Select vs. Direct Selection tool

[Holton Recorder]

I've noticed this with all versions of InDesign I've worked with, but a frustrated coworker on my computer said there should be a way around this. Here's the issue:

When resizing things on an InDesign page, using the Select (left arrow) tool only resizes the outer border (highlighted in blue) around the image/object. To resize the object itself, I have to use the Direct Selection (white arrow) tool, and the object will then be highlighted in orange/yellow. However, if resizing the object goes past where the blue outer highlight is, then the image gets cut off. So it's a constant fight of going back and forth to resize an object. Is there a way around this, like being able to use only one tool to resize an entire image rather than its "area" and the object itself? Thanks!

[Geоrge · Accepted solution]

I don't see any problem, that's how program works. Any image have their frame and frame border can cut image. Say more clear what you want.  

Are you have problem with scaling frame with placed image? - Use it black arrow with pressed CTRL+SHIFT for scale proportionally, only CTRL - scale without proportions. 

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

I don't see any problem, that's how program works. Any image have their frame and frame border can cut image.

That's the key here: there are two different elements involved. Unlike some apps, where the "frame" and the object (image, text, etc.) are the same, they are two separately managed elements in ID.

You adjust the frame and the object it contains separately. Once that's clear, what the tools are doing should make more sense.

Oh, and the Fitting menu and its keyboard shortcuts are your friends. 🙂

—

[Laubender]

Hi @Holton Recorder ,

never use the Direct Selection tool if you want to scale container frames plus their contents.

Use the Selection tool.

From the Selection tool switch to the Free Transform tool, hold the Shift key and scale the selection with your mouse.

If you want to do precise values use the Selection tool and the input fields for x-Scale (Percentages) or y-Scale (Percentages) and insert a value together with a measurement unit like e.g. 100 mm or 400 pt.

Regards,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Professional )

[Peter Spier · Accepted solution]

Use the selection tool. With no modifier keys using this tool crops the image, but if you hold the Ctrl/Cmd key while moving a control point you will scale the image as you resize the frame. Adding the Shift key with Ctrl/Cmd will maintain the aspect ratio so you don't distort the image.

[Geоrge]

Déjà vu

[Holton Recorder]

Thank you so much! That's what I needed! I'd just been going back and forth between the two selection tools, and my boss was at my computer and expressed frustration at having to use two tools for one thing lol thanks so much!

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

Have you tried double clicking in the frame with the selection tool? It will switch between direct and regular selection tool.