Manage library objects

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to perform common maintenance, organization, search, and migration tasks for object libraries in Adobe InDesign.

Manage library objects in InDesign by replacing outdated assets, moving items between libraries, changing display views, searching stored objects, and editing item details. These tasks help keep reusable assets organized, up to date, and easy to locate across projects.

Update a library object

Select the revised item in the document window.

Open the Library panel (File > Open), then select the object to replace.

Select the panel menu   icon, then choose Update Library Item.

Copy or move objects between libraries

Drag the first library panel tab out of the Object Library panel group.

Drag an item from one library panel to another to copy it.

Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) while dragging to move it.

Remove objects from a library

Select one or more objects in the Object Library panel.

Right-click, then choose Delete Library Item, drag the item to Delete Library Item  icon, or select panel menu   icon, then choose Delete Items.

Change view and sort

From the Object Library panel, select the panel menu   icon.

Choose Thumbnail View, Large Thumbnail View, or List View.

Choose Sort options, then select a sort method.

Search library objects

From the Object Library panel, select the panel menu   icon.

Choose Show Subset or choose Show Library Subset.

Choose Search Entire Library or Search Currently Shown Items.

Choose a category from the first menu in the Parameters section.

Choose to include or exclude from the second menu.

Enter a search term.

Choose More Choices or Fewer Choices if necessary.

Choose Match All or Match Any One.

Select OK.

Edit item details

Double-click an object in the Object Library panel. You can also select the panel menu   icon, then choose Library Item Information.

Modify Item Name, Object Type, or Description.

Select OK.