Selecting objects using the selection tools


    The Selection, Direct Selection, and Group Selection tools let you click on one or more objects to select them. The lasso lets you drag over or around one or more objects, anchor points, or segments to select them. For information on selecting anchor points or path segments, see Selecting path segments or anchor points.

    When the Selection tool is over an unselected object or group, it changes to Arrow with small filled square next to it. When it is over a selected object or group, the tool changes to Pen tool pointer changes to an arrowhead . When it is over an anchor point on an unselected object, a hollow square appears next to the arrow arrow with hollow square next to it.

To select an object with the Selection tool:

  1. Select the Selection tool Selection tool .
  2. Do one of the following:
    • If the object is filled and the document is in Preview view, click within the object.

    Note: Clicking a filled object in Preview view selects the object only if the Use Area Select option in the General Preferences dialog box is selected. (See Selecting filled objects.)

    • Click the object's path.
    • Click an anchor point of the object.
    • Drag a marquee around part or all of the object's path.
  3. To add an object to or remove an object from the selection, hold down Shift while selecting or deselecting the object to add or remove.
  4. Dragging over objects to select them
    Dragging over objects to select them

To select an object with the Direct Selection tool:

  1. Select the Direct Selection tool Direct Selection tool .
  2. Click within the object (if the object is filled and the Use Area Select preference is on), or drag a marquee around part or all of the object's path.

To select an object with the Lasso tool:

  1. Select the Lasso tool Lasso tool .
  2. Drag around or across the object's path.
  3. Do any of the following:
    • To add an object to the selection, hold down Shift while dragging around or across the object's path.
    • To remove an object from the selection, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) while dragging around or across the object's path.