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servanne.sohier
Participant
December 5, 2021
Answered

Selection tool not working Indesign

  • December 5, 2021
  • 1 reply
  • 4394 views

When I create a picture frame the selection tool (black arrow)  doesn't work anymore. Instead it shows up as a hand and I cannot change the frame or move it around.

I uninstalled the app and the preferences and installed it again but that hasn't helped it.

Anybody knows how to fix this?

 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Peter Spier

This is just a guess, but it sounds like you might be using the dark interface and been fooled by the change in the way the selection tools are represented. They are now "solid" and "hollow" rather than Black and White and it's confusing a lot of users. The appearance has changed, but not the positioning in the Tools Panel, so check to be sure you are't using the Direct Select Tool by mistake.

1 reply

Peter Spier
Community Expert
Peter SpierCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
December 5, 2021

This is just a guess, but it sounds like you might be using the dark interface and been fooled by the change in the way the selection tools are represented. They are now "solid" and "hollow" rather than Black and White and it's confusing a lot of users. The appearance has changed, but not the positioning in the Tools Panel, so check to be sure you are't using the Direct Select Tool by mistake.

servanne.sohier
Participant
December 5, 2021

Hi Peter,

I can't believe I didn't spot this earlier and I was indeed fooled by the change! Thank you! 😄

Dave Creamer of IDEAS
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 5, 2021

Go by the position of the tools--that has not changed.

 

Also consider using the keyboard shortcuts--it is a big timesaver:

  • v for Selection tool (think moVe tool)
  • a for the Direct Selection tool (think Art-editing tool)
  • Esc if you are typing text to switch to the Selection tool
David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)