to resize shapes and text frames while maintaining a fixed centre point in InDesign? Illustrator allows you to resize in this way by holding down the Alt key while dragging the objects handles. Any tips on how to do something similar would be gratefully received.

Many thanks,

Tom

[Peter Spier]

There are a number of differnt ways to scale in ID, and at least two of them will do what you want. The most similar to Illustrator would be to simply switch to the scale tool. By default ID uses the center, but you can click any other control point in the transform proxy to scale around that, as well, or you can drag the control point to any location on the screen.

If you know the final dimensions, you can select the object, click the control point of your choice in the transform proxy, and enter the dimension in the horixontal or veritical scale fields. These fields use % by default, but you can enter acutal dimensions as well if you include the units.

As far as I know, though, there is no way to constrain scaling to the center using the regualr selction tool, my normal scaling method...

[slowtoes]

Many thanks Peter, that works great for shapes, however, with text frames it resizes the type at the same time rather than just the frame. I suspect there's no way to do this other than entering dimensions, as you suggest.

[Peter Spier]

OK, there's a difference between "scaling" and "sizing" a frame in ID. Scaling involves changing BOTH the frame and the content, sizing changes only the frame, but leaves the content intact. For text frames, you'll want to enter the new dimension in the height and width fields, not the horizontal/vertical scale fields. Also, those fields by default expect the units used inthe corresponding ruler, but you can enter anything, including percentages, if you include the units.

If you have CS5, you might find the Gap tool interesting....

[Peter Spier]

Also, if you select the frame with the selection tool (black arrow), then hold the Alt/Opt key while dragging a sizing handle, I think you'll get exactly waht you were looking for...

[francia_mercedes_0772]

You can also press Ctrl + Alt if you are resizing dragging from the anchor point handles on the corners. It will scale the object from the center.

[Mike Witherell]

In addition to all these fine comments, I often group (Cmd/Ctrl+G) multiple items together before I resize or scale them.