Direct Selection Tool Not Moving Objects

[Judith AMN]

Hi,

I'm not able to move layers or objects with the direct selection tool selected. I cannot align multiple layers or move layers unless I "command + T" to select the entire item and then move. 

Please help!

[Michael J. Hoffman · Accepted solution]

Hi Judith,

The Direct Selection tool (white arrow, keyboard: A) is used to move and adjust anchor points on a path.

The Path Selection tool (black arrow, keyboard: A) is used to move entire paths or vector objects.

If you're trying to move layers or selections, you want the Move tool (keyboard: V) which looks like a "plus" sign with arrows.

[geo-web]

This function she lost has been a very common ability I have been able to use.  Using direct selct to ecompass any or all points to move with that tool is something I have only NOT been able to do today.  When snapping a corner of a shape to another corner of a different shape, how would one do that with 'V' selction?  Moving that tool to the corner changes it to scale or rotate.  I need to ba able to grab the corner of an entire shape with direct select in order to snap it to another desired point.