Open the document that contains the objects you want to modify and the placed graphics to sample.
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Sample colors from placed graphics
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to use the Eyedropper tool to sample and apply colors from imported images to your layout objects in Adobe InDesign.
Use the Eyedropper tool to copy and apply fill and stroke attributes (including color) from any object, including imported graphics. By default, it samples all fill and stroke properties and applies them to selected objects. You can customize what it copies in the Eyedropper Options dialog box. It can also copy type and transparency attributes.
Select one or more objects with the fill and stroke attributes you want to change.
Select the Eyedropper tool.
Select an object with the desired attributes. The loaded Eyedropper tool appears, and the selected objects update automatically.
To apply the same attributes to other objects, select them with the Eyedropper tool. If an object has only a stroke, select its outline.
Press Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS). The Eyedropper tool becomes empty.
Select a color from the Color Theme tool, then select an object to apply it to the active Fill or Stroke.
To apply the same attributes to other objects, select the objects with the loaded eyedropper tool. If an object is stroked and not filled, be sure to select the object’s outline.
Press and hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) to select a new source object, then release the key to apply the new attributes to another object.
Double-click the Eyedropper tool in the toolbox to open the Eyedropper Options dialog box.
In the Fill Settings and Stroke Settings drop-down menu, choose which attributes the Eyedropper tool samples when you select an object.
Select OK to save your preferences.
Tip
Press Shift and select an object to sample only the active fill or stroke color in the toolbar.
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