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Adobe InDesign/Adobe InDesign red outline issue

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Expert: James Fritz - 1/16/2010


Question

print screen
When place objects such as photos or graphics into a publication file, some objects enter with a blue outline (not stroke, but the outline that appears when an object is selected) and some enter with a red outline.  When the red outline occurs, I am unable to arrange the objects to layer.  For instance a graphic of a picture frame enters with a blue outline.  The photo enters with a red outline.  I can not arrange the photo to come to the front, nor can I send the frame to the back under the red outlined object. The red outline is the issue.  If I can get both to enter with a blue outline, everything works as I need it to.

Answer
Judi,

The red and blue outlines are the result of the placed graphics position on layers.

If you open the layer panel (keyboard shortcut F7) you will probably see two layers which are blue and red. If you have the red layer selected and you bring in a new graphic it will go on that layer and have the red outline, the same is true if you have the blue layer selected. If you are having problems selecting objects make sure that you do not have any of the layers locked.

If you want to have everything on 1 layer and not bother with using different layers you can select everything on the spread (object menu > select all) then go to the layer panel and drag the tiny square to the right of the red layer down to the blue layer. Now everything will be on 1 layer and you can work easier.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks for such a prompt reply on a Saturday morning!


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James Fritz

Expertise

I am an Adobe Certified Instructor in InDesign and many other applications. I look forward to your question.

Experience

I have been using InDesign since 2001. I use it as a designer and teach it daily as an Instructor. I am also Lynda.com video training author. www.lynda.com/jamesfritz

Organizations
InDesign User Group, Milwaukee and Madison Chapters; United Adworkers

Education/Credentials
BFA Graphic Design - University of Wisconsin Milwaukee; Adobe Certified Instructor, Print Specialist; Adobe Certified Instructor, InDesign; Adobe Certified Instructor, Acrobat; Adobe Certified Instructor, Photoshop; Adobe Certified Instructor, InCopy; Adobe Certified Instructor, Fireworks; Quark Recognized Instructor;

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