Moving and Positioning Objects
The way you move an object depends on whether it’s a floating or inline object.
Objects can be grouped together, making it easier to manipulate sets of objects, and
locked into position to prevent them from being moved while you work. In addition,
objects can be layered (overlapped) to create the effect of depth.
Avoid dragging a floating or inline object by its selection handles because you may
inadvertently resize it.
Here are ways to manipulate objects directly:
To move a floating object, click the object to select it (the selection handles appear),
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and then drag it to a new location.
To move an inline object, click the object to select it, and then drag it until the
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insertion point appears where you want the object in the text.
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Chapter 7
Working with Images, Shapes, and Other Objects
Chapter 7
Working with Images, Shapes, and Other Objects
159
You can also select the inline object and choose Edit > Cut. Place the insertion point
where you want the inline object to appear, and then choose Edit > Paste.
To constrain the object’s motion to horizontal, vertical, or a 45-degree angle, start
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dragging the object while holding down the Shift key.
To move the object in small increments, press one of the arrow keys, causing the
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object to move a point at a time. To move the object ten points at a time, hold down
the Shift key while pressing an arrow key.
To show the position of the object when you move it, choose Pages > Preferences, and
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then select “Show size and position when moving objects” in the General pane.
To move text or an object inside another object, select the object and choose Edit >
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Cut. Place the insertion point where you want the object to appear, and then choose
Edit > Paste.
To learn how to
Go to
Change the order of overlapping objects
“Moving an Object Forward or Backward
(Layering Objects)” on page 159
Add, edit, and reposition background objects
“Moving an Object to the Background” on
page 160
Align objects
“Quickly Aligning Objects Relative to One
Another” on page 160
Use alignment guides to align objects
“Using Alignment Guides” on page 161
Create your own alignment guides that remain
visible as you work
“Creating Your Own Alignment Guides” on
page 162
Place objects precisely by using x and y
coordinates
“Positioning Floating Objects by x and y
Coordinates” on page 162
Set objects to remain together when you move,
copy, or paste them
“Grouping and Ungrouping Floating Objects” on
page 163
Join two objects with a line
“Connecting Floating Objects with an Adjustable
Line” on page 163
Lock objects in place so you don’t inadvertently
move them
“Locking and Unlocking Floating Objects” on
page 164