Select nested or overlapping objects

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to use Selection tools and menu commands in Adobe InDesign to access objects within stacks or groups.

Selecting specific objects can be difficult when objects overlap or are nested within frames. InDesign provides multiple methods to target the exact object you need. Nested objects include paths inside frames, frames inside frames, and groups inside groups, while overlapping objects appear on the same layer in a stack. Understanding how selection tools behave helps you work efficiently with complex layouts.

Select objects in stacks using keyboard shortcuts

Select the Selection tool.

Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS), then select the same location repeatedly until the required object is selected.

When the selection reaches the bottom of the stack, it cycles back to the top. To drill up from the bottom of the stack, hold Ctrl + Alt (Windows) or Command + Option (macOS) while selecting.

Select nested objects using menu commands

Use the Direct Selection tool to select the nested or grouped object.

Select Object > Select, then choose an option from the submenu.

First Object Above: Selects the topmost object in the stack
Next Object Above: Selects the object immediately above the current selection
Next Object Below: Selects the object immediately below the current selection
Last Object Below: Selects the bottommost object in the stack
Container: Selects the frame containing the current selection
Content: Selects the content within the selected frame
Previous Object: Selects the previous object in the selection order
Next Object: Selects the next object in the selection order

Select nested objects using context menus

Position your pointer over the object location.

Right-click (Windows) or Control-click (macOS) to display the context menu.

Choose Select, then select the desired option.

Select multiple nested objects

Using the Direct Selection tool, select the first nested object.

Hold Shift and select each additional nested object you want to select.

Select all objects in a group

Using the Selection tool, select the group.

Choose Select Content on the Control panel.

Choose Edit > Select All.

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